Blog Archives
Entertained and Empowered
Adora’s Dance With the Prince follows a young West African woman forced to serve her stepmother and stepsisters who is granted a magical night that brings her one step closer to the man of her dreams. What inspired this reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale?
The Ashanti Kingdom (modern-day Ghana) was renowned for its sophisticated governance, vibrant art, and elaborate royal ceremonies. By setting my story here, I replaced European castles with an Akan palace and transformed the “ball” into a royal festival rooted in communal celebration.
The prince isn’t just a romantic trope—he reflects Ashanti ideals: wisdom (nkontompo), respect (animuonyam), and the responsibility to choose a partner who embodies the spirit of the kingdom.
Do you have a favorite scene in this book? One that was especially fun to write?
Absolutely—The Dance with the Prince. This scene is pure romance and validation. I loved describing the palace courtyard, the hush that fell as Adora arrived, and the crowd whispering, “Who is she?” It’s the ultimate Cinderella entrance moment. Writing the prince’s immediate captivation, his gentle request—“May I have this dance?”—and their tender exchange—“You dance like you’ve done this forever.” / “Only in my dreams”—captured the dreamlike, enchanting quality I wanted. The sensory details—the flute weaving through drum beats, the moonlight casting a soft glow, and the “enchanted energy” as they danced—made this scene especially magical to write.
I am the type of reader who loves to hate the villain. What is your approach to creating the villains in your stories?
My villains—Lady Ikúnsolà and her daughters—are crafted with psychological depth and cultural nuance. I avoid one-dimensional “cartoon evil,” instead shaping antagonists whose motives, flaws, and desires feel real, making their cruelty more impactful.
Can we look forward to more books in the Black Girl Magic Princess Fairy Tales series soon? Where will it take readers?
Definitely! I recently published Black Onyx & The Three Little Rasta Men, a Caribbean twist on Snow White filled with humor, heart, and rich cultural fusion.
Three more books are coming in the series. I just finished Aliyah’s Songs: The Voice That Broke the Spell—an African American Southern spin on Rapunzel. I’m especially excited about this one; the Creole and African American folklore blend is pure magic. Like all my princesses, Aliyah wears a crown of courage and conquers doubt with confidence.
I don’t just want readers to turn pages and be entertained—I want them to close the book feeling empowered.
Author Links: Website | Instagram
Adora is a kind-hearted young lady who dreams of more than chores and worn-out old clothes. When the Chief and Queen announce an exciting festival with a chance of a lifetime, Adora longs to go—but her mean stepmother and stepsisters have other plans. When all hope seems lost, her Spiritual Mother appears with a dress, shoes, and a magical palanquin that takes her to the grand palace.
Adora’s beauty and grace catch the Prince’s eyes. But when the midnight drums begin to play, the magic ends, leaving behind only one gold shoe—and a royal mystery!
This enchanting tale, filled with West African culture, vibrant imagery, and heartwarming lessons, will captivate readers aged 5-9. It is perfect for children who love princess-style adventures with a fresh, inspiring twist.
✨A story of kindness, courage, and believing in yourself
📚Ideal for bedtime reading, classrooms, and storytime fun
🖌️Beautifully crafted to spark imaginations and teach timeless values
Add “Adora’s Dance With The Prince” to your child’s bookshelf today and let the magic begin!
Adora’s Dance With the Prince
Adora is a bright, imaginative young woman living in a vibrant West African kingdom. Her heart longs for the grand festival newly announced in the capital, yet her days are consumed by the thankless drudgery imposed by a cruel stepmother and selfish stepsisters. Just as hope begins to fade, a shimmering twist of fate arrives, her Spiritual Mother appears, bearing a gown of breathtaking beauty, elegant shoes, and a magical palanquin to carry her to the palace. There, among the lantern light and music, Adora captures the attention of a handsome prince. But magic has limits. When the enchantment dissolves, she flees into the night, leaving behind a single shoe and a prince determined to find her.
Adora’s Dance with the Prince, by Tricia Knights, offers a fresh, culturally rich reimagining of the timeless Cinderella legend. Targeted toward children aged five to nine, the book blends a familiar story arc with vivid West African flair and a generous infusion of magic.
Cinderella’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes. Children, across cultures and generations, understand the sting of unfairness, being excluded from something wondrous, as Knights so vividly portrays with the festival. At the same time, they embrace magical thinking with ease. The sudden arrival of a benevolent Spiritual Mother at the very moment she is needed feels not just believable, but inevitable in the boundless logic of childhood.
Knights, however, doesn’t simply retell the classic. She bends the arc, subverting expectations in small but satisfying ways, keeping even seasoned readers leaning forward. And while the plot charms, the illustrations astound. Each page bursts with color and life, every detail layered with texture and movement. These are not incidental embellishments; they elevate the narrative, making the book as much a visual feast as a storytelling delight.
The combination of luminous imagery, lively pacing, and a heroine worth cheering for ensures Adora’s Dance with the Prince will resonate with young readers everywhere. It is a story that celebrates courage, beauty, and the belief that magic, whether literal or not, can change everything.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FCD8KGSD
LITERARY TITAN 