Dinah Maria Mulock

The Little Lame Prince Dinah Maria Mulock

Wells states that she hoped to adapt a favorite story of her childhood for younger children while keeping the spirit of the original. At this she is not successful. Craik's The Little Lame Prince more thoughtfully presents a coming-of-age story, a coming to grips with both good and evil in the world, and a realization of one's own strengths and weaknesses. Stripped of its action, this adaptation is more like Miss Piggy goes Anne of Green Gables. In fact, the main characters are pigs and the lady-in-waiting who drops the young prince causing his lameness is a silly goose. Taken on its own terms as a story, more parody than adaptation, it's a hoot. Wells' writing is fast paced and humorous, and she never talks down to her audience. Her good-natured illustrations are highly expressive and add additional humor to the tale. Younger children will indeed enjoy the adventure, while older children should definitely be directed to the original for its own special magic. Recommended Grades 1-3.