"Long ago, in a wonderful castle on a mountain of splendor, a beautiful princess was born." So begins the story of The Princess and the Kiss, a tale of a young woman's - in this case princess's - first kiss. On the day she is born, her parents present her with this special gift from God. In a secret room in a castle tower, it is kept safely hidden away under glass. When she is old enough, her parents explain the treasured value of this precious gift and warn her to not give it to just anybody. Heeding their wise advice, she is not one to be bamboozled by the many interesting suitors who vie for her hand, from Prince Peacock to Prince Romance to Prince Treasurechest. She wonders if there ever will be a young man special enough for her to give her first kiss. At last, she meets a young man who impresses her with the purity of his heart.

In this day and age of sexual amorality, the ideal of purity and saving one's first kiss for another pure heart is refreshingly beautiful, especially since both of them have saved their first kiss for each other. For my four-year-old and seven-year-old daughters, this is one of their favorite stories, quite worn out already.

This fourth and final book in the Letzenstein Chronicles tells of young Toby who was found - lost and orphaned - by the eccentric and mysterious Raphael le Marre in a previous book. Raphael ("Raf") seems appropriately named after one of the archangels as he has a way of coming to the rescue of children in trouble and has in fact adopted (along with his wife) some 20 children of his own. In this story Raf brings Toby back to his relatives in London in order to decide his future. Toby has no interest in staying with anyone but Raf. Toby's maternal grandfather is kind, but unable to support him financially, while a rich and arrogant uncle from his father's side insists on adopting him. Meanwhile, adventures befall everyone involved and Raf (who is Catholic) shares some interesting thoughts about Protestant England even while working with and being helped by a kind Anglican minister. The story is charming and a fairly easy read for early to mid grade school or as a family read-aloud. There are some elements of the story which might be troubling or confusing for young children sensitive to issues relating to adoption or having a step-parent.

After thoroughly enjoying the BBC/A&E production of Pride and Prejudice, I was thrilled to see that they also had done the Scarlet Pimpernel, which is one of my favorite stories. Unfortunately, my expectations were completely shattered by this production which is really more of a television series loosely based on the books. It seems intended for those who enjoy rather steamy romance novels. While some of the original elements of the story and the truths regarding the evils of the French Revolution remain intact (and there are a few funny and creative scenes), there is little else to recommend this production - and many reasons not to bother. I haven't read all of the Pimpernel books, but there was very little reminiscent of the main book from which it takes its name (none of the principal characters even wore disguises!) and there is a lot of raunchy material that I found extremely difficult to tolerate (and I'm a relatively tolerant person when it comes to annoying parts in movies). The writers seem intent on creating heinous female villains and turning Marguerite St. Just into a more politically correct character. Chauvelin, to whom they attempt to give some "sex appeal", makes me nauseous. I found the scenes in Paris indicative of the disintegrating culture absolutely revolting, and these were not even treated as revolting by the production. Instead, for example, Sir Percy Blakeney makes a flippant joke about losing one's virginity when one of his companions is sensually undressed by a group of women at a party. Please, please, please, don't waste your money on this one like I did!

The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman is neither a Catholic book, nor does it tell of a saint--it is not even around a religious theme. And yet, it is an all-time favorite in this seven-children Catholic family! The book tells about a family that grows and grows... almost every time we turn the page there is a new baby! The fact that they are silly--or fussy--eaters, which our kids have never been, matters little to us. The illustrations are absolutely captivating and darling, and the rhymes are known by all the kids, who can recite the book from cover to cover. The details of family life, the messy rooms, the bunk beds... and trees outside that grow as the babies arrive and the kids grow! The boy-girl-boy order of their kids is the same as in our family which has delighted the kids all of these years. I find in The Seven Silly Eaters a strong pro-life, pro large-family book as each child is so openly welcomed even if they don't seem to have much apparent affluent power. If you have never read and enjoyed the illustrations of The Seven Silly eaters, give it a try! Publisher's site has sample pages and the recipe! http://www.maryannhoberman.com/books/sevenSillyEaters.html