A funny modern retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” set in contemprary Harlem, is based on a stage version that was performed at Kennedy Center in 1998. Here the family dog narrates the story about the twelve boisterous sons of the Reverend Knight who sneak out every evening to go dancing and then blame the wear and tear on their shoes on their porr loyal mutt. A succession of housekeepers are unable to keep up with the boys, untilsweet Sunday arrives. She proves herself as more than a match for the twelve high-steppers. Kadir Nelson’s cartoon-style color illustrations add detail and whimsy to an appealing urban folktale. (Age 5-9)

Debbie Allen's contemporary retelling of the classic tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses with illustrations from Kadir Nelson!

 Reverend Knight can't understand why his twelve sons' sneakers are torn to threads each and every morning, and the boys aren't talking. They know their all-night dancing wouldn't fit with their father's image in the community. Maybe Sunday, a pretty new nanny with a knack for getting to the bottom of household mysteries, can crack the case. This modern, hip retelling of the classic tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses bursts with vibrant artwork and text that's as energetic as the twelve toe-tapping Knight brothers themselves. 

"A funky, fresh adaptation." —Publishers Weekly

"This is a high-flying alternative to the tale's usual dainty renditions." —Kirkus Reviews