​As for the Princess?

by Stephane Jorisch

When a young lad named Simon is tricked by a greedy, arrogant princess into giving up three very special gifts, he must use all his wits to win them back again.

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, three brothers receive unusual legacies from their father. The youngest, Simon, is kind but naive. He proudly puts his gift, an old leather belt, around his waist. In a moment of foolishness he wishes to see the beautiful princess in the castle over the mountains. His brothers warn that she is as mean and greedy as she is beautiful, but the magic belt whisks him straight to the palace.

In no time at all, the princess tricks Simon into surrendering his belt and her guards chase him from the castle. Returning home days later, tired and hungry, Simon is welcomed back by his brothers. The eldest offers his sack of gold to help regain the belt but cautions Simon to be careful when dealing with the princess. Simon again sets out for the castle.

Once more the greedy princess outsmarts him and Simon is sent from the castle, this time with no gold and no belt. When he returns home, Simon's second brother decides to help him this time. He lends Simon his 10,000 soldiers and the magical horn to summon them. He warns Simon to keep his wits about him.

Unfortunately, Simon is still no match for the princess. After losing the horn and the soldiers to her, he wanders into a magical orchard of apples and plums. Simon discovers that one fruit makes your nose grow large while the other shrinks it back to regular size. Before long he has a brilliant, naughty idea - a clever plan to trick the Princess into returning all his family's special gifts.

As for the Princess? is based on a traditional Quebec folk tale, La Princesse au grand nez, which can be found in the recent Mille ans de contes Québec by Cécile Gagnon. 

Source: www.amazon.com