The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party

The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party  by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Walker Books)

HC RRP $ 17.99

ISBN 9780763665111

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Princess Magnolia has an alter ego that surfaces when she gets into the broom closet and slides down the chute as the Princess in Black! Even her trusty steed has a secret life. His metamorphosis takes place in the hollow of a tree that leads to a secret passage. He enters as Frimplepants and exits as Blacky.

Magnolia is anticipating the perfect Princess party. She’s put a lot of work into creating the perfect day. As she waits for the guests to arrive, her glitter-stone ring warns her of a monster attack.

The twelve invited Princesses are on their way to her party. In fact, they are at the gates. With her magic sceptre she fights the goat-eating monsters, and quickly jumps on Blacky and flies back to the party.

But each time they start to open the presents, Magnolia’s ring goes off, and off she goes giving some excuse for her sudden departure.

Will the smart and observant Princess Sneezewort catch her out? With all her monster battles raging, will her perfect Princess party have a happy ending?

Pink and frothy, funny and entertaining, these girlie thirteen chapters are ideal for 6+ readers. It can be read all at once, or picked up and put down. The illustrations are gorgeous and so is the bewitching Princess Magnolia. It is beautifully presented with a jacket cover and ideal for a special gift.