Friday, November 19, 2010

Book Review - The Secret Lives of Princesses

Illustrated by: Rebecca Dautremer
Published by: Sterling Publishing
Released on: June 2010
Ages: 6 to 8
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars - I highly recommend this book!

Synopsis (from Sterling Publishing): Go beyond Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella! Some princesses are well-known to all children—but others, equally magical (and sometimes, a lot funnier) have remained anonymous, mysterious, and far from the fairy-tale crowd.

Now these captivating ladies are finally stepping out of the shadows where they’ve remained hidden for far too long. With wit, sublime humor, and beautiful art, The Secret Lives of Princesses introduces a bevy of royal daughters to the court of young readers. While it alludes to some of their more famous sisters, this large and lusciously illustrated compendium presents such unique and unforgettable characters as the petite Princess Claire Voyant, who can see very far into tomorrow (but muddles her predictions); Princess Oblivia, who forgets everything and misses all her appointments; Princess Tangra-La, who does the tango, the fandango, and any dance that comes her way; and Princess Babbling Brooke, who chatters on and on about everything and nothing. Plus, you’ll learn about such princessy matters as the language of fans; coats of arms; and how not to offend dangerous fairies who cast evil spells.

Poetic, often humorous, and always enchanting, this is the perfect collection for princess-loving girls who long for more than just the traditional fairy tale.

I bought this story book for my two daughters and I have to admit that I loved it as much as they did.

The illustrations are gorgeous, detailed and very whimsical. Look for example at Princess Oblivia (pictured on the left) and then read the accompanying text:
She misses all appointments, never catches the train on time, and arrives at the theater either one week early or three days late.

She is related to Cinderella who was so absentminded that she completely forgot that her carriage would transform into a pumpkin and her dress into rags when the clock struck midnight.


Isn't the prose perfect? Well, just wait until you meet the other princesses: Princess Somnia, Princess Do-Re-Mi and others. To take a peek inside the book, click on over to the gallery on their website here. And if you have a princess in your life or if you are a princess, be sure to check this book out.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~