THE OGRE WHO WASN'T

An ersatz ogre effects lasting happiness.

Upon discovering a tiny ogre in the garden, Princess Clara gives him a new home in a shoe under her bed. They’re soon besties, and at bedtime, Clara finds herself confiding in her new pal. Ever since Clara’s mother died, her father, the king, has had little time for her. She loves frolicking barefoot, climbing trees, and adopting wild creatures, but the “pernickety nanny,” “bossy butler,” and “grumpy gardener” charged with her care disapprove of these activities; they bark orders, shriek at her pets, and, in short, make “life a misery.” Clara’s friend confesses that he’s no ogre; he’s “King Toad” and will grant Clara’s wishes for a mother and a more involved father. He asks to return to the garden, where he invokes an amphibian horde who permanently banish the scolders. Clara throws open her doors to all wild animals. More happiness awaits: Her father returns with a kindly new wife, everyone appreciates running around barefoot, and all enjoy the animals’ company, especially that of King Toad. This charming U.K. import reads like an old-fashioned fairy tale with a few modern twists, complete with a satisfying ending. The delightful illustrations, created with colored pencil and watercolor and finished digitally, sparkle with energy, as do the personable characters, especially King Toad. Clara, her father, and the caretaker staff are pale-skinned; Clara’s new mother is brown-skinned.

Toad-ally enchanting.