Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Farris

In an action/ adventure fairy tale twist, a troll discovers Christian hiding from his parents in the woods.  Eventually, Christian gets used to having the troll parent him.  However, when Christian falls for Princess Marigold by watching her from afar, the story really gets going.  In Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Farris (Lexile: 840; Interest Level: Grades 4-7), Christian becomes friends with the princess by sending messages by pigeon (p-mail), and then decides that he must meet her in person.  After getting a job at the castle, he uncovers a plot by the queen to marry her daughter off and get rid of her (and the king) for good so that she will have all of the power.  The relationship between Christian and Marigold was based on strong friendship and respect, and they work together to foil the queen's plan.  Little do they know what they would have to do along the way!  
       I thought this was a fun story with interesting characters. If you like adventure, invention, comedy, or fairy tales, you will enjoy Once Upon a Marigold.  I am looking forward to the sequel: Twice Upon a Marigold.  (275 pages)

---