MG Review: Wicked Marigold
Wicked Marigold by Caroline Carlson (Candlewick, 256p., ages 8-12, 9781536230499)
Wicked Marigold is a witty and wise tale of wickedness (with a twist) that's populated by strong-willed princesses, nasty wizards, a fastidious imp, and a sentient yellow blob.
Princess Marigold of the Cacophonous Kingdoms has grown up hearing all about her sister, "perfectly good" Princess Rosalind, who was stolen by the evil Wizard Torville before Marigold was born. Unlike Rosalind, Marigold occasionally sulks and can't "coax strawberries to ripeness" with her laugh, but she builds wonderful contraptions and has adventures with kitchen boy Collin. When Marigold is 11, Rosalind, with hair "even more golden than Marigold had heard," comes home. Marigold (not particularly happy about this) dumps a bucket of water onto Rosalind and, deciding she must be wicked, runs away to Wizard Torville's castle. To stay, she must convince Torville's imp, Pettifog, that she really is wicked. But, after accidentally turning Torville into a yellow "blob of glop," Marigold learns political dissent is growing among the evil wizards of the Cacophonous Kingdoms. Marigold, Collin, and Pettifog must put things right before the wizards cast their "big magic" on Rosalind--and curse Marigold herself.
Caroline Carlson offers an accomplished, rib-tickling take on princess stories, wherein a relatable younger sibling is made to feel she can never measure up. Marigold, neither good nor wicked but rather a very human mix of the two, is spunky, likable, and thinks for herself--she is a child who ultimately understands her own worth and saves the day with her cleverness and tenacity. The smart prose hums along, and this fresh look at familiar tropes is a real winner. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger, and children's book author.
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