The Princess and the Hound (review)

Like his mother, the queen, George possesses the gift of animal-speak, but most folks in Kendel and neighboring kingdoms consider it a sign of sorcery, and its possessors keep their abilities secret for fear of being burned at the stake. George loses his mother at a young age, his father's grief distances father and son, and the burdensome secret of his outlawed magic further separates George from the lives of those around him. In time, George is betrothed to a suitable princess from another land, and he thinks she is perfect—not least of all because she too is an animal lover, sharing a deep bond with her dog. However, George discovers that the bond is more than he thought and that his bride is in fact ensorcelled, with her soul and that of her pet exchanged. In order to reverse the enchantment and win the princess' love, he must reveal his magic and risk the loss of kingdom and family. This is polished storytelling, satisfyingly old-fashioned in tone, with a dreamy, naïve quality that will draw young romantics. The appealing narrative gains resonance from its employment and reinterpretation of "Beauty and the Beast," which will please fairy-tale lovers. Fans of Napoli's Zel (BCCB 7/96) and Pattou's East (BCCB 10/03) will be quite happy in the Kendel woods.