The King's Equal

Prince Raphael has a problem--he became king when his father died, in keeping with the ancient laws, but to wear the crown and truly call the kingdom his own, he must find and marry a woman who is his equal in beauty, wealth, and wisdom, a virtually impossible task as far as he's concerned. As Prince Raphael, narrator Davina Porter oozes arrogance and contempt for others. Her Rosamund is gentle, compassionate, cheerful, and wise, providing the perfect counterbalance to Raphael's self-centeredness. Her accent and precise, clear diction add a touch of royalty to this original fairy tale, as well as clearly differentiated voices for the magical wolf and the wise councilor. We hear Raphael changing as he spends his year on the mountain and learns about true beauty, wisdom, and wealth. And, as in most fairy tales, they live happily ever after. W.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

February 26, 1996
PW starred this "entertaining and enchanting" story of a conceited prince in search of a bride who is his equal, and who then discovers he is the one who must prove his worthiness. Ages 7-10.