Thank you, TMR, The Miramichi Reader for including Prince Nicolai and the Empty Box among the five Best Children’s Books of 2025! I was surprised and honoured by your love for my fairy tale–my first published book for children ages 6-10 and up!
The Story in a Nutshell:
Prince Nicolai must become engaged before his twenty-first birthday–a mere week away–or face a penalty for disobeying the law of the land. Believing he has not yet met his future bride, he sets in motion a fanciful idea to find his soulmate. This picture book has all the elements of a traditional fairy tale, with just enough hints of more modern sensibilities to make it contemporary and original. The quirky and whimsical illustrations are sure to delight readers of all ages!
About the Author
Peggy Pilkey lives in the harbour city of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, in the regional municipality of Halifax. Born in British Columbia and raised in Ontario and Japan, she felt instantly at home upon her arrival on the east coast, not only because her father’s ancestral roots run deep in this province, but because she once again found herself in close proximity to seashores, beaches, inlets, hills and mountains–landscape features she had sorely missed after leaving Japan to attend university in Canada. She’s a member of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS), the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), and Haiku Canada.
Reviews
Children of all ages will enjoy this tale, especially the surprising twist at the end providing what might be the best happily-ever-after. … I loved the inclusion of A Word About Fairy Tales: “Creativity and art have an incredible power to transform the world of a child, uplift their talents and even help heal emotional trauma. The universe of fairy tales creates a safe, nurturing environment where every child can feel loved and protected.” [Author’s Note: Christina de Bruin,UNICEF Bulgaria representative, was commenting in July of 2023 on a new book of fairy tales created by Ukrainian children, who after fleeing the war in their homeland, found safety in Bulgaria www.unicef.org/eca/stories/fairy-tales-help-Ukrainain-children-find-peace]
—Sue Slade TMR, The Miramichi Reader
An enchanting fairy tale with a modern vibe that will be loved and remembered by children of all ages.
—Jacqueline Halsey, Author of award-nominated children’s books
I loved this story, its fairy tale setting, and especially it’s surprising ending.
—Eloise Watson, Avid reader, age 7.
Prince Nicolai and the Empty Box is a delightful story set in a fairy tale world. Village maidens, ladies, and royals alike accept a prince’s party invitation that involves a challenge. Who wouldn’t want to attend, especially when there’s a mystery to be solved! After reading it, you, too, may wish to “perch like a peacock” or “glide like a swan.”
—Cindy Campbell-Stone, storyteller, performer and writer; Member of the Storytellers’ Circle of Halifax; Member of the Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada
Peggy Pilkey, Author 