Early Book Review: The Ninjabread Man (Twisted Fairy Tales) by Stewart Ross

The Ninjabread Man is a part of the Twisted Fairy Tales series of children's books by Stewart Ross.  It is currently scheduled for release on February 15 2020. Long ago, in ancient Japan, two ninja warriors had everything they wanted in life, except for a child. So they decided to bake one! Out of the oven leaped a speedy, sneaky, and brave Ninjabread Man who went on to cause absolute chaos! 

The Ninjabread Man is exactly what you expect from the title of the book, a twist on the classic Gingerbread Man story. This is not the first, or I expect the last, version of the tale that uses the Ninja twist. I did like the illustrations, they were fun and bright, adding some humor and color to the pages. However, there were some grammar issues in the text and it just did not strike me is twisting the tale or making it fresh enough. It was a good idea, but not one that excited me or had me eager to recommend it to anyone.  

Book Review: A Tangle of Brungles by Shobha Viswanath, Culpeo Fox

A Tangle of Brungles is a children's book written by Shobha Viswanath and illutrated by Culpeo Fox. To summon the handsome Mr. Brungle, a coven of witches stir up the great brungle stew. A lounge of lizards, a mischief of mice and a quiver of cobras are just a few ingredients they toss in to create this terrible broth. But does Mr. Brungle appear? The book is a humorous introduction to some collective nouns.

A Tangle of Brungles is a visually impressive book. The illustrations are bright, bold, and teaming with detail. The texts flows nicely, telling the story of witches looking for love, and naming a variety of collective nouns in the process. I think it was well done although I have to admit some of the rhymes did not work for me, like broth and north. However, overall I liked the flow and the voice in the text. I thought the ending was a fun surprise as well. I have looked up more than a few collective nouns over the years, out of curiosity, and still learned a few new ones in this book. With the sneaking leaning and entertaining  text I enjoyed the read very much, but still found the artwork to be my favorite part. I would gladly study the illustrations over and over again and suspect it will be a long time before I stop noticing new things on each page.

Early Book Review: The Bat by Elise Gravel

The Bat by Elise Gravel is an illustrated nonfiction book about bats perfect for beginning readers. It is currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020. This book uses conversational text and silly illustrations to teach readers about habitat (bats live everywhere except Antarctica!), species (there are over 1,200 kinds of bats), echolocation, hibernation (bats hibernate just like bears!), conservation (don't disturb a sleeping bat!) and much more. Although silly and off-the-wall, it contains factual information that will both amuse and teach at the same time.

The Bat gives the youngest readers a good introduction to facts about bats. There are some interesting facts, and important information about safety and why bats are not scary. The illustrations are fun and bold, with a touch of silly to keep the readers engaged.The text and images on each page work together perfectly and keep the narrative moving along nicely.  I found the balance of fun and fact to be good for those readers with short attention spans, and that prefer the sillier stories to non fiction text. I think this would be a hit with the  preschool and lower elementary school crowd. 

Book Review: The Paper Bag Princess (40th anniversary edition) by Robert Munsch

The Paper Bag Princess is a classic picturebook and I was excited to see as a 40th anniversary edition by Robert Munsch being released on February 4 2020. 40 years. 7 million copies. 1 kick-ass princess who has inspired four generations of readers to stand up for themselves. How do you celebrate an occasion as special as 40 years in print for a book as beloved as The Paper Bag Princess? You track down some of the most poignant commentary about the story; you share behind-the-scenes insights from the author and his partner; and you present it all in a beautiful package that showcases the story like never before.

The Paper Bag Princess is a story that has always resonated with me. Elizabeth is a princess, with all the riches and trappings. When a dragon steals away her equally perfect princely fiance she sets about rescuing him. She is resourceful and smart- but her prince chides her for being unladylike just before she tells him off and goes on her merry way. Elizabeth's determination, intelligence, and independence have inspired many from my generation, and those after us. As happy as I am to see more books every year encouraging kids to be themselves and help others, this book will always be the benchmark by which I measure newer books with similar messages. Frankly, while some come cose, none have ever surpassed this book in my heart. I loved this new addition, and enjoyed reading about the inspiration of the book and how others have felt about it over the years. I think readers of all ages can still appreciate the charming art style, and the heartfelt message of this book. It will appeal to new readers, and those of us basking in nostalgia alike. 

