Kandide and the Secret of the Mists -- Diana S. Zimmerman

Kandide is the most beautiful of all the fairies, and she knows it. Raised by the king and queen to become the queen herself someday, her education has been largely focused on her strength, high opinion of herself, and ability to get the respect of those around her. While her father believes this has been the correct way to raise his daughter, her mother wonders whatever happened to compassion, courtesy, and humility, for Kandide has none of these traits.

When the king suddenly dies, remaining only long enough to pass the Gift of the Frost on to Kandide, it's assumed that Kandide will take the throne and rule in her father's place. But while on an outing with her sister, Kandide is struck by lightning, which injures her wing. And in the land of the Fee, to be Imperfect is the most horrible thing you can imagine, and you must be sent away.

Kandide's father had tried for years to correct the injustices done to the Imperfect, but the members of the council outvoted him at every turn. Now an Imperfect herself after years of being ultra-perfect, Kandide is an outcast herself and must battle her own inbred prejudice and realize that beauty is not merely an outward appearance but comes from the dignity of the heart.

"Kandide and the Secret of the Mists" is a lavish fairy tale with gorgeous illustrations. Here's a close-up of the portrait of Kandide, swiped from the author's equally gorgeous website:I did wish the writing had been just a little bit tighter, but you have to forgive me--I have my editor hat on all the time. The story was intriguing, the descriptions painted a vivid picture, and I think this book will be well-enjoyed by middle-grade to early young adult readers as well as their parents.