The Secret Lives of Princesses

Gr 2—4—It is safe to say that this volume, purporting to be a guide to princesses, is unique. It is more catalog than storybook. Lechermeier has invented a variety of eccentric women, such as Princess Barbara of Babel, who "speaks a multitude of languages. All the time." Or Princess Claire Voyant, who "reads tarot cards, tea leaves, palms, even the feet of spiders." Also included are expositions on subjects ranging from four-poster beds to cat-o'-nine-tails and a quiz for would-be princesses. Dautremer illustrates the royal population with lush, fanciful paintings replete with teeny details that, if closely observed, reveal more secrets than the text. A certain sort of child may enjoy the wordplay and sly humor herein, but many will find this wacky compendium more frustrating than fun.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY