Add this book to your collection: The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Whether it be the fairytale or romantic stigma that often surrounds princess characters, or the strength that these Damsels exude after overcoming various different hardships, children—especially girls—are drawn to stories about princesses. Heck, even I love a good “Prince Charming” story every once in a while. However, when looking for a book with some royal flare, it’s easy to fall to the stories we know so well: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and The Little Mermaid—which, while we’re at it, are considered by many as a right-of-passage for any young girl.

In my quest to find new and original stories with a good princess feel—less boy-meets-girl and more strength and self-discovery—the following books really struck a chord with me; each for their own reasons.

Princess and Fairy

by Anna Pignataro

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 8, 2009)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Rhyme, Rabbits, Parties

Light and airy and deliciously entertaining. From an intricate envelope that opens to reveal a mini sized invitation from the Queen, to a list of presents that Princess and Fairy must look for and find in the pages of delightfuly-fancy illustrations, readers are captivated to the very end.

Add this book to your collection: Princess and Fairy

The Very Little Princess

by Marion Dane Bauer

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Hardcover: 128 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (February 23, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Dolls, Mothers and daughters, Grandmothers

First of all, Marion Dane Bauer is a Newbery Honor-winning author. Second of all, this book reads like a book you’ve read over-and-over, even from the very first time you pick it up. The over-all story is one of loss—Zoe, a 10-year-old, visits her grandmother for the first time and discovers that her mother is leaving her to live there indefinitely—however, Bauer has intertwined a magical story of friendship between Zoe and a “princess” doll who comes to life, softening the loss and highlighting the importance of family.

A Junior Library Guild Selection.

Add this book to your collection: The Very Little Princess

The Secret Lives of Princesses

by Philippe Lechermeier (Author), Rebecca Dautremer (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 7+

Hardcover: 88 pages

Publisher: Sterling (June 1, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Princesses galore!

Holy princess! The illustrations in this book are so rich and mind-absorbing! This is a book for sophisticated princess-lovers—and those that enjoy individualism. From the less familiar to the unknown, The Secret Lives of Princesses offers a refreshing perspective on royal life. A beautiful book and a delectable read.

Visit www.secretlivesofprincesses.com

Giveaway: Enter to win a copy!

Add this book to your collection: The Secret Lives of Princesses

Two Moon Princess

by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 324 pages

Publisher: Tanglewood Press (June 16, 2010)

Source of book: Publicist

What to expect: Time and space, gender role, California

Time travel, history, romance, and a whole lot of independence that leads to a wonderful journey of self-discovery.

Visit the author at www.carmenferreiroesteban.com

Add this book to your collection: Two Moon Princess

Be sure to also look at these books, too:

Princess Hyacinth by Florence Parry Heide

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch

Leave us a comment: What is your favorite princess book with a twist?

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

boo·ka·raz·zi: A freelance blogger who pursues celebrities who read books, to create posts that promote children’s literature.

Children’s books written by celebrities are growing in abundance. The latest books to join this category are The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews. I haven’t had a chance to flip through either of these titles, but they look promising. However, in a world where it is quite difficult to become a published author, it seems that celebrities have the upper-hand: their media presence immediately creates a publishing opportunity that is hard to pass, consumers love celebrities.

So … how do you know whether the next celebrity written children’s book that you find in your hands is going to be quality? For starters, take a look at the suggestions offered in the comments field on these two fab blogs:

A Fuse #8 Production

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Then, leave us a comment: We’d love to know your thoughts about the suggestions left on these blogs.

In the mean time, you can read the publisher’s synopsis’ on the two books mentioned above:

The Very Fairy Princess

by Julie Andrews

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (May 18, 2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: While her friends and family may not believe in fairies, Geraldine knows, deep down, that she is a VERY fairy princess. From morning to night, Gerry does everything that fairy princesses do: she dresses in her royal attire, practices her flying skills, and she is always on the lookout for problems to solve. But it isn’t all twirls and tiaras – as every fairy princess knows, dirty fingernails and scabby knees are just the price you pay for a perfect day!

This new picture book addition to the Julie Andrews Collection features the joyful illustrations of Christine Davenier, and is sure to inspire that sparkly feeling within the hearts of readers young and old.

Add this book to your collection: The Very Fairy Princess

The Sandwich Swap

by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (April 20, 2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: Lily and Salma are best friends. They play together and stick together through thick and thin. But who would have ever thought that ordinary peanut butter or plain old hummus could come between them? Lily and Salma don’t quite understand each other’s tastes, but does that mean they can’t be friends? They understand far better than a lot of gown ups that these things hardly matter and that friendship is the most important thing of all.

Her Majesty,Queen Rania’s children’s book is inspired by her own experience.  As written by Kelly Dipuchio, it is a warm-hearted and gently humorous fable about two girls who become aware of their subtle cultural differences, only to have their friendship strengthened as a result. Her Majesty travels the world promoting children’s causes as well as cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.

Add this book to your collection: The Sandwich Swap

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

boo·ka·raz·zi: A freelance blogger who pursues celebrities who read books, to create posts that promote children’s literature.

In Tyra Banks’ pursuit to connect with women and teenage girls on issues ranging from relationships to body image, she has created a three-book series titled MODELLAND. The first novel in her debut series will be published by Delacorte Press (an imprint of Random House)  in Summer 2011. Based on Tyra’s media presence alone, this series is certain to be an instant bestseller.

