Princess Justina Albertina: A Cautionary Tale [Hardcover]

Ellen Dee Davidson (Author), Michael Chesworth (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1—Princess Justina Albertina likes getting her own way. Her nanny, when faced with a choice between a headache-inducing royal tantrum or giving in to the princess's demands, always caves. So when the youngster insists on getting the perfect pet, her nanny does her best to oblige, scouring the Earth for unusual animals. None of them is quite right, though: the puffer fish ignores the princess, she cannot ride the two-headed dog, and the monkey scares too easily. Finally, the nanny returns with a fierce gryphon, which the princess declares is perfect. This time, however, Princess Justina Albertina has bitten off more than she can chew, with tragic results. The book's cover hints at what is to come: while the princess dances in the background, a grim-faced nanny holds up a sign that reads, "A Cautionary Tale." Humorous details pack the cartoon illustrations, which are done with a mix of watercolor, colored pencil, and gouache. The nanny's outfit changes for each expedition: lederhosen for the unicorn, a wet suit for surfing Australia's shark-infested waters. The princess is frankly repulsive, with buck teeth, a piggy nose, and fierce green eyes glaring through round glasses. Nanny and the rejected pets clearly find her intimidating. The busy spreads contrast well with the dramatic conclusion, in which the nanny is left standing all alone, saying "Oh, dear." The end result is a deliciously satisfying tale about the dangers of acting like a spoiled princess.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (January 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570916527
• ISBN-13: 978-1570916526
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,884,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I love to read and write and talk! I love words! I agree that language is one of the most creative aspects of human evolution -- and it is constantly evolving, along with us. It is such a miracle that we are able to communicate with each other on so many different levels -- share precise states of feeling, wisdom, knowledge, emotions, and stories.

So far, most of the stories I've shared have been for children and young adults. I have been told that my writing "voice" is young. I guess part of this is that I still feel like a kid inside -- always in the process of both being and becoming.

Besides writing, my life is filled with joy from sharing it with my husband, Steve, and daughters Jessica and Michelle, as well as other friends and family. I love living in the redwoods of northern California, and spend much time hiking in their majesty, strolling the beach, and swimming in emerald rivers. Often, while I am out in nature, ideas for stories come to me. Although the stories aren't usually about the actual places, I'm hoping to share some of the beauty and magic.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a kid's book great!, June 4, 2007

By 

mags (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Princess Justina Albertina: A Cautionary Tale (Hardcover)

Get this book if you want to have a good giggle with your kid! It's like Mrs. Pigglewiggle with a twist - or a fractured fairy tale with a bite! Great for kids who have developed their sense of humor a bit - and for parents who want to develop a sense of humor on those occasions kids are demanding. A "must read". Another plus for tired parents: it's funny AND short!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A whimsical picturebook with an underlying moral, April 13, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Princess Justina Albertina: A Cautionary Tale (Hardcover)

Princess Justina Albertina: A Cautionary Tale is a whimsical picturebook with an underlying moral - be very careful what you wish for! Princess Justina Albertina, a chubby, bad-tempered child princess used to getting her own way and giving her nanny headaches, wants a pet - but not just any pet will do. She mistreats and finds fault with every rare and exotic pet her nanny brings, and finally throws a tantrum until her nanny gives in and brings back the ultimate pet - a majestic griffon. "As soon as she saw him, Princess Justina Albertina ran over and said, 'He's perfect. He's exactly the pet I want.' The griffon opened his eagle beak and swallowed Princess Justina Albertina in one gulp. Then the griffon burped and flew away." The color illustrations vividly bring a spoiled young girl and her gaggle of amazing animals to life in this zany story with message.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mom's will laugh out loud, too, February 7, 2007

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Princess Justina Albertina: A Cautionary Tale (Hardcover)

Princess Justina Albertina likes to get her own way and if she doesn't--look out! When she decides she wants a pet, it is up to her nanny to find a pet with all the perfect qualities.

In this escalating story of a spoiled little girl, the author uses unusual animals with unique qualities that most any child would treasure. There is a wonderful moral to the story, but kids don't seem put off by that in the least, as it is funny rather than preachy. The illustrations are perfect for the text--and boy, will mothers recognize Princess Justina Albertina in her fit element.

In my first read through, I reached the final page and burst out laughing. My kids want to read it again and again and love to discuss the many different facets of the book. Boys and girls alike love this book and my three kids give it six thumbs up. I have to add my two thumbs to the count.

Armchair Interviews says: This book is a treasure to any child's library.