The Dumpy Princess

June 1, 2011

No doubt meant to be droll, this arch fictionalized biography of the girl who became Queen Victoria misses the mark. 

Most of the facts are here: her six unsatisfactory uncles, her beloved dog Dash, her ascension to the throne at age 18. There is a glimpse of Albert, her royal first cousin, whom she loved and who would become her spouse. But the text focuses on the years before: People call her Vicky; much is made of her lack of chin and lack of height; her mother keeps her under tight control. All of her mother's dialogue is written in a Hogan's Heroes–esque, German-accented English, which just doesn't seem very funny in the 21st century. The Duchess, her mother, on her late husband: "How fine he vos! And vot a great kink he vould haf mate, eef his horrid brudders hadn't been born before him. How dey all hated each udder!" The villainous Sir John Conroy, who worked with Victoria's mother to make her utterly dependent (and whom she instantly dismissed from court upon her coronation), plays his part, as does Lehzen, Victoria's cherished governess. The brightly colored illustrations are exaggerated and cartoony, a good match for the text.

In the end, we are not amused. (chronology, list of kings and queens) (Historical fiction. 7-10)

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

June 1, 2011

Gr 3-5-This engaging story of how a plain little girl grew up to become Queen of England is for those who enjoy their historical fiction on the light side. Fernald navigates a dark time in history with just the right amount and type of humor, making the narrative accessible and intriguing for kids. Readers are introduced to Victoria as a baby. They witness the loutish behavior of her four less-than-princely uncles, Ernest, Frederick, William, and George. Each royal has his own problems and reasons for his bad treatment of Victoria and her widowed mother, the Duchess of Kent. Fortunately, Victoria's savvy governess protects, comforts, and advises her, gently steering her toward her destiny. Meanwhile, readers get to know the young Victoria, a lover of animals and dolls who is also a princess with a mind of her own. From infancy to her coronation, the author offers an entertaining and historically accurate glimpse into what life was like for Victoria. Charming, cartoonlike color illustrations, large and small, add to the enjoyment of the novel. This would make a good classroom read-aloud for groups studying British history.-Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL

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