Princess Me
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Overview
Make way! Make way!
Here comes the princess of the land.
She's sweet and kind.
She's oh-so-grand.
And just who is she, this lovely
Princess Me?
Come inside this book to see!
A child's bedroom is transformed into a magical kingdom in this bright, lively offering from Karma Wilson — the author of the bestselling series that began with Bear Snores On, illustrated by Jane Chapman.
Synopsis
Make way! Make way!
Here comes the princess of the land.
She's sweet and kind.
She's oh-so-grand.
And just who is she, this lovely
Princess Me?
Come inside this book to see!
A child's bedroom is transformed into a magical kingdom in this bright, lively offering from Karma Wilson — the author of the bestselling series that began with Bear Snores On, illustrated by Jane Chapman.
Publishers Weekly
The simple joys of pretend play and pint-size romanticism get the royal treatment at the hands of Wilson (Bear Snores On) and Unzner (Meredith and Her Magical Book of Spells) in this gentle rhyming fantasy. Dressed in what looks like a mostly handmade outfit, a girl-aka Princess Me-surveys her bedroom kingdom and imagines that her toys are her courtiers, complete with wimples and flowing gowns. With translucent watercolors and a delicate but sure ink line, Unzner conjures up a world that's prettily, proudly girly; her details pay tribute to a vivid imagination. In one spread, the royal subjects happily wait upon Princess Me as she perches on a pillow throne and beams an expression that's the very incarnation of noblesse oblige. As they comb her hair, proffer tea and sweets, and read aloud to the girl, Wilson writes, "A splendid tea is set each day/ and all the royal ladies stay/ to chat the afternoon away/ with clever Princess Me." Sure, Princess Me can get "cross/ or mad or blue/... just like me and you" but for the most part she represents our better selves: "To all the people in her land/ the princess gives to those she can./ From weakest child to strongest man,/ she serves all faithfully." Now that's a monarchy worth upholding. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationEditorials
Publishers Weekly
The simple joys of pretend play and pint-size romanticism get the royal treatment at the hands of Wilson (Bear Snores On) and Unzner (Meredith and Her Magical Book of Spells) in this gentle rhyming fantasy. Dressed in what looks like a mostly handmade outfit, a girl-aka Princess Me-surveys her bedroom kingdom and imagines that her toys are her courtiers, complete with wimples and flowing gowns. With translucent watercolors and a delicate but sure ink line, Unzner conjures up a world that's prettily, proudly girly; her details pay tribute to a vivid imagination. In one spread, the royal subjects happily wait upon Princess Me as she perches on a pillow throne and beams an expression that's the very incarnation of noblesse oblige. As they comb her hair, proffer tea and sweets, and read aloud to the girl, Wilson writes, "A splendid tea is set each day/ and all the royal ladies stay/ to chat the afternoon away/ with clever Princess Me." Sure, Princess Me can get "cross/ or mad or blue/... just like me and you" but for the most part she represents our better selves: "To all the people in her land/ the princess gives to those she can./ From weakest child to strongest man,/ she serves all faithfully." Now that's a monarchy worth upholding. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationChildren's Literature -
The latest book by Karma Wilson takes a very different tack from her popular Bear books. There isn't really a story in this concept book, which promotes self-esteem. A little girl in her bedroom does what so many little girls do these days: she imagines herself as a princess. The rhyming text lets the illustrations show how all of her furnishings and toys are turned into minions and admirers and how the great and greatly-beloved Princess Me is good to her subjects in turn. At the end, as the royal parents kiss her goodnight, the question is asked: "Who is this girl? I wonder who..." The answer, on the last page, is "Princess You." While there are plenty of little girls who want to emulate this pink-and-gold princess, there are many other children who will not see themselves here at all. A stronger story line could have strengthened both this book's appeal and its message. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-BerrySchool Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2
In this fanciful book, a girl enters her bedroom and imagines that she is a princess, with a play castle for a kingdom and toys dressed up in royal garb as her court. The rhyming text describes her world, praising the king and queen, her teddy-bear knight, and her helpful maids-in-waiting, before pointing out, "She's almost perfect,/but it's true-/sometimes she's cross/or mad or blue./She's really just like me and you-/as normal as can be." Throughout, a refrain queries, "who could/this princess be,/the lovely, faithful/Princess Me?" On the final page, readers are provided with an answer that invites them right into the story: "Of course, my love,/It's Princess You!" The rhythmic language makes this book a good choice for one-on-one sharing. The watercolor-and-ink illustrations are packed with whimsical details, as the girl's stuffed-animal subjects drum, joust, protect the realm, serve tea, and perform all other manner of courtly duties. The book has an eye-catching cover, as the princess's pink dress is enhanced with silver sparkles. An additional purchase for libraries serving pretend princesses.
—Linda M. KentonCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.