The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This is the fifth book in the Princess in Black chapter book series for readers in grades 2-4. In this episode, Princess Magnolia aka the Princess in Black has planned a playdate with Princess Sneezewort. Before the playdate begins, Princess Magnolia is secretly followed by a sneaky monster who likes to eat goats. When the Princess in Black is summoned, Princess Sneezewort is inspired to become a secret superhero princess also; and Princess in Blankets is born. In a declared secret hero playdate, the sneaky monster is hog-tied by secret hero ninja skills. After bringing the monster to the Goat Avenger, who sends it to Monsterland, the three engage in the customary victory dance. Pham's bright and colorful illustrations appear in each large font chapter. Princess Sneezewort is not a white character. Unfortunately, the printing of the colored illustrations are not uniform for her skin color throughout each spread. When Princess Sneezewort is in her closet, her skin tone appears white. Nevertheless, fans of this series will want this funny, girl power title.

Overall Book Score: good