The Big Princess

Reviewed by: Shannon Schinagl - Maine State Library, Augusta, Central Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

"The Big Princess" is a wonderful, alternative take on the traditional princess fairy tale. A King and Queen who cannot have children are granted a child who starts out the size of a flower's leaf, but then grows every day until she is bigger than the tallest castle tower. The King breaks the spell by discovering a seed hidden in her belly button. Once removed, the princess shrinks down. However, in a nod to this altered story, the princess still remains bigger than other people.

"The Big Princess" is written and illustrated by an author from Japan. The story can be just a little dark at times, but I find that darkness in fairy tales is expected in every country but the U.S.

The illustrations are gorgeous. Miura is a graphic designer in addition to an illustrator, and the pages reflect this. Most of the images are of block, geometric shapes. However, in surprising additions to those elements are random collage cut-outs, black-and-white drawings, and even a photograph. Rather than distracting from the illustrations, these additions add to the visual side of the story.

While this is an odd book, it is fun and filled with a story and illustrations that kids will find interesting and entertaining.

Overall Book Score: very good