The Brownies Many More Nights (1913)

This book introduces young readers to a misunderstood princess and a prince in an adventure they share in a threatening world. Princess Gracieas idyllic life comes to a sudden end when she is captured by pirates and removed from her secluded island kingdom. Desolate, she forgets her regal status. She is dirty, her hair is matted, and she loses the will to take care of herself. The pirates sell her to a circus where she is known as the Monkey Girl. Taunted and abused, she escapes. On the road she is befriended by a toad who insists he is a prince and asks her to kiss him so that he can revert to his human status. While they are arguing, they are recaptured by the circus owners. After much arguing they kiss at last; the toad becomes a handsome prince and Monkey Girl cuts her hair, takes a bath, and dons a dress. They fall in love and live happily ever after. Princess Gracie and her toad friend are endearing characters, and their squabbles and attempts to escape their captors move the story along. The story provides young readers with a delightful tale as well as a valuable lesson. It demonstrates how we should not be too quick to judge a person by outward appearances.