When a peasant girl and her brother discover a leather pouch bearing the King’s seal in the woods, Pia and Enzio instinctively choose to hide it, guessing the contents must be important. Eventually the pouch brings them to the Castle Corona, where they take on the post of King’s Tasters and their lives become intertwined with those of the royal family. Pia, Enzio, the King, the Queen, and their three children, along with two wise hermits and a storytelling Wordsmith, weave a magical fable of forgotten promises, hidden identity, and unfulfilling lives on the brink of positive change. Breaking down boundaries between social classes benefits both royalty and commoner in this satisfying, often humorous tale. Deckled pages, illuminated letters, and occasional full-color illustrations lend this new book the air of a vintage volume. (Ages 9–12)

Long ago and far away . . .

There was a castle. But not just any castle. This was a castle that glittered and sparkled and rose majestically above the banks of the winding Winono River: the Castle Corona.

And in this castle lived a family. But not just any family. This was the family of King Guido: rich and royal and . . . spoiled. And King Guido was so spoiled that neither jewels nor gold nor splendid finery could please him, for what he longed for most was . . . a nap and a gown that didn't itch.

Far below this grand, glittering castle lived two peasants. But not just any peasants. These peasants, though poor and pitiful, were plucky and proud. And in possession of a stolen pouch. But not just any pouch. A pouch whose very contents had the power to unlock secrets and transform lives . . .

And oh, there is an author. But not just any author. Sharon Creech is a Newbery Medal-winning author whose tantalizing tale will not only dazzle and delight but also entertain and excite.