The Great Race — Mimi Riser

A fantasy fable for all ages... In the mythical land of Lor, King Markus calls for a great race. Whosoever wins will be declared his successor, the heir to the throne. Quite a prize. The sly Nilana knows she'll triumph (especially with Hugo's help). The lame shepherdess, Dani, is doubly sure to finish last. Does Dani care about this? No. Well, not much. She isn't racing for fame, you see, but only so those caroling cabbages will shut up and let her rest. (Don't ask.) Besides, there's more than one way to run a race. And sometimes, in order to win, one first needs to lose. The entire kingdom is in for a big surprise.... Action! Drama! Pathos! Sacrifice, laughter and tears. And singing vegetables. (Don't ask.) What more do we need? Social significance? Okay, it has that, too.