Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Princess Cassandra wants a pet, and she has very specific criteria: it must be a swimmer, a jumper, match her favorite green dress, and "at night, he will sit on my pillow and sing to me." A frog fits the bill perfectly, until Cassandra gives Froggy a goodnight kiss and he turns into a young prince who wants to get married right away. In fact, every single frog in the kingdom turns out to be a marriage-eager prince in disguise. Happily ever after reigns when the Princess comes across a prince who wants to remain an amphibian. First-time picture book author Bartles has a fun idea in mind, and Palacios's (the Marisol McDonald series) mixed-media pictures bring a breezy spirit to this fairy tale spoof. But the humor never gels, and the heroine's imperiousness comes off as spoiled and snooty, as opposed to empowered: "Princes aren't pets!" is her refrain, which may leave readers wondering why a prince can't be the best friend she so badly wants. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Jessica Sinsheimer, Sarah Jane Freymann Literary. Illustrator's agent: Kendra Marcus, Bookstop Literary. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
Lonely Princess Cassandra's search for a suitable pet seemingly ends with a frog. A kiss turns the frog into a prince who wants to marry her. "Princes aren't pets. I want a frog!" she declares. This happens repeatedly until, in a happily-ever-after ending, one of the frogs-turned-princes prefers being a frog. Colorful, mixed-media art complements the breezy nature of an old tale refreshingly retold. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Sometimes a prince is not what a princess needs.Although Princess Cassandra, a dark-haired white girl who wears glasses and a tiara, has everything, she isnt happy; she lacks a best friend. She decides that the friend she is missing must be a pet that matches her favorite green dress, swims, plays, jumps, and will sleep on her pillow. Well, the servants bring forth lots of pets that dont match that description until at last presenting Cassandra with a frog. All is wonderful until she kisses him goodnight and poof! he turns into a prince. The thankful prince wants to marry her. But: Princes arent pets. I want a frog! She puts him to work in the castle. This happens so many times the castle is overrun by boy servants. Even her favorite frog turns into a prince, but this one is extremely unhappy as a boy; he likes being a frog and has nowhere to go as a human. After several days during which Cassandra is friendless and the boy is listless, she accidentally kisses him as she is soothing him, and the two live happily ever afterso long as she refrains from puckering up. Palacios watercolor, graphite, and digital illustrations portray a delightful array of facial expressions on both the humans and the frogs. Human diversity is introduced in the multiplicity of princes, but most of the significant characters appear to be white. A refreshing princess book that puts kissing in its place and rejoices in childhood idylls. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