The Paper Bag Princess is a book I am glad to see re released with additional artwork and commentary.  I think a copy of this edition is going to be added to my already overcrowded shelves.

Early Book Review: The Surprising Lives of Animals: How They Can Laugh, Play and Misbehave! by Anna Claybourne

The Surprising Lives of Animals: How They Can Laugh, Play and Misbehave! by Anna Claybourne is a non fiction children's book currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020. Did you know that some animals giggle and play just like us? Or that certain animals build their homes, stockpile their food, and use tools? In this book you’ll learn about the things that humans and animals have in common. From team work, exercise, and self-care to dancing and getting into trouble, you’ll discover that, actually, animals are a lot like you! Visiting underground burrows and grassy savannas, watery realms, and towering tree tops, this book will take you around the world on a journey of discovery. Meet the monkeys who love to take baths, or the penguins who toboggan for fun. Hear the stories of escaping honey badgers, sneaky spiders, and clever crows. Or find out if animals can really talk. You’ll see plenty of Earth’s creatures, from creepy crawlies to mega mammals, and you’ll learn about their lives, habitats, characteristics, and behaviors–and uncover what makes each of them so surprisingly similar to us humans. Look out for ‘Scientist Spotlight’ boxes too, to learn about some important scientists and conservationists, such as Sir David Attenborough and Dame Jane Goodall.

The Surprising Lives of Animals is a wonderful nonfiction book that shows just how smart, and like people, animals can be in their lives. There was a good deal of information that was new to me, and I like that it was organized by type of behavior rather than animal,  which I felt shows just how universal emotion and some behaviors really are. I found the wide variety of animals, and the variety of climates and locations that they are found, further showed the universal nature I was talking about. I found the information about the animals, their behavior, and the spotlights on scientists that work in the field to all be well written and engaging. I think that the illustrations are well done and add both further details and interest to each page. I found myself studying some of the images for details referred to in the nearby text or just enjoying the skill that went into them. I also like that they took the time to include a glossary and resources for further reading. I can think of many readers, children and adults, that would enjoy this read.

The Surprising Lives of Animals is a wonderful look at just how much the behavior of animals mirrors human behavior. It teaches a great deal about the animals and the behaviors covered, and could be a good tool to encourage empathy and care for all creatures. 

Early Book Review: The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner

The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on February 4 2020. From the way they fly, to how they communicate with one another, how they hunt, and why they sleep upside-down, each of the world's 1,300 types of bat is unique and utterly fascinating. Bats are also incredibly important to the environment. As well as gobbling up pests, and spreading seeds through the forests, they also pollinate more than 500 different species of plants throughout the world, including some of our favorite fruits such as mangoes and bananas.

The Bat Book is a book with a nice balance of illustrations and text. The text is interesting and accessible to readers from a wide range of skill levels. I love bats, and thought I knew a great deal about them. While Much of the information was a refresher for me, I still learned a great deal about bats- particularly those that do not live in my area. I really like that Milner talked about habitats, included where people and bats overlap, and how we can make it easier for bats to live. I think this would be a great addition to classroom, school, and public libraries. 

Early Book Review: Snow White and the Seven Robots (Twisted Fairy Tales) by Stewart Ross

Snow White and the Seven Robots is part of the Twisted Fairy Tales series by Stewart Ross. it is currently scheduled for release on February 15 2020. When the wicked Star Queen shipwrecks her daughter, Snow White, on a remote forest planet, the plucky princess uses her engineering know-how to rebuild her ruined spacecraft into robot helpers! Can she and her mechanical friends find a way to defeat the Star Queen once and for all?

Snow White and the Seven Robots is of course a retelling of Snow White. I liked the illustrations and that Snow White was clever and kind, and that romance was not involved at all, although her good friend the prince was involved toward the end. Snow's ingenuity and determination was nice, but the whole think felt a little flat and forced for me. I can see some young readers enjoying it, as it is well illustrated, but it is not one that I will be recommending regularly. 

