The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate
by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale; Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Candlewick Press (September 5, 2017)
Fiction * Superheroes * Friends
Audience: Ages 5 to 8
Indiebound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
Noseholes and elephants! A pet-eating monster interrupts a perfect playdate with Princess Sneezewort . . . but who is that new masked avenger?
Princess Magnolia and Princess Sneezewort have plans . . . mysterious plans, like a princess playdate! They dress-up slam! They karaoke jam! They playhouse romp and snack-time stomp! But then a shout from outside Princess Sneezewort's castle interrupts their fun. It’s a monster trying to eat someone’s kitty! This is a job for the Princess in Black. Yet when the Princess in Black gets there, she finds only a masked stranger and no monster in sight . . . or is there? Action and humor abound in this ode to friendship that proves that when shape-shifting monsters intrude on your plans, two heroes are better than one.
Quick thoughts on the book:
When Michele and I started this challenge, it was partially to explore less familiar early readers and chapter books. However, there are some series that are popular for a reason and I couldn't resist sharing. The Princess in Black series is a favorite of mine and one that I look forward to reading each year when there is a new release.
In the 5th book of the series, we get to see more of Princess Sneezewort. I think Princess Sneezewort is one of my favorites. We met Princess Sneezewort in The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party, and I been keeping my fingers-crossed that there would be more of her in future books. And good news...there is more Princess Sneezewort.
Princess Sneezewort as the Princess in Blankets joins the Princess in Black and the Goat Avenger in battling monsters and making the kingdom safer for all. As I was reading through the book this time, I realized that one of the things I love about this series is how is captures heroes in the most perfect way for readers in the 5 to 7 year old age range. As much as the stories are fun and the superhero element is celebrated, there is something that perfectly captures the actions and mindset of five and six year olds. The celebratory dance, with bum wiggling, at the end of the book distinctly captures the enthusiasm and playful nature of this age group.
And I have to say, the monster in this book is probably my favorite in the whole series.
Look for this and the others in the series at your local bookstore or public library.
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