The Runaway Princess

November 4, 2019
This fizzy, inventive graphic trio of stories stars Robin, a princess who, in the first episode, skips out on her tutor Elias’s etiquette class and sets off for the Aquatic Carnival in nearby Noor, finding four lost brothers on the way. (“I’m Paul,” the oldest says, politely. “This is Matt, Lee, and Omar.”) The five soon reach Noor, the City of Water, where a mermaid floating in a bubble bewitches Paul and the younger boys disappear (“You sure get lost a lot,” Robin says, in the Smiths’ natural-sounding translation). In all three tales, new creatures and dilemmas appear as fast as the old ones are dispatched, with opportunities for readers to help out now and then (“Use your finger to find out which path they should follow”). Evildoers are often reassuringly incompetent (one makes a gingerbread house with salt instead of sugar), and famous characters from classic children’s books make cameo appearances (“I’m Mr. Mole, and this is Mr. Badger”). Author-
illustrator Troïnowski’s loopy drawings, brilliant colors, and hectic pacing make this book the perfect companion to while away a long journey. Ages 8–12.

February 14, 2020

Gr 3-5-Princess Robin loves adventure, and adventure loves her! Whether narrowly escaping danger in dark labyrinths, breaking bewitching spells, outwitting pumpkin minions, or standing up to a dreaded pirate, Robin, accompanied by her friends, is an inquisitive, optimistic, and doggedly determined heroine. However, though the princess's willful walk into the unknown and her penchant for evading imminent danger are appealing, the book's real charm lies with the book's interactive element. Broken into three connected yet distinct tales, the narrative appeals directly to the reader to help Robin maneuver the kingdom or save her friends. These cleverly-placed invitations not only keep readers focused on the action but help drive it as well. The buoyant cartoons, which rely on a gorgeous palette of warm and cool colors to complement the bold red of the princess, effectively capture Robin's journeys. VERDICT For fans of fantasy, adventure, or graphic novels.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Library, IL

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