I requested this book and a second from the series in the same day- because I love fairytale retellings. I have seen some great ones for kids, my favorite still being Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood. I know they will not all be on that level, but generally I still find most of them to be fun reads. I do not expect to read more from this series after these two reviews are done. 

Early Book Review: The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury

The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury is a middle grade fantasy currently scheduled for release on January 21 2020. Amelia Jones always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to create magic. So when Amelia botches her audition, she thinks her dream has met an abrupt and humiliating end—until the school agrees to give her a trial period. Amelia is determined to prove herself, vowing to do whatever it takes to become the perfect musician. Even if it means pretending to be someone she isn’t. Meanwhile, a mysterious storm is brewing that no one, not even the maestros at Mystwick, is prepared to contain. Can Amelia find the courage to be true to herself in time to save her beloved school from certain destruction?

The Mystwick School of Musicraft has a nice blend of middle grade angst, mystery, and magic. Amelia has more questions than answers about her late mother, and just wants to be like her as a way to connect with what she has lost. In a world were music and magic go together, that means making music with her mother's flute- and following in her footsteps. Like in most fantasy worlds, magic comes with risk and cost which are not always apparent at first glance. Readers learn this lesson along side Amelia as she also has to deal with fairly typical middle school angst, imposter syndrome and self doubt, and mysterious weather and tricks that make everything even harder. I really enjoyed that while a boarding school of magical music makers is fantasy, the fears of he characters were completely realistic. I found how the characters acted, interacted, and reacted to everything to be consistent with what I have seen in real people. This holds true in actions that I agreed with, and those that left me shaking my head or cringing. The hearts of the characters were very real, even when they were acting badly. I really enjoyed the world and character building and hope that this story continues as a series, because I want to know more about Amelia's adventures. 

The Mystwick School of Musicraft is a solid middle grade fantasy with action, relatable characters, and a good dose of mystery and magic. 

Early Book Review: Jinxed by Amy McCulloch

Jinxed by Amy McCulloch is a middle grade series starter that is currently scheduled for release on January 7 2020. Lacey Chu has always dreamed of working as an engineer for MONCHA, the biggest tech firm in the world and the company behind the “baku”—a customizable “pet” with all the capabilities of a smartphone. But when Lacey is rejected by the elite academy that promises that future, she’s crushed. One night, Lacey comes across the broken form of a highly advanced baku. After Lacey repairs it, the cat-shaped baku she calls Jinx opens its eyes and somehow gets her into her dream school. But Jinx is different than any other baku she’s ever seen…He seems real. As Lacey settles into life at school, competing with the best students in a battle of the bakus that tests her abilities, she learns that Jinx is part of a dangerous secret. Can Lacey hold on to Jinx and her dreams for the future?

Jinxed is ba well written start to a new series. Lacey is a smart and determined middle school girl, who has her faults and makes mistakes but tries to to the right and best thing. The world and character building is well done, feeding readers the information they need at a good pace, neither overwhelming them with too much information at once or making them wonder if they missed something. I liked Lacey's character and the relationships she maintains or builds with those important to her- even if she makes some mistakes along the way. I liked the premise and the execution of it.  I thought that the technology in the story is well done, and not unrealistic when the story on how and why it was developed in considered. I would not be surprised if someone was already working on something of this nature. The implications of the technology is also well thought out and positioned in the story to be game changers.The characters are all complex, and even the ones we only see in passing feel complex and multi layered- leaving them plenty of room to play major roles in the upcoming books. My only complaint with the story is that it does end with a cliffhanger. The majority of the story is wrapped up and crisis managed, but there is a big new problem to deal with. I cannot wait for the next book so I can read all about what happens next. 

Jinxed is a very well written middle grade novel with great series potential. I am eager to see where Lacey and the other characters go from here. 

