Who Wants to Be a Princess?

January 1, 2017
Text and Disney-esque artwork contrast the "typical" fairy-tale princess's way of life and that of a real (though fictional) princess in medieval Europe. "Psst...you in your tiara and twirly dress. You look like you're dreaming of being a princess like Cinderella. Or Snow White. Or Sleeping Beauty." The princess peering out of a mirror, who looks exactly like the white, pink-gowned princess looking in except for her brown dress, introduces herself as Beatrice--a "very real" princess from the Middle Ages who will reveal her life "versus a fairy-tale day." The book falls flat for several reasons. From the start, the sole benchmarks for fairy tales appear to be only the aforementioned princesses. How else to contrast singing to forest animals with practicing riding and archery? Or "Princess Charm School" with French lessons from a tutor? The art's cartoonish renderings minimize opportunities for real contrast by constantly showing the fairy-tale life in bright pinks and medieval life in earth tones. There are a few facts that might be new for some readers, such as the itchy wool of Beatrice's everyday dresses, the polluted waters of moats, and the custom of arranged marriage. Although princesses of color appear in minor roles in some of the fairy-tale scenes, wholly absent from the "real" history is the fact that the world beyond Europe existed during the medieval period. Oddly, a realistic contrast to fairy-tale knights is avoided, and a double-page spread of a "realistic" feast seems not too different from fairy-tale feasts. An unconvincing attempt to contrast fantasy with historical reality. (author's note, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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January 1, 2017

Gr 2-4-A fairy-tale princess has a pretty glamorous life. She wears fancy dresses, dances at the ball, and has helpful anthropomorphic woodland creatures attending to her every need. The fantasy is so dazzling that it's easy to forget the reality. Princess Beatrice, a fictional royal, is here to share what life as a medieval princess was really like. Each spread provides helpful facts that illuminate the truth about growing up royal in the Middle Ages. For example, princesses didn't wait to be rescued by a handsome prince. Instead, they were placed in an arranged marriage, often at a very young age. They did not get cursed by an evil queen, but they spent time practicing embroidery and horseback riding. The engaging illustrations emphasize the contrast between the vivid fantasy world and the more muted earth tones of real life. Back matter includes an author's note with more factual information as well as a brief bibliography for those who wish to learn more about castle life in the Middle Ages. The book also serves as a gentle reminder that while it may be fun to daydream about another life, the reality may not be as enviable. VERDICT Appropriate for most picture book collections, this title adds a much-needed touch of reality to the princess genre.-Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH

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January 1, 2017
Grades K-2 When many children imagine princesses, they imagine fairy tale castles, lovely dresses, and magical creatures. This humorous picture book reveals the far less glamorous reality of being a princess during the Middle Ages. No fancy, soft gowns for this royal daughter, just itchy wool dresses. Tall castles with spiraling towers are replaced with large, gray, dull structures surrounded by smelly moats. And danger comes in the form of invading armies hiding under cover of darkness, not witches with curses. Migy's bright, colorful, and fun illustrations enliven the story and put a cartoonish spin on Heos' text. Like the You Wouldn't Want to . . . series, this book debunks common notions and never shies away from the gross elements, such as the fact that the royal family and guests would not clean up bones or crumbs that fell on the dining-room floor, leading to constant rat visitors. Little ones curious about life in the royal court might appreciate this inviting glimpse into the past. An author's note and further reading round out this informational picture book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)