Genre #2: Traditional Literature - THE THREE PRINCES

Bibliographic Data:

Kimmel, Eric A. 1994. The Three Princes: A Tale from the Middle East. Ill. by Leonard Everett Fisher. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 082341115X

Plot Summary:

This story tells the tale of a beautiful and wise princess. Though many liked her, she had her heart set on three cousins who were princes. She was in love with Prince Mohsen, the one with “flashing eyes,” yet he had no money. To determine in a more equitable fashion the one she should marry, the princess sends the three princes out into the world to find and bring back a rare wonder. The princess plans to decide whom to marry based upon the treasures the princes return to her with. Prince Fahad finds a flying carpet; Prince Muhammed finds a crystal ball; and Prince Mohsen finds an orange.

Before the princes return to the princess to show her their finds, the princes use the crystal ball and find that the princess is dying. So they hop onto the flying carpet and rush to the princess, giving her the orange that cures any sickness. The princess decides to marry the prince who saved her life, yet all three contributed to the plan to save her. In the end, she chooses Prince Mohsen because he gave up his valuable orange to save her life and was left with nothing else.

Critical Analysis:

This retelling of a Middle Eastern story is refreshing in that it includes many elements of a traditional tale, namely a heroine (the princess) and interested suitors (the three princes). In Kimmel’s version, we learn immediately the names of the three princes, but never learn the name of the princess. This is an interesting detail as it is different than other familiar tales in which the princesses are named; however, this detail perhaps reflects accuracy associated with the Middle East and its culture and the ways in which men and women interact in society.

The story’s plot and theme has broad appeal making Kimmel’s retelling an engaging story for readers of all backgrounds and age groups. The straightforward plot with little conflict among the three princes themselves, takes the reader through the journey of this Middle Eastern princess and her quest to get the prince she loves. The notion of being selfless and sacrificing everything for the love of someone else is an idea that can be seen across cultures in a variety of traditional tales.

While the location of this specific tale is not given, the names, cultural references, and illustrations included by Kimmel and Fisher help situate the story in the Middle East. The illustrations have dark backgrounds upon which the vibrant colors of the princess’s and princes’ clothing are presented, transporting the reader to visions of the tales of the Arabian nights.

Brief notes provided by Kimmel and Fisher illuminate some of the history behind the original tale, though little specificity regarding this tale in particular is provided. Nonetheless, even without more detailed notes on the authenticity of the original tale, this story and its illustrations draw the reader in to the characters and the decisions they face.

Review excerpts:

Booklist – “Kimmel uses the familiar fairy-tale construct, but his telling has precision and a buoyancy that gives the story wonderful life.”

School Library Journal – “Kimmel’s tale provides a satisfying conclusion….a welcome addition that deserves to become a read-aloud standard.”

Kirkus Reviews – “A smooth, accessible adaptation, much enhanced by the spare powerful art.”

Personal Reaction:

I enjoyed this traditional tale, especially since I am largely unfamiliar with tales of The Arabian Nights. The journey that the characters take through the story was refreshing and insightful, reminding me of the power of a good story that is shared among all generations.

Connections:

Activities
· Write a letter to the princess explaining which prince you would marry and why you would choose him over the others.

· Which object is the most valuable in your opinion – the crystal ball, the magic carpet, or the orange? Why?

· Read another version of “The Three Princes” story and compare them to this one using a Venn diagram. (http://www.storiestogrowby.com/stories/3_princes_body.html)

Related Readings

Zorah’s Magic Carpet by Stefan Czernecki

Abu Ali Counts His Donkeys: A Folktale from the Middle East by Dorothy Van Woerkom

The Legend of the Persian Carpet by Tomie dePaola

Folk Tales & Fables of the Middle East and Africa by Barbara Hayes