'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 7 February 2013

Review: The Princess of 8th Street

Princess Jane lives in a tower with her royal family, overlooking the Kingdom of 8th Street. She spends her days in her royal bedchamber, fulfilling all manner of royal duties - studying, painting, dancing and singing - and of course, managing the royal zoo (a menagerie of stuffed toys).

When the Queen appears and asks Princess Jane if she would like to accompany her on a shopping trip, the princess fetches her royal cape and descends, past the awful goblin-esque brother and along the thoroughfares to the marketplace.

On the way, Princess Jane is confronted by the pleasure grounds on the outskirts of the kingdom. A park to most kids, Jane becomes overwhelmed at the rough and tumble antics of the commoners who frequent the pleasure grounds, but she soon learns she's not the only princess on the block.

This is a pleasant, sweet, if not slightly moralistic tale about friendship and family and one's place in the world. The colours used in the charming illustrations are a highlight - and little princesses are sure to readily engage with their own kind.

Title: The Princess of 8th Street
Author/Illustrator: Linas Alsenas
Publisher: Abrams, $23.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 November 2012
Format: Hard cover with dust jacket
ISBN: 9780810989726
For ages: 5 - 10
Type: Picture Book