A parent might reach for this book when their child is captivated by classic fairy tales but needs a version that softens the scary elements and elevates the emotional depth. This beautiful retelling of Sleeping Beauty is perfect for introducing children to timeless themes of good versus evil, destiny, and the patient power of love. Author Cynthia Rylant's lyrical, gentle prose transforms the familiar story of a cursed princess, a hundred-year sleep, and a brave prince into a more reflective and atmospheric experience. Ideal for ages 4 to 8, especially as a read-aloud, this book is a wonderful choice for parents seeking a version of the classic that feels both magical and emotionally resonant, focusing on wonder over intense peril.
The story is resolved by a "true love's kiss" and leads to marriage.
Sensitive Topics
The story contains a death curse, which is handled metaphorically and immediately softened to a deep sleep. The conflict is a clear-cut case of good versus evil, with the wicked fairy's motivation being simple spite. The resolution is a hopeful, classic "happily ever after." The concept of a non-consensual "true love's kiss" is present as in the original tale, but presented as a pure, magical act of salvation.
Ideal Reader
A sensitive 5 to 7 year old who adores princess stories but may be frightened by overtly scary villains or intense action sequences found in other versions. This child appreciates beautiful language and art, and is ready for a story with a more thoughtful, poetic tone than a standard adaptation.
Parent Prep
No significant prep is needed to read this book cold. Parents might want to preview the illustration of the wicked fairy and the thorny forest to gauge their child's sensitivity. Be prepared for questions about why someone would be so mean, or what it would be like to sleep for 100 years. The parent's child has just seen a clip from a Sleeping Beauty movie and is asking about the "real" story, but the parent is concerned about scary elements like dragons or overt evil. The parent wants to share a classic tale in a way that feels timeless and beautiful, not commercialized.
Age Experience
A younger child (4-5) will follow the core plot: princess, curse, sleep, prince, happy ending. They will connect with the clear good vs. evil dynamic. An older child (6-8) is more likely to appreciate the lyrical quality of the text, contemplate the passage of time, and understand the bravery of the prince. They may also begin to question the princess's passivity, opening up a good conversation.
What Makes It Special
Cynthia Rylant's signature poetic prose is the key differentiator. Unlike many straightforward retellings that focus on plot and action, this version lingers on atmosphere, emotion, and the beauty of the language itself. It reads like a classic, artful picture book, making it a calmer, more profound read-aloud experience.
Read plot summary
This book follows the traditional plot of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. A long-awaited princess is born, but an uninvited wicked fairy curses her to die by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel spindle. A good fairy mitigates the curse, changing it to a 100-year sleep to be broken by a prince's kiss. The king's preventative measures fail, and the princess falls asleep at age fifteen, along with the entire castle. A century later, a prince, hearing the legend, braves the magical thorny forest that has grown around the castle, finds the princess, and awakens her and the court with a kiss.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The thirteenth fairy was very angry she wasn't invited to the party. What do you think is a better way to act when you feel left out?
2
The good fairy couldn't undo the curse completely, but she was able to change it. Why was changing death to a long sleep a kind and helpful thing to do?
3
The prince only knew about the princess from old stories. What do you think made him feel brave enough to go through the dangerous forest to find her?
4
If you woke up after sleeping for 100 years, what would be the most surprising thing to see in today's world?
