Toads and Diamonds, by Heather Tomlinson

When I first found this book, I wasn't particularly fond of the cover, but the title suggested a fractured fairy tale based on those two opposite sisters - one who was kind and had diamonds fall from her mouth, the other who was mean and ugly (of course) and had toads fall from her mouth. A fan of fairy tales, I put it on hold, and enjoyed this twist using Indian culture and lore added to a favorite story.

Toads and Diamonds, by Heather Tomlinson
Young Adult, 2010

from fantasticfiction.co.uk:
Diribani never expected to meet a goddess at the village well, much less one who grants her a remarkable gift: flowers and precious jewels drop from her lips whenever she talks. Tana is happy for her beloved stepsister, yet when she encounters the goddess, she finds herself speaking snakes and toads. While Diribani's newfound wealth brings her a prince, Tana is chased out of the village because the province's governor fears snakes, though thousands are dying of a plague spread by rats. As their fates hang in the balance, each sister struggles to understand her gift. Will it bring her wisdom, good fortune, love . . . or death?

I was intrigued by the idea of both sisters being decent - and although it's made clear that Diribani is beautiful and Tana is merely 'normal', I liked that they were basically on even ground as well. I expected a little more selfishness from the mother, and her character never seemed to get finished. The romance between the two couples was cute, but the ending stopped a bit too soon for me - so many questions were left unanswered.

Graded a B.

Heather Tomlinson has also written The Swan Maiden and Aurelie.