Princess Wannabe

K-Gr 2—Although Fern's babysitter tells her that princess stories "all end the same way," the wannabe princess states with her usual stubbornness, "I prefer to find out for myself." Her quest begins as independent Fern wanders directly into a world of books and her vivid imagination with a simple sneeze (from fairy dust) and the advice of an informative fairy godmother. A soft pastel palette of watercolor, acrylic, and pencil accentuate expressions and detail amid a host of easily recognizable folk- and fairy-tale characters, some in a starring role and others hidden in the spreads. The Troll at the Bridge, Big Bad Wolf, Three Blind Mice, Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, the Frog Prince, and even a Dish and Spoon appear as the youngster travels across an enchanted forest to the nearest castle, always asking questions of some oddly different fairy-tale characters on the way. The result is a lively banter of intriguing dialogue and humor amid dragons, fairies, and woodland creatures as Fern's path crosses into a fantasy world in which the forest trees obscure the smelly feet and club of a giant, a large wolf "pigsits" for friends, or a "real" princess (who looks oddly familiar) explains what life is really like for young royals. Endpages with a look of woodcuts and populated with familiar characters introduce and conclude Fern's lively adventure in fairyland.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX