The Apple-Pip Princess by Jane Ray.

In a barren, ramshackle kingdom lives a king and his three daughters.  Their mother died years early and that is when the kingdom started to decline.  Before her death, the queen asked each of her daughters to select something of hers to keep.  The two older daughters selected shoes and a crown, but the youngest princess chose a very special box containing bottles and boxes filled with raindrops, rainbow, sunlight, spider web, a feather, nightingale song, and an apple seed.  The king sets a challenge for his three daughters.  The one who can make their mark and make him proud at the end of the next 7 days and nights will become the ruler of the kingdom.  The two older girls build enormous towers to reach the moon and stars, one of wood the other of metal.  The youngest princess plants seeds, cares for them, and works very hard using the gifts left by her mother.  By the end of the week, she and the many people of the kingdom who see what she is doing and help, have transformed the barren land into green grass and trees. 

This story of one person creating change and doing good is very powerful.  Encapsulated in a folktale structure, the moral is not overly stated but instead stands on its own.  The folktale structure is an important one, taking this modern tale and combining it firmly with tradition.  Ray’s language is a joy to read aloud, as it fairly dances off the tongue.  In fact, Ray has created a princess tale that will resonate with everyone who hears it.  Her artwork also lends another level to the story.  These princesses are not golden-haired and fair, but dark complexioned and more universal as characters.  The art too merges traditional feel with modern on each page.

Highly recommended as a read aloud for "green" days at school or for a princess book that will appeal to everyone.  It would also be a pleasure to add to apple story times for preschoolers who are ready for a longer book.  Appropriate for ages 4-8.