Book Details
Written by
Illustrated by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

Snoring Beauty (by Bruce Hale)

common sense media says

Fairytale too raucous and silly for sleepy time.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that they will appreciate the humor and the artwork in this twisted fairytale, and older kids, especially those familiar with the Sleeping Beauty story, will get the silly jokes. However, some of the language, and even some of the twists, may seem too strange to be understood by the preschool set.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Snoring Beauty

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the wonderful illustrations and the silly fairy characters. They can also read aloud the more dramatic sections of the story and compare this version to the classic Sleeping Beauty. Also, what ways does Tintinnitus, a fairy who doesn't hear well, misinterpret what others in the story say?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The story is a take-off on Sleeping Beauty: a princess is born, a christening party is held, good wishes as well as one serious curse are bestowed on the innocent child ... and as the narrator frog says: "Yada yada, hippity-hop!" Original twists and misheard words make this a silly story complete with a pie wagon, a snoring dragon, and the heroic Prince Quince.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The narrator is a large green sarcastic frog dressed in a purple cape and looking like the Phantom of the Opera. The King is named Gluteus, the Queen Esophagus, and the newborn baby christened Princess Drachmina Lofresca Malvolio Margarine. And the original names and unique characters don't stop there. Several fairies also fill in the scene, including Tintinnitus, who doesn't hear well; Fleabitis, who can't help but show his red polka-dotted undershorts; the burly Fred, a fairy wannabe; and Beebo, the slighted, really cranky curse-wielder. What's not to like!

The narrator sounds at times like he has snagged his lines from a Sam Spade detective novel. And, overall, the clever and silly language of the story begs to be read aloud. With all its snoring, snorting, and "ALLA-BAMS!" the more dramatic the voice, the better. The watercolors that fill the pages only add to the noise and merriment. From the eccentric fairies to the lush, red lips of the snoring hot pink and purple dragon, this book is fun and will do anything but put you to sleep!

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Bruce Hale
Illustrator: Howard Fine
Publisher: Harcourt
Publication date: May 1, 2008
Number of pages: 44
Hardcover price: $16.00
Read Aloud: 5
Read Alone: 8
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

Review It

 

Review Snoring Beauty

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read Snoring Beauty?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more books
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines