A long time ago and very far away, once on a time a princess was eating her breakfast on the roof of her castle when- someone flew over! What would you do if someone flew over your roof while you tried to eat breakfast there? Before princess Hyacinth of Euralia could begin to decide, the king of a neighboring country (for he was the one flying) made eighteen more passes overhead. You see, he had received seven-league boots for his birthday, and of course he had to try them out.

In a land where princesses are menaced by flying monarchs and kings have magic swords and invisible cloaks, everyday life is apt to be most unusual. Princes must be ever alert to do brave deeds and rescue princesses that may need rescuing; fairy rings must be kept handy to grant wishes. A lot of things have to be done: royal edicts issued, favors granted, Strong Notes written, and rewards distributed. And, of course, everyone must learn to invoke magic spells.

Even princesses have problems. Our princess has a problem named Countess Belvane . The Countess is also a problem to Prince Udo. In fact, as he is on his way to aid the princess, Belvane in a moment of mischief turns him into an animal with the ears of a rabbit and the mane and tail of a lion. Very awkward.

The really nice thing about once on a time lands, though, is that everything comes out right in the end, and Hyacinth’s kingdom is no exception. It is something one may count on.

From the 1962 edition dust jacket