A powerful modern fable about friendship, faith, and the nature of beauty.

Best friends Aglo and Petal live on a small island in the Caribbean called the Isle of Spice (based on Grenada). When Petite Mama tells them the story of a mysterious nutmeg princess whom only she has seen, Aglo and Petal decide they must go and ind the elusive princess themselves.

The beautiful princess appears, but Aglo is the only one who can see her. As the rest of the village rushes up the mountain in the hopes of acquiring the princess’s riches, Aglo and Petal learn that greed and selfishness aren’t rewarded, and they receive an unexpected reward of their own—the knowledge that true riches come from experiencing beauty and selfessness.

First published in 1992, The Nutmeg Princess has become a well-loved classic. The idea for the story was the result of a school visit where a little girl put up her hand and asked if Keens-Douglas knew a story about a black princess. At the time, he didn’t, but it was all he needed to inspire him. This new edition is fully revised, with condensed text and stunning revised art from Annouchka Galouchko.

written by Richardo Keens-Douglas and illustrated by Sylvie Bourbonnière

Richardo Keens-Douglas' profile page

Born in Montreal, Annouchka Gravel Galouchko has lived with her family in Iran, Egypt, Mexico, and Austria. She trained in fine arts at the University of Quebec and started her career as a full-time painter. Her book "Sho et les dragons d'eau" received the Governor General's Literary Award for Children's Literature for its illustrations and was a finalist in the French text competition. Her fanciful and rich imagination is reflected in her paintings and her writings. She also loves music.

Annouchka Galouchko's profile page

“An inspiring tale that conveys the true meaning of friendship and courage . . . a marvellous read for children of all ages.”

Edwards Book Club, 06/10/14

“The Grade 3 class I read the book to were very captivated by the illustrations.”

Resource Links, 06/14

“A simple narrative filled with vibrant warm colours with gorgeous illustrations, the newest edition of this well-loved story of true friendship will teach children what it is to believe in oneself and others.”

Quebec Library Association Bulletin, 04/15

“It is a simple story—yet playful and evocative—brought to life by its unique, full-page illustrations.”

CM Reviews, 04/11/14

The Nutmeg Princess