Book Review: The Book of Flying Machines by Neil Clark

The Book of Flying Machines by Neil Clark follows the robot dog Cogz, and his mice sidekicks, Nutty and Bolt. They are up in the sky, looking different flying machines. But how do they work? Discover all about forces, learn about wings, find out about the fastest planes in the world and more. The book covers STEM themes of engineering, physics, and inventions with a fun quiz to test the reader's knowledge.

The Book of Flying Machines is a colorfully illustrated book with a nice amount of information on a variety of flying machines. I think my favorite part of the book is the illustrations- they just captured my attention and imagination from the very start. I think the text was well written, accessible and appropriate for the lower elementary grades but perhaps too much for the preschool crowd.  The facts were interesting and will appeal to young readers that have an interest in the topic, or things that move in general. 

Book Review: The Cow Said Neigh! by Rory Feek, Bruno Robert

The Cow Said Neigh!, written by Rory Feek and illustrated by Bruno Robert, is the story of some peculiar farm animals who wish they were like other animals on the farm. The cow wants to run free like a horse, the sheep wants a snout like a pig, the dog wants to be inside like the cat. Soon the entire farm is in chaos! 

The Cow Said Neigh! is a cute story about animals seeing the good of being someone else for a bit. The cow appreciates the freedom of the horse, who likes the look of the duck's quiet life, and so on. The rhymes are cute, and I liked the text style that was used. I think it was the art that caught my eye the most here though. I really enjoyed the colors and lines. There was whimsy to the art, but the lines were still nice and clean. The text placement, style, and color effects were balanced well with the art making the pages cohesive and fun. I think this could become a favorite read for many, and will make readers of all ages smile.

Book Review: Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford, Eric Velasquez

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library was written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro–Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library is a wonderful look at the work and dreams of Schomburg. He did not want to discover the history and accomplishments that are often whitewashed from history for his own sake. As much as he loved the research, collecting, and learning he also loved teaching and sharing this information with others. I really enjoyed reading about poets, musicians, and activists that I did not know about (or know the whole story of). More importantly it inspired me to do more of my own research, and hopefully arrange a trip to the New York Public library to see this collection in person.  While some might find the book a little text heavy, I cannot imagine what could be cut out of the story without losing interesting and important information. In fact, there is so much more that could have been included that I think there was a good balance. The art did a good job of matching the text and keeping my interest. I think this would be a great addition particularly for school and library collections. It would be a great discussion starter and would also be a fantastic choice for inspiring student to research people that might not have received the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library  is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

Book Review: Dear Professor Whale by Megumi Iwasa

Dear Professor Whale by Megumi Iwasa is a follow up to Yours Sincerely, Giraffe, which I missed somehow. If you have missed the first like me, no worries, the connection is quickly explained. Now that Professor Whale has retired, he writes many letters to "You, Whoever You Are, Who Lives on the Other Side of the Horizon". Seal and Pelican are busy delivering the letters and Penguin is now teaching. Although he is happy his friends are doing so well, Whale wants a special friend; who might call him by a friendly sort of name. Like Whaley, maybe, instead of "Professor." The letters bring penguins, whales, and seals together in the famous Whale Point Olympics, where the winners are friendship and humor.

Dear Professor Whale is a cute illustrated story that will appeal most to emerging readers. I did find the illustrations to be a little simplistic, almost childish. It did not seem like they were intended to, as some books do. The story of a whale seeking the kind of friendships and comradery that those around him have is nice, and the idea of searching for a new nickname or persona is one that people of all ages might relate to. The continuing tales of penpals, the whale olympics, and so on were nice. They flowed well together and had some imaginative and creative moments. I liked it but it just never really grabbed me in a way that would get me excited about it, or going back to read the previous book.

Book Review: Bears Make Best Writing Buddies by Carmen Oliver, Jean Claude

Bears Make Best Writing Buddies is a picturebook written by Carmen Oliver and illustrated by Jean Claude. Adelaide loves writing. Bear loves writing. But Theo does NOT love writing. Thankfully, Adelaide and Bear are ready to team up and persuade the entire class, including Mrs. Fitz-Pea, that Bears make the best writing buddies. After all, who better to teach you how to fish and forage for new ideas than a bear? 

