The Princess in Black and the mysterious playdate by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Ill. by LeUyen Pham. The Princess in Black book 5.
Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN 9780763688264
(Age: 5-8) Highly recommended. My favourite princess is back and
this time she is having a playdate with Princess Sneezewort.
Unbeknowns to her a monster has followed her from the goats' field
and is terrorising the children who have pets in the park near
Princess Sneezewort's palace. When Princess Magnolia hears of the
threat she quickly dons her Princess in Black attire and goes to the
rescue. Princess Sneezewort follows the directions for becoming ' a
monster battling hero' and dressing herself in a disguise of
blankets, becomes the Princess in Blankets, and goes to the pets'
rescue as well.
Filled with funny moments and humorous illustrations, this episode
shows that with a bit of help, anyone could be a hero. The
friendship portrayed between the two princess, both as their
ordinary selves and then as heroes, is heart warming. The two
friends have such fun playing dress-up slam and karaoke jam and
playhouse romp and snack-time stomp. When they vanquish the monster
it is time for a victory dance with the Goat Avenger and they slap
hands, they wiggle bums and say 'Callooo!'
This series of books come highly recommended. The characters are
well developed and most likeable and will appeal to a wide range of
children. The delightful drawings complement the warmth and charm of
the story, which is also action packed for readers who enjoy
adventure. Readers will have lots of fun searching for the monster
who is very adept at hiding.
I look forward to further exploits of the Princess in Black and her
trusty friends.
Pat Pledger