The Frog Princess is a twist on the old Frog Prince story, taking the theme of a prince whose transformation into a frog can only be reversed by a princess’ kiss, and adding a whole new dimension to it. In this version, Princess Esmerelda is clumsy, has a laugh like a donkey, and categorically refuses to marry the dull Prince Jorge. She’d rather go walk in the swamp, which is where she meets a frog who claims he’s a prince named Eadric. One kiss, and well, you know how it goes. Except that for whatever reason, when Emma kisses the frog, she too is transformed into a royal amphibian. Now the two of them must find the witch who originally cursed Eadric, and convince her to fix them. The journey through the swamp, however, is long and treacherous, and before Emma can travel, she has to learn to hop, and the two enchanted nobles have to learn to trust each other. Witches, talking animals, fairies, and other hazards abound as they try to reclaim their natural states.

Not only is this a clever and amusing twist on the old story, it’s well-told, energetic and lively. Emma’s headstrong and independent and occasionally quarrelsome, but never truly unlikable, and Eadric’s the perfect foil for her attitude and stubbornness. Together, they’re an entertaining pair on a bizarre quest. I’m a sucker for well-done fairy tales, and this one fits the bill thoroughly.