Bears Make Best Writing Buddies is a fun and enjoyable book that encourages the reader to write their own story. I love that the book acknowledges that the process is hard. Even successful writers hit stumbling blocks and days when the words do not flow, so when books ignore that fact that it can be frustrating bother me. Here Oliver gives strategies to get words down on the page, to keep the story moving, and to figure out what happens next. I really like that the book also points out that first drafts are there to be reread, reworked, and reimagined rather than the final story. I think this book would be a great story to share with any young writer, particularly those that get caught up in the self doubt or cycle of thinking they have nothing to say. It would also be a great tool in classrooms before a writing assignment to help foster inspiration, courage, and perseverance in the class's writing.

Book Review: Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures by Vanita Oelschlager, Robin Hegan

Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures, written by Vanita Oelschlager and illustrated by Robin Hegan, is an exploration of fun phrases. The book introduces children to the magic of idioms - words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different with outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally. The reader then has to guess the "real" meaning of the phrases (which is upside down in the corner of each spread). 

Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures is a cute book and worthy of a fun grinsa and chuckles. The illustrations and bright and bold, catching and holding the reader's attention. Some of the paths the book took for the literal interpretations were not the way I would have gone, but they made for fun pictures. I like that the meaning of the idiom way on each page, but I would have liked more information on the background of the sayings, perhaps in the endpages. One offering of such information was there, but I think more of this could have been done beyond encouraging readers to think about sayings more. Maybe suggestions for further reading in books or on websites that might go into more detail. 

The book was fine for what it promised, but I was kind of hoping for a little more.

Book Review: Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count by Susie Jaramillo

Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count by Susie Jaramillo is a children's picturebook that reinforces time and counting lessons with fun rhymes. The Day of the Dead themed tales carry a comedic twist for kids, encouraging them to be wary, conscious, funny and self-aware.

Skeletitos: Make Every Moment Count is a beautifully illustrated picturebook. I love that the counting rhymes are memorable and simple. The fold out pages that offer a full illustration of the rhymes are lovely and I could spend my time simply exploring these pages. The details and attitude that shine through the pages is charming.  I think that the song was simple, in the very best way, and when paired with the artwork offers an engaging book. I love that those that wish to explore further there is an app and website that allow readers to hear the song in english and spanish and continue learning with related activities.

Book Review: Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World: A Bird's Eye View of 12 of the World's Greatest Natural Wonders by Bethany Lord

Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World: A Bird's Eye View of 12 of the World's Greatest Natural Wonders by Bethany Lord is a children's nonfiction book. It features illustrated versions of the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, and other stunning geographic features look from a bird’s-eye view, which is close enough to see some detail but grants a new perspective to the viewer. Simple explanatory text introduces readers to each wonder, providing key facts and context as well as encouraging readers to take in the exciting visuals.

Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World is an interesting book. I like that there are interactive parts of the pictures, inviting readers to find and count certain features. I really liked the informational text boxes that taught me things about each location. I found the facts to be very interesting and I learned more than a few things as I read. It was interesting to see an aerial view of the locations, and the illustrations were technically solid. I thought that they were be a little more realistic and less cartoony or stylized when I read the description of the book. The style did make it easier to find the items that readers are encouraged to count and was bold to hold the attention of younger readers, but I was a little disappointed.

Look Down and See Natural Wonders of the World is a great book for young readers that want to know more about the wider world, and who enjoy seek and find style challenges. 

Book Review: Greta and the Giants (Inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world) by Zoë Tucker, Zoe Persico

Greta and the Giants (Inspired by Greta Thunberg's stand to save the world) was written by Zoë Tucker and illustrated by Zoe Persico. Greta is a little girl who lives in a beautiful forest threatened by Giants. When the Giants first came to the forest, they chopped down trees to make houses. Then they chopped down more trees and made even bigger homes. The houses grew into towns and the towns grew into cities, until now there is hardly any forest left. Greta knows she has to help the animals who live in the forest, but how? Luckily, Greta has an idea. A section at the back explains that, in reality, the fight against the “giants” isn’t over and explains how you can help Greta in her fight.

