Okay, I'm back to picking a book for my Friday Favorite that's been made into a movie. I cannot remember the first time I read FrancesHodgson Burnett's "A Little Princess" but I couldn't have been more than ten. I must have checked it out from the library because I didn't own it until my daughter was born. If I had ever owned it, I would have kept it, just as I did Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and Little Men; Heidi; and The Five Little Peppers And How They Grew. Even as a kid, I loved the classics!
Sara Crewe is delivered by her wealthy father to a new boarding school while he goes off to war. But when he dies, Sara finds herself penniless and at the mercy of the horrible Mrs. Minchin. Despite being made to become a maid and to live in the attic, Sara never losses her optimism and kindness. Even though Sara is no longer a "princess" in the school, she never stops being a real princess. She remains a favorite of most of the girls and attracts the attention of a mysterious benefactor. I love the lessons this book teaches: kindness is rewarded, it is better to be a good human being than rich, imagination is a wonderful thing and every little girl is somebody's princess.The book was made into a movie in 1995. It's cast is largely unknown and the budget was tight but the movie was a beautiful realization of the book. My daughter and I love to rewatch this together every few months. I recommend it every bit as highly as I recommend the book!
I don't think that I've seen the movie, but I have liked this book since I was a young girl. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteThere is also an old Shirley Temple movie version of this book. i loved this book as a kid too, and still do. Also, try the Secret Garden as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's embarrasssing to admit that I've never read this! You made me want to add it to my reading list, so thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book yet, I think I need to get to this one soon!
ReplyDeleteI loved The Little Princess when I was a little princess (actually more of a little tomboy...), but it did give me a start when I read it aloud to my daughter when she was about 8. At one point, the Indian servant is coming into the Sara's garret room at night and leaving her presents. This was shortly after Elizabeth Smart disappeared, and that scene really bothered me so much that I skipped ahead to a less creepy section.
ReplyDeleteI've just started listening to Vanity Fair, which starts out in a boarding school not unlike the one Sara went to, and so it's interesting to read about Sara and her trials at school.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the wonderful Tasha Tudor illustrations.