Review by Booklist Review
A book that gently admonishes parents for their creative nicknaming, Katz's latest is narrated by a young girl who doesn't like picturing herself as a buttercup, a giggly goose, a cupcake, a little lamb, or a sweet gumdrop. Dressed in her fancy dress, shiny crown, velvet cape, and glittery jewels, she would much rather be called by her real name : Princess Baby. If slightly generic, Katz's sweet, mixed-media illustrations are brightly colored (lots of pinks, purples, and greens) and textured (the sparkly golden crown on the cover is even a little rough to the touch); the girl's face is a big circle with tiny features, and her stuffed-animal playmates are drawn in the same vein. The art ably supports the book's messages about children's rich fantasy life and their desire to assert themselves, which come through clearly enough for most kids to grasp.--Nolan, Abby Copyright 2008 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The curly-haired and clearly much-adored young heroine is sick and tired of people calling her "Cupcake," "Giggly Goose," "Missy Muffin" and other such sobriquets. After all, her "real name"-and the book's title-should be obvious from her shiny crown (it glitters on the book jacket), or her wand, or her innate sense of noblesse oblige ("I have perfect manners... and make sure that everyone in my kingdom is happy"). Katz's (Counting Kisses) characters are the very definition of pert. They have big round heads and tiny cute eyes, and they frolic on pastel backgrounds of polka dots, clouds and flowers; even the human beings looks like plush toys. Toddler girls just discovering the joys of dress-up should find this as enticing as a glittery petticoat, although the same idea received more astute treatment this past fall in Karma Wilson and Christa Unzner's Princess Me. Ages 1-5. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-This typically self-absorbed toddler is not amused by the pet names she is called-Buttercup, Cupcake, or Little Lamb. She is greeted each day with endearing phrases such as, "Time for breakfast, Giggly Goose" or "How's my Sweet Gumdrop today?" But as she romps around the house in her floral pajamas, the audience will soon realize her preferred name as she dons her golden crown and glittery jewels. Baby joyously leaps across a spread with clothes a-flying. Katz has drawn the human and stuffed-animal characters with perfectly rounded heads, and she uses other softly curving lines in rendering motions such as a curtsey and arm gestures. The predominate color is fuchsia, while other bright hues complement the rosy tones. The cover attracts attention because the crown and shoes are done in a glittery gold. Toddlers will ask for repeated readings of this cheerful view of a youngster's world.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Tired of being called cutesy nicknames ("cupcake," "buttercup"), a toddler demands to be called "by my REAL name." The little girl then gives hints about what that name is--though the title gives the answer away. The minimal text is enlivened by Katz's bright, simply composed illustrations. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Katz's latest work is ideal for the early-preschool and toddler set. Exasperated by the bevy of endearing monikers her loving parents bestow upon her, Katz's pint-sized protagonist staunchly demands emancipation from pet names. Katz offers up a litany of silly ones to tickle fancies, many of which (Cupcake, Little Lamb, Buttercup) they may recognize, as well. Naturally, the determined tot has a strong opinion about what she should be called. Lest readers assume the precocious toddler desires to be called by any mundane name, Katz provides some strategic clues to enlighten them--glamorous jewels and a sparkling crown. The collage-style illustrations utilize a variety of media, which combine to create vivid, almost three-dimensional, artwork. Add a cherubic, ruby-cheeked tot and the overall effect is eminently appealing to young readers and princess fans alike. This sparkly, lighthearted tale is bound to enchant hopeful young ladies-in-waiting. (Picture book. 1-5) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
