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The Princess and CurdieGeorge MacDonald

Classic children's fantasy

The Princess and Curdie

by George MacDonald

272 pages · First published 1996

After helping Princess Irene defeat the goblins, young miner Curdie has begun to lose the courage and goodness that once guided him. When a thoughtless act brings him face-to-face with Irene's mysterious great-great-grandmother, she gives him an extraordinary ability to recognize the true nature of the people he meets and sends him on a dangerous mission. Accompanied by Lina, a fearsome-looking but fiercely loyal creature, Curdie travels to the royal city of Gwyntystorm, where corrupt advisers are secretly poisoning the king and threatening the kingdom's future. With Princess Irene's help and an unlikely band of monstrous allies, Curdie must confront treachery, greed, and the forces working to destroy everything good. Readers who enjoy classic children's fantasy, unusual magical creatures, courageous young heroes, and thoughtful stories about humility, loyalty, and moral courage will find a darker, more adventurous sequel to The Princess and the Goblin.

Paired for this story

Camelot Ginger Fizz + Honeyed Reading Mead

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense3 of 5
Creepy2 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Fantasy violence and frightening creatures, including monster attacks, bites, scratches, and descriptions of injuries and blood. Animal harm and death: a boy shoots and wounds a white pigeon, two attacking dogs are killed, and a character is threatened with having her animal companion burned alive. A threatening swarm of birds attacks and wounds a boy and his companion. A king is secretly poisoned by his physician, leaving him dangerously ill. Corrupt officials conspire to murder the king, imprison his daughter, and seize control of the kingdom. Bullying, deception, imprisonment, physical intimidation, and mistreatment of servants, including a young woman being struck, kicked, and thrown down stairs. Magical creatures frighten and injure villains. A battle involves weapons, animal attacks, deaths, and wounded soldiers. A dark concluding epilogue describes moral decline and the catastrophic destruction of an entire city, with implied mass loss of life. Mild childhood affection and a brief reference to a future marriage.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Camelot Ginger Fizz

A lively Apple and Ginger Fizz captures the wonder and adventurous spirit of Curdie's quest as he and his extraordinary companions set out to rescue a kingdom.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Honeyed Reading Mead

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A traditional honey mead suits Curdie's journey through a kingdom of hidden treasures, magical creatures, and dangerous secrets, where courage and loyalty prove worth more than gold.

What you'll need

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Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Pour into a small wine glass. Serve chilled or at the temperature recommended on your chosen bottle.
  2. Enjoy plain, or add a strip of orange peel if desired.

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