Once Upon a Marigold

Written by Jean Ferris

Narrated by Carrington MacDuffie

Happily-ever-after turned upside down, inside out, and completely over the top! Christian is gaga for Princess Marigold. He’s just a commoner, though, and no match for royalty. Heck, he lives in a cave with a troll! And now he’s discovered another reason to put his love-soggy heart on ice: Queen Olympia is scheming to take over the kingdom-and she’ll bump off Marigold to do it! Can Chris foil her diabolical plans?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Listen & Live Audio
• Release date: Jan 1, 2004
• ISBN: 9781593163747

Jean Ferris

JEAN FERRIS has written more than a dozen novels for young people, including the popular Marigold trilogy. Once Upon a Marigold was named an ALA Notable Children's Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and a New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing title. Ms. Ferris lives in San Diego, California. Visit her website at www.jeanferris.com.

Reviews for Once Upon a Marigold

[Janine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book to the bottom of my soul ❤

[et.carole · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Its innocent, sweet love story is a life saver in a deluge of hopelessly grown up passions.

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

children's fiction (princesses, fairytales, kid-friendly romance). Cute, especially the correspondence by p-mail (pigeon mail, an oddly similar precursor to modern day tweets, given the limited number of words that will fit in the pigeon's message tube), though the sensible part of me keeps screaming for the King or someone to lock up the apparently evil queen in the dungeon (or at least to exile her), but no one ever does. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the Queen comes back for the sequel (and possibly the third book as well; I'm not sure on that one).

[herenya_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

  Christian has been brought up in a cave by Edric the troll, who discovered Chris hiding in the forest. Now Chris is in love with the princess Marigold, with whom he has exchanged letters carried by pigeon but has never met. The cover claims this is “part comedy, part love story, part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink”, which could be considered to be rather misleading. However, I suspect the book would appeal to readers attracted by the cover’s children’s-fantasy vibe who think “part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink” is funny.If I had discovered this in 2002 when it was first published, I suspect I’d have been delighted by its gentle, whimsical, almost-fairytale-ness. These days I tend to want more complexity and more emotion and, often, more critical engagement with the genre’s tropes. But the audiobook was still pleasant company while I did a few hours of housework.

[angelarenea-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It took me a little bit to get into this one but after I did I really liked it. I wasn't sure if I liked or didn't like the social/political undertones in this book because it was a book for younger kids, but it was a really well told fairy tale. I liked that it didn't stick to any preexisting fairy tale so it kept me guessing through the book as to what would happen next. I also like that it seemed to happen simultaneously with the other princesses.

[lkernagh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Quirky and adorable is how I would describe this one. Possibly more Shrek than The Princess Bride. I found this to be a fun, entertaining read. I enjoyed how Ferris takes the fairy tale basics – an evil stepmother, a doting father, three older sisters, a hero with a mysterious past and a curmudgeon troll with a heart of gold – and put her own spin on things. I loved the p-mail (correspondence via carrier pigeon), the way in which Ed the troll misquotes a lot of familiar sayings and has an axe to grind with the tooth fairy (who seems to be having a lot of difficulties overseeing the gathering of teeth and the remittance of coin). While somewhat predictable – given the fairy tale formula being utilized – I still enjoyed following the characters as Christian and Marigold’s friendship grows into a romance along with Queen Olympia’s determination to marry Marigold off and get her out of the way in Olympia’s quest to rule the kingdom.A fun, light, entertaining read for children... and adults like me.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

*I* personally liked it a lot. I didn't get into it right away, but it sure hit the spot on day 6 of a bad cold. I'm not comfortable rating it higher though because it didn't seem all that valuable or rich; it was more superficial and longer than it needed to be, imo. Maybe 3.5 stars.

OK, that was last year - in fact just about exactly. I gave it three stars then. I re-read it today because I found a sequel and this time I loved it. So, another star!

[rosa.mill · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, it was definitely a great fairy tale. Like most fairy tales a little predictable (who didn't know Christian was going to be a prince.) Although I was surprised to find out that Marigold and her sister's were not really Olympia's daughters. (Although that did make her fit into the step mother role)

[karra.mcds · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once upon a Marigold is about a young boy Who is adopted by a troll and falls in love with the young princess named Marigold. He starts let sending letters to her and she writes back! Ed, The troll that is watching Christan sees that Cristan might have some affection for the princess. Soon he forgets about it and then has to come to a decision if he can care for Christan anymore. Ed talks to Christan and Christan makes a decision that will last him for life. I enjoyed this book because it isn't like those old fairy tales about romance. There are a lot of problems in this book and it is hard to put down. I hope you will enjoy this book just like me ,if you read it!

