Reading a fairy tale to a child before bedtime should be magical for both
listener and reader. The late Letitia Fairbanks penned just such a tale in Princess April Morning-Glory.The story follows Princess April as she leaves the Enchanted Forrest for the Great World beyond when she became upset that her wings are too small for her to fly. With only her blue butterflies for company, Princess April goes on a grand adventure and then tries to find her way home.
Along the way Princess April learns to be brave, courageous, and undertakes 3 good deeds in order to return home. Just as she is about to find her way home, she encounters the wicked Fairy Misery who imprisons her in a dungeon. With the help of a hummingbird and a magical wand from her father, Princess April overcomes evil and finally returns home.
This is an enchanting story that will quickly become a favorite at bedtime. Enhancing this story is the beautiful and amazing illustrations by the author that bring the story to life. There are even tiny illustrations among the words.
To add to the charm, the author penned the book in a lovely calligraphy-style writing. While the text might be difficult for young children to read, it will be a lovely writing style for them to learn as they grow. The book also includes 10 suggestions for doing good deeds youngsters (and adults) can attempt.
Princess April Morning-Glory will delight youngsters, while the story behind the story will capture adults’ attention. The author is the nieces of the late Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford of the golden age of Hollywood. The book, written and illustrated in 1941, was recently brought to life by Kelley Smoot Garrett, the step-daughter of the author. Letitia began work on this tale on Dec. 11, 1939, which was her 26th birthday and the night her uncle, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., died.
If you’re looking for an enchanting fairy tale, be sure to pick up Princess April Morning-Glory. It’s a story all ages can enjoy.
For more on the author and additional background on this fascinating tale, visit here.
Princess April Morning-Glory by Letitia Fairbanks, Sandramantos Publishing, @2013, ISBN: 978-0988784802, Paperback, 66 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of a virtual book tour. The book was sent to me by Kelley Smoot Garrett in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
As this review is part of a virtual book tour, I’d also like to give a bit of background on both Letitia Fairbanks and Kelley Smoot Garrett.
In addition, you can enter the Rafflecopter below for a Kindle Fire HD giveaway sponsored by Pump Up Your Book Promotions.
About Letitia Fairbanks:
In 1939, wanting to commemorate her late uncle, Letitia began work on Princess April Morning-Glory, allowing a creative outlet for combining her lifelong loves: painting, writing, and illustration.
Holding firm to her artistic identify, Letitia gravitated toward portraiture, landscapes, and still-lifes. She was also a biographer, co-authoring Douglas Fairbanks: The Fourth Musketeer, with Ralph Hancock.
Her marriage to Hal Smoot in 1966 marked the beginning of a particularly joyful and creative period. Needle points and annual Christmas cards, which featured a painting from the previous year, not to mention her role as a wife, mother, step-mother and grandmother brought her much fulfillment. After a life rich in artistic accomplishment, Letitia passed away in September of 1992.
About Kelley Smoot Garrett:
Kelley Smoot Garrett was born in Dallas, raised in Manhattan and has lived the life of a West Texas wildcatter, as well that of an IT professional. At one time or another in her life she’s called places as diverse as Scourie, Scotland; Austin, Abilene and Midland, Texas; Singapore; Paris; and Auckland, New Zealand — home. She is proud to be the daughter of Sue Ashby and Harold Smoot and the step-daughter of Letitia Fairbanks Smoot.
She currently lives with her husband Danny Garrett, three cats, and one happy only-dog, Moxie in the Texas Hill Country.
Additional information about Princess April Morning-Glory can be found on the book’s website.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by today. Are you familiar with the Fairbanks’ name? Did you have a favorite fairy tale you enjoyed when you were growing up? I’ve include the book trailer for Princess April Morning-Glory for your enjoyment. It shows some of the beautiful illustrations and text from the book.
Mason - I had certainly heard about Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Mary Pickford of course, but never that their niece was an author. How very interesting! And I agree that fairy tales can be such a lovely way to bond with children and share the joy of reading with them. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteTalk about a labor of love from both Leticia and Kelley. It's wonderful the book is finally available to children and their parents.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteAnn