The Most Wonderful Thing in the World

Stunning illustrations enhance a deft retelling of this classic tale of a king, a queen, a princess, legions of suitors, and a treasure hidden in plain sight.

Once upon a time, a king and a queen promise to marry their daughter to the young man who can show them the most wonderful thing in the world. Suitors arrive at the palace, one after the other, with elaborate gifts of jewels, inventions, and even mythical beasts, but nothing feels quite right to the overwhelmed majesties. It is only when a shy young man, who isn’t a suitor at all, steps forward that the king and queen finally understand what the most wonderful thing in the world actually is. Vivian French's touching fairy tale is made all the more enchanting by the many subtle surprises included in Angela Barrett's exquisite illustrations.

Vivian French writes for children of all ages. She is much loved for her comic fiction in the Tales from the Five Kingdoms series and her picture books, including Growing Frogs, T. Rex, and Caterpillar, Caterpillar, but her heart lies in retelling traditional stories and writing fairy tales of her own. Vivian French lives in Scotland.

Angela Barrett is the award-winning illustrator of The Night Fairy and more than two dozen other books for children, including classic tales, fairy tales, story collections, and picture books. She lives in London.