"Axolotl-Ella sighed. She loved her gray-green skin
and her feathery gills. She could breathe through
them both, and if that wasn't useful, what was?
But if she needed to fancy herself up for the festival,
that's what she'd do. Axolotl-Ella was nothing but
practical. That's the second thing you should know
about her."
Axolotl-Ella is not one for planning small; she is determined to find a way to go the King's Festival and meet the Prince. There are obstacles: green skin, dull gills, and looking a little like a toad. Her stepsisters are not encouraging. Luckily, she is pretty happy with who she is, and knows just what to do to be fancy enough for the upcoming festival.
Returning to the water where she was born, she stirs up the magic that her mother had told her was there. She sings a song of transformation, and is fully ready to make her way to the festivities ... minus uncomfortable-looking shoes. She impresses every one that first night, including the Prince. While dancing, the Prince talks only about himself and learns nothing about Axolotl-Ella. Back to the water, and back to the celebration, still without shoes, the Prince meets her at the door. Again, they dance and the Prince talks and talks about himself. There is still no time to ask her question.
On the final night, she leaves another pair of difficult shoes behind and hurries to meet the Prince. This time she presses to ask her question; the Prince talks non-stop. At midnight, she must flee. Trying to restrain her, the Prince pops her arm off. (It is what happens with all axolotls, the narrator explains.) The Prince is distraught, and vows to find her.
After many enquiries, he finally finds Ella while floating in the reeds. She doesn't need the arm he holds; she has already grown a new one. She does have a question. That question is a huge surprise to the Prince; as is her promise to help him grow a new heart. With the Prince's help, Axolotl-Ella is able to live a fulfilled life ... finally!
Inventive and accompanied by detailed, colorful watercolor and ink illustrations, Ms. Messner pens a story based on her love of fairy tales and her scientific fascination with the axolotls of Mexico. In her author's note she includes further information about them, as well a list of books to read more.
No comments:
Post a Comment