As for the Princess?

Carol Bodrug is a former elementary-school teacher with the Durham Board
of Education.

Simon’s father leaves his oldest son 100,000 gold pieces, his second
son a horn that can summon 100,000 soldiers, and his youngest son Simon
an old leather belt. When Simon puts on the belt and talks about
visiting the princess in the castle over the mountains, he suddenly
finds himself in her chambers. The princess is not pleased at Simon’s
unexpected arrival. She asks to see his belt and then she takes it from
him. When Simon gets back home, his oldest brother tells him to offer
the princess some of his gold to get the belt back. The princess accepts
the gold, but sends Simon away again. The second brother offers Simon
his horn to summon 100,000 soldiers and Simon marches back with his
troops to confront the princess. But the princess takes his horn, and
Simon has now lost the three gifts from his father.

On his return home, Simon stops at an orchard to rest. While there, he
eats three apples that make his nose grow. He then eats three plums that
return his nose to normal and give him a “brilliant, naughty”
idea—a clever plan to outsmart the princess and recover his family’s
legacy.

Stéphane Jorisch both writes and beautifully illustrates this new
twist on an old folk tale about legacies and wishes. The amusing, lively
story, which uses modern language and expressions, has a satisfying if
somewhat unusual conclusion that children will enjoy. Jorisch’s
playful, brightly colored illustrations make the text come alive.
Recommended.