[beckiezimmerman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was very excited to reread this, I remember this was one of my favorite books in the 5th grade, and I must have read it at least 3 times! This is a modern fantasy chapter book for strong 4th grader readers- 5th grade readers. What I loved about this book and continue to love is the humor, all of the characters are likeable, and the plot is exciting and adventurous. I remember this was one of the first books that I have read that the character’s voice throughout the story really stood out to me. The story is told from the main character, Christian’s, perspective, and his voice is very relatable and humorous, which assisted me with the comprehension of the story. Though this sounds like a typical “servant boy saves the princess” book, it is actually the exact opposite with its unique plot line and genuine humor. If it weren’t for the cover (there’s a flower on it, which may be too “girly” for a 5th grade boy) I actually think this book would be enjoyable for boys as well! I highly recommend this book; it is a ton of fun! The central message is the triumph over good and evil.

[carebear36 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a cute book. It's great for young readers. I remember reading a copy from the library when I was in middle school and I really enjoyed it. Later, as a senior in high school, I found a copy at a used books story and still found a lot of pleasure in it. It is interesting and easy-to-read. Would highly recommend to anyone who is interested in a new spin on childhood fairy tales.

[turrean_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Supremely silly.

[tigerbuns · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A cute book, but not much more than that. It's a quick and entertaining read with some great one-liners and some sweet jokes, but after an engaging first half things kind of frayed out, and I got the feeling the author was trying way too hard to make everything good for everyone. There's nothing wrong with happy endings, but there were too many easy solutions to unconvincing problems - I mean, the problems were real enough, but more often than not the threats and their counteractions were quite unbalanced, some dead ends seemed not so very dead-endy at all and felt like they were just designed to move the plot onto the next stage (we're locked in a room! Gasp! No choice but to spend the night and await our fate!). The antagonist's motivation seemed unclear and muddled and kind of adapted itself to the changing circumstances (being evil for antagonism's sake).

Towards the end the book lost its focus on the main characters, heaping on more characters and aiming at a great fat happy ending with a bow on it, which made me lose interest a little because it was clear everything would be candy and rainbows. A little too sugary for my taste (even if I'd read it as a girl), and the numerous attempts at explaining what a perfect world should look like seemed very simplistic and cutesy. I really enjoyed the beginning and the bit about falling in love so innocently, but in the end that wasn't enough - overall it was a simple feel-good read that I didn't regret, but which won't stay with me for very long either.

[district13_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVE this book! It has to be one of the best books I have ever read. The story is original and full of humor and quirks. The characters are believable and are easy to relate to. The story is fast paced and full of adventure. Plus it does a really good job of showing how everyone at some point struggles to find out who they really are and what they want out of life no matter of where in society they come from. It is not the normal rags to riches fairy tale and for that I like it even more.

[bplteen · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Review by: Lisa I liked this book. I thought it was okay but it wasn't as good as the first book.

[laurat81 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once Upon a Marigold is a fun and funny fairy tale filled with romance, betrayal, and all the other things that make a fairy tale. Easy read that makes you fall in love with the characters.

[michelle0smith_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a fantastic book. I usually don't read fantasy books, but I truly enjoyed reading this story about Christian and Marigold. He is her knight in shinning armour to rescue her from her evil mother, the queen. This has humans, trolls, faries, and the tooth fary. There were time I was laughing and others when I was feel sorry for Marigold.

[akingzett16 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Cute story, but it goes right to the point. Like a kiddy story. :/

[maiasaura_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet, charming book that manages to both turn fairy tales on their heads and celebrate them at the same time. Full of fun, quirky, decent characters, this book has something for everyone--gentle romance, humor, adventure. It's very similar to The Princess Bride, but it's also very much it's own book. A very sweet, goofy book that you really can't help but love.

