Horn Book

In a lavishly illustrated tale the third and youngest brother must rescue his father's kingdom after his two older brothers succumb to enchantments. Mundane use of many folkloric elements coupled with uninspired writing make this a mediocre story.

Kirkus Reviews (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

The pattern is traditional, the outcome shaped by current convention: three brothers quest for the ``Heart of the World''; only the third is generous along the way and also sticks to the appointed path despite temptation, thus winning his father's throne and the affection of the girl whose help he has accepted. As in Wisniewski's The Warrior and the Wise Man (1989), the other brothers concede graciously. The telling is smooth, but no more inspired than the story; the meticulous paintings depict a medieval fantasy world in loving detail, but are not especially imaginative. A sumptuous-looking effort that disappoints on closer examination. (Picture book. 4-10)"

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Written in plain yet stately prose, this is an original fairy tale about three brothers and their quest. The aging king has promised his throne to the son who can deliver the kingdom from a terrible drought by discovering the Heart of the World, which lies within the dangerous Enchanted Wood. Each of the brothers sets out on the journey, but--in true fairy tale style--only the youngest son is pure enough of heart not to swerve from his noble purpose. Is it love that brings the young prince to the Heart of the World and thus to the end of his kingdom's troubles, or is it at last finding the magical place? The climactic scene where he arrives at his destination is not especially dramatic, yet this engaging story does bring magic, adventure and a hint of romance to young readers. As in Sanderson's The Twelve Dancing Princesses , her characters have oddly contemporary faces. That minor cavil aside, her art is exquisite--restrained in palette, naturalistic in style and rich in tone. Ages 5-8. (Oct.)

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-- With magnificent oil paintings that flow like one perfect canvas, Sanderson creates a mystical, enchanting world that brings this tale to heightened glory. When the queen of the land dies, the kingdom suffers a terrible drought that can only be ended by finding the Heart of the World in the Enchanted Wood. Although the king has three sons, it is the youngest of them, Galen, who succeeds on this perilous mission by staying true to the quest when the others are tempted away. Rose, the brunette maiden who accompanies him, proclaims him pure of heart, and they marry. The beauty of this narrative is its unpredictable style; there is a freshness that invigorates the many traditional fairy tale components and familiar themes. The breathtaking, richly colored illustrations create the medieval setting through which the story slowly unfolds. Although this is billed as an original fairy tale, it is similar in style to Margaret Hodges's retellings of classic tales, legends, and myths. A title to be read and savored. --Debra S. Gold, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland