Carmela LaVigna Coyle is the author of one of our favorite series. Along with Mike Gordon’s very sweet illustrations, Carmela LaVigna Coyle has created an extremely down to earth, outdoor-loving, girl collection. Most young girls dream, aspire—or at least dress up as—a princess at some time in their childhood. There are so many princess books to be found, but none are as passionately normal or encouraging of the great outdoors, as the two that are reviewed below.
Written by Carmela LaVigna Coyle
Illustrated by Mike Gordon
Reading level: Ages 2-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Rising Moon (February 25, 2003)
The main character of the book is an inquisitive and eager girl.
… “Mommy, do princesses wear hiking boots? If they wish to take the scenic routes.” …
The little girl persists with lots of questions that cover many familiar pre-school aged topics – do princesses ride tricycles, climb trees, have to clean their rooms, or eat vegetables and the crusts of their bread? She is always answered with wonderful mommy wisdom and in a way that rhymes with the questions, making for an easily engaging story. The last two pages make the book (and melt your heart),
… “Mommy, do princesses seem at all like me? Look inside yourself and see…”
the last page is a mirror, which allows the readers to answer this very important question. Such an encouraging book to teach children to be themselves.
Written by Carmela LaVigna Coyle
Illustrated by Mike Gordon
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Rising Moon (February 25, 2005)
… “Do princesses stop to smell the flowers? They’ve been known to do that for hours.” …
The same inquisitive girl takes a turn at questioning her daddy, with a whole new set of questions. This time the questions target nature, as the pair takes off for a hike – which makes for a beautiful father-daughter bonding experience. In the same rhythmical manner and with the same sweet heart-warming illustrations as Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots, Do Princesses Really Kiss Frogs hits the spot! The bonus scavenger hunt at the end of the book gives a great opportunity to really go back and enjoy the artwork – there are also suggestions for taking your own real life scavenger hunt.