Greta and the Giants is a lovely book. I have to admit that the first thing that drew me to the book were the colors and art style. I absolutely love the illustrations and bold colors that are used. I found myself paying more attention to the artwork and the details in it that the story during my first read through. In the first part of the book the text is almost lost in the corners, and easy to overlook. Once I slowed down and read the text I enjoyed the story, I only wish the giants in the real world were that easy to reach. The story is reminiscent of The Lorax for me, and I do not mean that in a bad way. My daughter loved The Lorax, and I could recite it for years after she stopped asking for it. The message that protecting nature is good, and that even if we are small and often overlooked we can effect change is something I have not problem telling and retelling. I liked that the story showed that we often have to come together just to get the attention necessary to be heard, but that it can be done. I love that the book included information in accessible terms about what is happening, and how anyone and everyone can do something to help not matter how small. I really enjoy the book as a whole and hope that it will reach the children (and adults) that need to hear the message. 

Greta and the Giants is a delightful story, and one that just might help continue the efforts towards protecting the environment. What makes this book even better is that it has been printed sustainably in the US on 100% recycled paper. By buying a copy of this book, you are making a donation of 3% of the cover price to 350.org. 

Book Review: Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained by Kathryn Hulick, Gordy Wright

Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained, written by Kathryn Hulick and illustrated by Gordy Wright, explores ten of the world's greatest unsolved mysteries. Readers can witness a UFO encounter, search for the lost city of Atlantis, tour a haunted house, and discover the kraken's true form. The book utilizes the scientific method and sharp thinking to separate fact from fiction and explain the unexplainable.

Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained takes the stories of the unexplained and offers readers as much of the story as they can. I like that the book offers the legends, witness statements, and scientific information to give readers of all ages the tools and information necessary to make up their own minds. I love the documentaries and television show that do this, so not much of this book was new to me. However, I think it was a well organized and structured book that can help interested readers take the time to look at mysteries and experiences like those discussed from multiple angles. I thought the illustrations were well done and broke up the text nicely to keep the pages and blocks of text from becoming overwhelming. I did think that some of the font choices, particularly the chapter headings  and sidebar commentary was hard to read- however that could have been partially because I was reading a digital copy. I did like that in the end notes the author included information on his sources, so that if readers are interested in a particular story they can do further research. 

Strange but True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained is a well organized and interesting read. I think many middle grade readers will enjoy it.

Early Book Review: Power of a Princess (More than a Princess) by E.D. Baker

Power of a Princess is the second book in the More than a Princess series by E.D. Baker. I do recommend reading the series in order, but newcomers could probably catch up fairly quickly. It is currently scheduled for release on November 19 2019. 

Aislin is more than just a princess. Born to a fairy king and pedrasi queen, she's strong, smart, and brave, with magical gifts she's only beginning to discover. Aislin has spent her whole life keeping her family's gifts hidden from the non-magic folk who surround her kingdom, and is shocked to find out the humans knew about these enchantments all along. But when the fairies decide to move back onto human territory, it soon becomes clear that some will not be happy about this change. As she sets out to restore the balance, Aislin chooses a surprising group of young women to join her – girls she knows are brave and loyal, but who don't have the qualities of typical guards or princess confidantes. Things only get more complicated when an old foe appears, surely up to no good. The princess knows she has the power and ingenuity to stand up for herself and her kingdom, especially with her friends by her side – will that be enough to set things right?

Power of a Princess is a nice addition to Baker's fairy related books. Aislin is still a princess that uses intelligence and kindness to solve most problems, with magic and some fighting tossed in. I liked her independence and spunk, and her constant efforts to be fair and kind. The core group of her friends and family were similar, and fairly well fleshed out. Although I felt like that push for kindness as a solution for most everything got to be a little heavy handed. The story was good, with some action and adventure that was well written. However, I just did not get engaged in this story, I felt like it was lacking some of the personal connection that I could find with pervious books from Baker. I think fans will want to pick this one up, but the series has lost some of the shine for me. I am not sure if I will continue on with this series.

Power of a Princess is a sweet continuation of the series, but I did not love it the way I was hoping to.