[sarahmarirose · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A quirky twist-tale Once Upon A Marigold follows the story of Christian, who runs away as a child and threatens a troll, Edric, into taking him in. What ensues is a different sort of fairytale where Edric attempts to be the best foster-father he can be, misquoting sayings and using rule books he finds in the forest, while involving Christian in his attempt to overthrow the Tooth Fairy’s monopoly on the tooth industry. The story picks up as Christian become a young man a falls in love with the youngest princess from across the river, Marigold. Marigold has been gifted, or cursed, with the ability to hear thoughts and her mother’s thoughts are not the most pleasant in the land. This light-hearted spoof of fairytale land with contemporary twists is bound to delight readers. Highly recommended to lovers of fantasy, comedy, twist-tales, and love stories.

[catheolson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At six years old, Christian runs away from home and moves in with a troll. As he grows up, he finds himself obsessed by the odd princess across the river and at 17, he is determined to befriend her. This was a sweet and funny book novel--good for 6th - 8th graders.

[maiapie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVE Once Upon A Marigold!!!!!!!And i'm a HUGE fan of fantasy and magic and all that good stuff!!!once upon a marigold would have to be one of my all time favorites!!!!!!!

[t1bclasslibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Christian has been mailing Princess Marigold by pigeon, and he finally decides it's time to leave the troll he adopted as his foster dad and make a try for a new life at the castle. Marigold is engaged to an awful suitor, her mother is determined to force the wedding, kill her and the king, and take over the kingdom. Christian has to stop them somehow, but he and Marigold both end up in the dungeon. It takes everyone together to come up with a plan to outwit the queen.

[miksmom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this humorous fairy tale, true love wins out, in the end. The dog-loving, bookworm of a princess, who always had a mind of her own, is finally appreciated for her true (inner) beauty. The benevolent ruler outsmarts the evil queen. The princely pauper and his guardian troll are exhalted. Happy endings all around! The character of Edric the troll is essential. His expressions are hilarious, and his relationship with Christian is touching - as is Christian's awkwardness around Princess Marigold (He was, after all, raised in a cave!). A delightful, if somewhat predictable story (but aren't most fairy tales?)

[bell7_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Christian ran away from home when he was six. Living with his foster father in the forest for eleven years, Chris doesn't regret it for a minute - he has a happy (if isolated) life with his two dogs and distantly watches Princess Marigold through a telescope from outside his house. But now it's time for him to leave the life he's known and seek his fortune.Though I enjoyed several aspects of this story, Once Upon a Marigold was clearly written for readers younger than me. The seventeen-year-old protagonists often seemed a bit young in their thoughts and actions and the narrator had a habit of making pronouncements in a way that irritated me. The direction of the plot was clear early on, though it was entertaining to see how it all came together. Edric the troll was a great character, and I enjoyed his merged sayings that seem to almost make sense. A quick, fun read that I would've enjoyed more fifteen years ago.

[knielsen83 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An interesting twist to a fairy tale, with an evil stepmother, some uninterested but decent stepsisters, and a princess who has a special gift that everyone avoids. Christian is a boy who ran away from home and refused to go back, from then on living with a troll in a cave with him and two dogs. Spying on the royal family with a telescope that he created, Christian finds himself longing to contact the estranged princess and using p-mail (pigeon mail) one gutsy day to do just that. This leads him to want to become closer to her and does just that, starting some adventures of the pair.

[vampirate_queen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A hilarious book about a prince who lives with a troll. He sees a princess named Marigold, and falls in love with her.My favorite things about this book were the way it was written, and the phrases that the characters use. For instance:"I can see I'm beating my head against a dead horse.""Kill one bird with two stones."I strongly recommend this to elementary school age kids, but it's a great story for people over that as well.

[runa_17 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic book! I read it back in middle school the first time, and just reread it now. Still as enchanting as always. The characters are great, you can't help falling in love with Christian and Marigold's lives. This is basically a fairy tale for people who might not be the biggest fans of fairy tales. It's cute, it's refreshing, it's got the obligatory happily-ever-after ending that sweetens any day. You'll be sitting there, rooting your heart out for Christian and Marigold while at the same time, wishing Olympia would get stung to death by giant killer bees. Read it! It's the most amazing fractured fairy tale ever!

[vivthebookfan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a GREAT book for people of all ages who like commedy and don't mind a bit of romance. I couldn't put this book down once i started it. Everyone will fall for the wonderful suspense and intreting story.

[libby8gorman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don't think this is a great book, but I loved it, especially "P-mail" (pigeon mail) and the wackier elements.