5/5 stars
Razorbill, 2013
206 pages
Middle Grade Fantasy
Source: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
To be honest, I probably would have never picked this book up if it hadn't been sent to me for review. Not because it looks uninteresting but because I don't read much middle-grade unless it's by authors who are established in YA already. But I am so very glad that I had the chance to read this because I absolutely adored it!
When I first started reading, I thought it seemed a little odd. That is because it is told in rhyme! Yes, the entire story is told in rhyming verses and although it felt a little forced sometimes (quince used because it rhymed with prince), it added a sprightliness to the storytelling. I think this would definitely be a fun nighttime story for families to read together, especially if someone has a good narrating voice. Also adding to the fun was the font as words like "sparkled" and "glitz" were swankified. There was an illustration or decoration of some kind on every page, making this a book to pore over and ensuring young readers have their eyes caught.
As for the story itself, there is the kingdom of Spiff where everyone loves fashion except for the princess who likes to wear pajamas and read (a girl after my own heart :) She is an embarrassment to her father. Meanwhile in the kingdom of Spud, they wear the most outrageous outfits and have recently designated Puggly as their prince. As Spiff's royal ball nears, the princess infuriates her father with her disinterest in clothes and Puggly ends up humiliated by a sneering couterier. The two leave in tears but team up to teach everyone a lesson.
Overall: A splendid time was had while reading this book-I chuckled and smiled throughout and ended by hugging the book close to me, a sure sign of a happy time spent reading!
Oh, the combo of rhyme and mg sounds like its not for me, but great review.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading,
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Not sure how I feel about a book in verse, but clearly you enjoyed it a lot!
ReplyDeleteYeah, not a lot rhymes with "prince."
Since? Mints? Vince?
How fun! I've read.. one other books in rhyme before and I quite liked that :) This sounds definitely like something I would enjoy for one time. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy.
Thanks for checking out Brizmus Blogs Books! This actually looks adorable - I've never read a book told in rhyme before, but I'm into pajama wearing princesses who read. :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't usually read MG either, but I often keep my eye out for good books to recommend to some of my younger cousins. You also had me curious about the illustrations. Love it when books do that. Might have to check it out for myself! LOL
ReplyDeleteSince this one got 5 stars AND it's told in rhyme, I'm too curious not to read it now! :)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very cute. Have you read The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool? This book reminds me of that one, which I loved.
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