The plunder of the margarine prince

One evening in 1879 in Paris, Mark Twain sat with his daughters, who begged him for a story. Twain began telling them the tale of Johnny, a poor boy who possessed some magical seeds. Later, Twain would make some preliminary notes on the story, but it remained unfinished... until now.

Taken from the Mark Twain archive at the University of California, Berkeley, Twain's notes now form the basis of a fairy tale revived more than a century later. Using Twain's fragmented script and a story as his guide, author Philip C. Stead has written a tale that allows us to imagine what might have been had Twain completed this work in its entirety.

The New York Times bestselling novel "The Robbery of the Margarine Prince " tells the story of Johnny, who, helpless and alone—except for his pet chicken—meets a kind girl who gives him seeds that change his destiny, enabling him to converse with animals. The girl sends him on a quest to rescue a stolen prince, and, faced with a tyrannical and aggressive king, Johnny and his animal friends come to understand that generosity, empathy, and courage are, in this world, gifts more valuable than power and gold.

Illuminated by Erin Stead's graceful, humorous, and moving illustrations, The Robbery of the Margarine Prince is a story that spans time and generations.

“It will capture the imagination of readers of all ages.” – USA Today

“The combination of Twain's sometimes sarcastic humor, life lessons, a touch of allegory, and Stead's storytelling skills result in this stunning work of fantasy.” – School Library Journal

“A whimsical and thoughtful work that Twain would have applauded.” – Kirkus Review

“Mark Twain and the two Steads created what could become a read-aloud classic, perfect for families to enjoy together.” – The Horn Book