The Slim Princess

"The Slim Princess" by George Ade is a humorous story that takes place in Morovenia, a make-believe country in Eastern Europe. The book is about Princess Kalora, the daughter of Count Selim Malagaski, and how she goes against what her society thinks is beautiful; instead of being overweight, she is slim. The narrative introduces us to the issues that the leaders of Morovenia have with their society's strict rules, where women need to be fat to be seen as pretty. Princess Kalora is thin and energetic, which frustrates her father, who wants her to get married. Her sister, Jeneka, also has issues because she is considered to be gorgeous. Both sisters are connected by these unfair rules. As the story begins, we learn about the tricky situation Kalora is in, her family's relationships, and her growing wish to be free, getting ready for when she meets people from other countries.