Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Violence:  Some sword fighting and duels.  Master Pangini is verbally abusive and harsh with Pia and Enzio, his servants.

Synopsis:  Set in feudal Italy in a small kingdom, this is the tale of Pia and Enzio, orphaned siblings who live with and work for a cruel master, Pangini.  They cook his meals, sweep his cottage, wash his clothes, and any other task he sets before them.  Then one day, while exploring by the river, they discover a mysterious pouch with the royal seal of the Castle Corona stamped on its leather.  The two children decide to hide the pouch rather than turn it in and be accused of theft.  What they don’t know is that the royal pouch was meant for them to discover, and that its contents will link them to the royal family in an unexpected way.  Soon, the two orphans are plucked from the village’s shadows and brought to the castle to become the royal tasters; they must taste everything cooked in the castle’s kitchen before it is set on a platter and served to the King’s family to ensure that nothing has been poisoned.  What sounds like a dangerous job is a treat for these peasant children, as they now reside in luxury and eat delicious food fit for a king!  But this story isn’t merely a frothy fairytale of peasants and princes; Ms. Creech’s lyrical writing illustrates a medieval world in a gently comical tone, with a slightly absurd royal family (the king wants nothing more than a nap and to be free of itchy clothing), two clever and sympathetic peasant children, and lessons about kindness, empathy, and wisdom.

This is an endearing and sweetly told fairytale.  It is listed for ages 9-12, but it is a perfectly appropriate story for much younger children, who will surely enjoy it.  A good bedtime read-aloud.