The Frog Princess (novel)

Baker - Frog Princess

The Frog Princess is a children's novel written by E.D. Baker, which was first published in 2002. The story is a retelling of the classic fairy tale "The Frog Prince," but with a twist. It is the first book in the Tales of the Frog Princess series, which follows the adventures of Princess Emeralda, also known as Emma, and her quest to break a curse that has turned her companion, Prince Eadric, into a frog.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with Princess Emeralda, who is clumsy and often ridiculed by her mother for not being like other princesses. Unlike the traditional princess, Emma is adventurous and prefers exploring the swamp to attending royal balls. During one of her excursions, she meets a talking frog who claims to be Prince Eadric of Upper Montevista, transformed by a witch's curse. The frog convinces Emma to kiss him, promising the spell will break and he will turn back into a human. However, when Emma kisses Eadric, instead of breaking the spell, she herself turns into a frog.

Together, Emma and Eadric embark on a journey to seek the witch who cursed Eadric and find a way to reverse their transformations. Along the way, they encounter various magical creatures, face numerous challenges, and discover the true meaning of friendship and love. The novel explores themes of self-acceptance, the importance of inner beauty, and the power of perseverance.

Characters

• Princess Emeralda (Emma): The protagonist of the story, a young princess who turns into a frog after kissing Prince Eadric.
• Prince Eadric: A prince cursed to live as a frog until he receives a kiss from a princess, which unexpectedly turns him into Emma's fellow amphibian.
• Witch Grassina: Emma's aunt, who is also a witch. She plays a crucial role in helping Emma and Eadric on their quest.
• Vannabe: The villain of the story, a witch who cursed Eadric and poses various threats to Emma and Eadric throughout their journey.

Themes and Reception

The Frog Princess has been praised for its humorous take on the traditional fairy tale genre, its strong, relatable heroine, and its positive messages about self-esteem and courage. The novel's unique perspective on the story of "The Frog Prince" and its emphasis on the heroine's journey of self-discovery and empowerment have made it a favorite among young readers.

Series

Following the success of The Frog Princess, E.D. Baker expanded the story into a series, including titles such as Dragon's Breath, Once Upon a Curse, and No Place for Magic. The series continues to explore the magical world of Emma and Eadric, introducing new characters and adventures in each book.

Adaptations

The novel inspired the animated film The Princess and the Frog by Walt Disney Pictures, although the film features significant differences from the book, including setting, characters, and plot.

See Also

• Fairy tale
• The Frog Prince
• The Princess and the Frog