The Pea and the Princess

Story

Many people have heard the fairy tale about hiding a pea under a great many mattresses to test whether a young woman is a true princess. This is the real story – from pod to palace – told from the pea’s point of view.

Why we chose it

The Pea and the Princess is an entertaining and original take on an old tale. Children will have fun finding the pea as they turn the pages, and everyone will appreciate the amusing illustrations and clever twist at the end.

Oxford author and illustrator Mini Grey has a special gift for approaching storytelling and illustration from unexpected angles, which makes her witty and colourful picture books a joy to read and reread, whatever your age.

Where it came from

Born in a mini in a car park in Wales, Mini Grey studied art and English and worked as a theatre designer and primary school teacher before becoming a picture book author and illustrator. Her many awards include the prestigious Kate Greenaway award for The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon.

Where it went next

Mini Grey has created an unusual Pea Recipe Book to download from her website, and built the much-loved ‘VIPea’ installation for the Story Museum, a tribute to a Very Important Pea.

Associated stories

Mini Grey other picture books include: The Last Wolf, Bad Bunnies’ Magic Show, Space Dog, Hermelin, Traction Man, Biscuit Bear, The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon and Egg Drop

In the Museum

Look for the very important Pea in the windows on Pembroke St.