The Princess and the Three Knights - by Karen Kingsbury (Hardcover)

About the Book

A king challenges three knights to prove their love for his daughter--and true love wins in this heartwarming tale of inner beauty and devotion.

Book Synopsis

"There was once a princess ... the most beautiful in all the land." The search is on! The king determines to find a young man worthy of the hand of the princess. The knights of the kingdom endure tests and challenges to show their courage and strength. But those qualities alone will not win the king's approval or the princess's heart. The right knight must prove his kindness and character . . . And the real meaning of true love.

From the Back Cover

'There was once a princess ... the most beautiful in all the land.' The search is on! The king determines to find a young man worthy of the hand of the princess. The knights of the kingdom endure tests and challenges to show their courage and strength. But those qualities alone will not win the king's approval or the princess's heart. The right knight must prove his kindness and character . . . And the real meaning of true love.

Review Quotes

"Readable and offering a pointed message to young girls about what they should expect of their suitors, there's nothing to dislike in Kingsbury's text, and the illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard are gorgeous. Appropriately fairy tale like and romantic, they are also rich and vivid."--Christian Children's Book Review

Kingsbury, a bestselling author of adult inspirational fiction, appeals to a young audience in this original fairy tale with a faith-based message. Deciding that only a knight "who treasured the princess for who she was on the inside" is worthy of her hand, the king sets up a series of trials for his daughter's would-be suitors, including "essays on loyalty and faith." In the final challenge, the knights must imagine that they are carrying the princess and race their horses closest to the cliff's edge. Only the third and last night knight refuses to participate: "I love the princess . . . I wouldn't take her anywhere near that cliff." Even by fairy-tale standards, the king's last test is an odd concept, but it ably illustrates Kingsbury's strong message: "True love always protects." Grimard's cheerful, mixed-media artwork adheres closely to fairytale conventions, starting with the blond, blue-eyed princess, but the bright, attractive scenes will easily hold children's attention. Families seeking picture books that directly address God and faith will welcome this offering.--Gillian Engberg, BOOKLIST