…Drawing from an area of expertise she is avidly passionate about, Tyra’s MODELLAND is the story of a teen girl in a make-believe society who finds herself competing for a way of life that’s both hotly desired and woefully out of reach at an academy for Intoxibellas, the most exceptional models known to humankind. As the plot unfolds, readers will uncover lessons that are buried beneath the surface of this magical world. The premise of the 3-part fantasy series is deeply rooted in Tyra’s core mission of expanding the definitions of beauty….

…Executive Editor Wendy Loggia, editor of the bestselling series Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares and Fallen by Lauren Kate, will also edit Banks. “When we read the proposal, we immediately loved it,” says Loggia. “That it was from an icon like Tyra Banks made it a publishing opportunity like none other. Readers will be drawn to the books for the very same reasons they love Tyra—her adventuresome spirit, her sincere desire to empower females of all ages, and her unique success in the fashion world are very much present in the story. MODELLAND is hands-down the FIERCEST thing Delacorte will be publishing in 2011.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Tyra,” says Horowitz. “Tyra is passionate about reading and in MODELLAND she combines a powerful and positive message with a fun and surreal story that will resonate with readers of all ages.”…

Random House, Press Release: New York, NY, May 11, 2010

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Think Again

by JonArno Lawson (Author), Julie Morstad

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 64 pages

Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)

Source of book: Publicist

What to expect: Poetry, First love

“Make sure that your heart

Isn’t too well-defended.

Your heart is designed

To be broken and mended.”

The teenage years can be confusing and bewildering, especially when it comes to first love—I know mine were. Thankfully, JonArno Lawson has written a collection of simple but thought-provoking poems that highlights the quandary of teenage relationships. His words are encouraging, realistic, and quite blithe. Julie Morstad’s provocative line art strengthens the story and adds a visually stimulating depth with her depiction of a girl and boy who are obviously dealing with the uncertainties of a new relationship and the self-discovery that comes with the territory. Think Again is a valuable choice  for opening up discussions between peers, a parent and a teen, or an introspective soul-search. It’s a fast read that’s light and deep all at the same time.

Add this book to your collection: Think Again

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland

by J.T. Holden (Author), Andrew Johnson (Illustrator)

Reading Level: Ages 10 and up

Hardcover: 112 pages

Publisher: Candleshoe Books; 1st edition edition (January 11, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Alice in Wonderland characters, Verse, Riddles

I couldn’t resist writing a review of this book, for many reasons: Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is currently showing in theatres. The entire book is written in verse, which makes it a good choice for National Poetry Month. And … who doesn’t want to know who it was that really stole the Queen of Hearts tarts?

J.T Holden has adeptly re-imagined the characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. As a young boy, Holden was made aware of a rumour that some of Carroll’s rhymes—rhymes that had not made it into the original books—had been lost. These ‘lost rhymes’ are the inspiration behind Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland; a compilation of masterful, original poetry. While adding new and interesting elements, Holden has managed to keep the timeless appeal from the original works, allowing true fans to insatiably dig in.

From the absurdity of the verse to the well composed rhyme to the shrewd black-and-white illustrations, this book is certainly a literature lover’s delight.

Add this book to your collection: Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland

You may also like: More Alice in Wonderland Books

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Pink Me Up

by Charise Mericle Harper

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (February 23, 2010)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Pink, Fathers and daughters

It’s the day of the Pink Girls Pink-nic and Mama has come down with the chickenpox (or something of the likes). Daddy steps in to save the day, but how can a dad go to a “Pink-nic?” Boys do not wear pink—right? In our, thankfully, modern world, where men are no longer afraid to have a strong aesthetic sense, they do wear pink. And, like so many parents have done before, this particular daddy will go to great lengths to keep his daughter happy; he embraces his inner metro-sexual self by dressing in pink and taking his daughter to the Pink Girls Pink-nic. The story is playful and the text has been carefully designed to catch the eye and emphasize the mood in all of the rights places. From the cheerful font to the painted illustrations, this delightfully, entertaining story of daddy-saves-the-day will have you charmed … and the ending will leave you tickled pink!

Add this book to your collection: Pink Me Up

You may also like: Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann

A look at Charise Mericle Harper’s studio:

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

I don’t know about you, but we certainly have a large collection of tutus at our house. Too too many tutus in too too many different colors. I can’t let my daughter hear me say that—she is of the belief that a girl can never have enough tutus (or books about tutus, for that matter).

Too Too Many Tutus

by Suzanne Davis Marion (Author), Marj Hales (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 24, 2009)

Source of book: Author

What to expect: Colors, Making choices, Dancing

An imaginative and playful book about making choices and feeling good. The watercolor illustrations are colorful, classic, and delightful. A sweet book for young dancers.

Add this book to your collection: Too Too Many Tutus

The Yellow Tutu

by Kirsten Bramsen (Author), Carin Bramsen (Illustrations)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 22, 2009)

Source of book: Publisher

What to expect: Imagination, Friendship, Self-acceptance

The lead character, Margo, has a lot of spunk and imagination. There’s a little teasing that goes on, but it is quickly sorted when a friend helps Margo to stay true to herself. The illustrations are wonderfully  sunny and happy. And, in case you are wondering, tutus can be worn in more places than around your waist and are for more than just dancing.

Add this book to your collection: The Yellow Tutu

Visit this link: Best Tutu Collection

©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.