Pirates & Princesses

K-Gr 2—Ivy and Fletch have a very special relationship. They had been friends since birth and played together exclusively until kindergarten. Now their relationship is tested. Unlike nursery school, the boys and girls segregate themselves. The boys play pirates, and the girls play princesses during recess. Their worlds never collide until Ivy is captured by the pirates and Fletch comes to her rescue. The other children are shocked to see a boy stand up for a girl and it is difficult for them to understand that the two are friends. Ivy and Fletch proceed to join both factions and teach them games to play together. Davenier illustrates the story with kid-friendly sketched figures in pastel and watercolor, and her art shows much motion and emotion. Unfortunately, the delivery of the message is not well done. The text seems to have been created for a slightly older audience as some dialogue doesn't seem on target in a book meant for five-year-olds. Children may find the story too lengthy and lacking in appeal. This one misses the mark.—Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT