Review by Booklist Review
Haack follows up Prince & Knight (2018) with another inclusive picture book that expands fairy tale staples: in a faraway kingdom, a prince comes of age, and the king and queen host a ball to find him a suitable bride. One maiden, however, is less than thrilled. A warrior girl, she knows him from the battlefield, and she admires but does not love him. Still, in the story's easy rhyme, her mother encourages her to attend the ball anyway: ""Just go! / And have a bit of fun. / The prince might not be right, / but you could meet the one."" At the ball, however, everyone seems convinced she's perfect for the prince! Even the king and queen insist on a dance. But the maiden realizes this isn't the future she wants and flees, only to encounter a girl outside. It's love at first sight, and even when the girl turns out to be the princess, all ends well: the king and queen give their blessing immediately. There is wonderful diversity in the colorful illustrations the royal family is Black, the visiting princesses come from multicultural backgrounds, and a range of body types are represented. The ultimate conflict here is about staying true to yourself despite outside influences, and it's a welcome message for all. Share widely this sweet, openhearted fairy tale that gently affirms all kinds of love.--Maggie Reagan Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In an eclectic kingdom, a tenacious young woman, who wears an enviable suit of stylish armor and has a dragon for a pet, dreads attending the king and queen's ball, where they hope to "find their son a worthy bride." When she is chosen as the best match for the prince, she is miserable (he's a nice enough guy, but "I see him as a brother"). When she's approached by "a beautiful girl"-the princess-"who took the maiden's breath away," the two form an instant romantic bond. Readers may expect resistance from the king and queen; refreshingly, though, the two wholeheartedly approve of the match. Artist Human dresses the diverse villagers in lavish, jewel-toned gowns and dramatic headpieces, bringing a sense of opulence to the pages. Galupo and Haack joyfully subvert fairy tale tropes while maintaining romance and enchantment. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
When it's announced that a medieval prince must choose a bride, only one village maiden doesn't see him (or any man) as husband material. But when she meets the prince's sister at the ball... This follow-up to the likewise gay-positive Prince & Knight features rhymes that are indifferent to meter, but the sumptuous jewel-toned art gives the Middle Ages an enchanting aura. (c) Copyright 2021. 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.
