Customer Reviews

The Princess and the Pekinese

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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If you're going to write a book about a Pekingese, at least learn how to spell the name! It's even in the title for goodness sake! The Pekingese is from Peking, not Pekin.

Once upon a time there was an exquisite little princess whose name was Lillian. She was born into a happy, loving family, was cherished by them, and grew up with every advantage. If anyone should have known the meaning of love, it was Princess Lillian. She had the best of everything and her life was perfect ? until the dog arrived.

The dog, better known as the intruder, was a mischievous Pekinese puppy. It was noisy and boomeranged endlessly through the house. Princess Lillian did her best to avoid and ignore the puppy, but her family allowed it to sleep in a bed right next to hers and even fed it wonderful gourmet meals. She was jealous when they petted the puppy. She was jealous when they brushed the puppy. Princess Lillian no longer felt special, and she despised that puppy!

As I started reading this book, I was delighted with this snobby little Princess, but I was absolutely blown away with the incredible surprise twist in the middle of the book.

It began at a party that Princess Lillian had been invited to attend with her mother. Since the puppy was not invited, she had all her mother?s attention and she felt special once again. This feeling was short lived however, due to the surprise she encountered during the party. Shocked and angry, our little Princess fled the party and ran away into the night. Alas, she soon discovered that being alone on the streets at night is dangerous for a Princess. As the hours passed, she encountered an angry drunk and a vicious dog. Frightened and confused, she managed to run from them but her beautiful party clothes became rumpled and soiled. She was dirty and she stank. In fact, she began to resemble a street urchin more than a Princess. Soon she was overcome by hunger, but when she went into the Italian deli, the owner refused to serve her. Rejected by everyone, heartbroken and frightened, she wandered back out onto the streets, where she was finally picked up and thrown into jail.

Princess Lillian was bewildered. How could this be happening to her? As she sat weeping in her cell, Princess Lillian began to understand how it felt to be ignored and shunned by everyone. Wait! Wasn?t that the same way she had treated the Pekinese puppy? Happily for us, our story ends well and Princess Lillian is reunited with her family. Her experiences during that long night brought an understanding of her blessings. When she began to appreciate her blessings, her behavior changed. Now, through her story, we all can see more clearly the blessings in our own lives.

***** I can?t say enough good things about this book. I was delighted with the distinct personality of Princess Lillian, the twist in her story, and her many adventures and lessons. This book will not have to make you think?you just won?t be able to do anything else. It was fabulous! I loved it! I can?t wait for a sequel! *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson.

Trisha Howell's children's books are always layered, with the sweetest stuff underneath the froth on top. Kids will love the "princess" and identify with her rebellion against changes outside her control ... doesn't that happen to every kid? And the sweet, humorous resolution will bring a smile to the face of every reader. Highly recommended.

My kids love this book!

This book is gorgeous! Trisha Howell did a wonderful job, writing a short meaningful children's story about 2 dogs that rings the importance of sharing and loving each other. All book lovers and parents: I highly recommend you get this book!

And by the way, the quality of this book is super. You should buy it just for the art!

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works

The Princess and the Pekinese was a delightful book. My children loved the surprise of who a main character actually was. They performed a magical puppet show based on the book. I know when a book touches my children because it brings out wonderful creativity in drawings or activities they do afterwards, and this book definitely did.

Princess Lillian is a regal little Yorkie who is at the center of her family's love and attention. Then they get a new puppy, and she cannot stand the attention he gets -- or gives her. So she runs away. By the time she returns, she has learned to appreciate the blessings she has.

This is such a beautiful book, from the story to the illustrations. If you have ever had two (or more) dogs, you appreciate the complex relations between them. They truly have their own personalities, and their own objectives. The relationship between Princess Lillian and the Pekinese rings true.

For anyone -- dog lovers or just lovers, of all ages -- this book will touch your heart. And when you read what inspired Trisha to write this story, it will move you.

This is a Trisha Howell classic. Like all of her books, it presents life in its whimsical and glowing aspects. I have enjoyed reading it to several children.

"The Princess and the Pekinese" teaches children valuable lessons about accepting who they are, despite their blemishes and imperfections. When children are learning to develop self-esteem and self-identity, this beautifully illustrated story about a dog and her family, helps them share their innermost feelings. It is easy for them to relate to the identity crisis Princess experiences. The most powerful benefit is that young people realize that their family loves them no matter what. This is a super book that stimulates discussions with your children about themselves and their self-perception. The uplifting ending puts the importance of unconditional love and acceptence into a childlike perspective every young person and parent will appreciate.
Ralph Zuranski
http://www.InSearchOfHeroes.com

The Princess and the Pekinese by Trisha Howell is a delightful book that tells the story of Princess Lillian, a much-loved and pampered cat, used to the best that life has to offer... until an intruder is introduced to her once happy home.

This "stupid slobbering mutt," was none other than a Pekinese puppy intent on ousting Princess Lillian and receiving - much to the mortification of Lillian, the very same treatment and privileges as she! With that in mind, Princess Lillian could only do one thing; make as much trouble as possible for the new puppy!

Lillian underestimates the Pekinese, particularly as the dog bears nothing but love for his fellow housemate, and while the puppy does nothing untoward to the Princess, a far bigger shock awaits Lillian, when she discovers, that she may not be who she thinks she is. This shock forces the Princess to face a world that she has never known before, one of hunger, deprivation and horror of all horrors, human cruelty!

Trisha Howell has composed a wonderful story and developed it into a big, beautiful and colorful book for children aged 4-8 years old. The illustrations contributed by Paul Lopez not only enhance Howell's story, but will also capture the eye of any child.

Children will and can associate with this book because despite the main characters being animals (whom all children love), the story line is one that a sibling can and will relate to. As parents, we often worry how a new baby will affect the child that we already have, often their outrage at the diminished attention mirrors Lillian's own. Trisha Howell's, "The Princess and the Pekinese," will give siblings-to-be something to relate to when their world changes, and might help them realize that a newcomer to the family, is of the same cloth and might very well become a welcome and much-loved friend.

The Princess and the Pekinese will be a delightful addition to any child's book collection. I can readily visualize it becoming a fast favorite!

Reviewed by Jennifer LB Leese

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEKINESE concerns a snobbish "princess" who decides to run away from home after learning her true life form. However, she soon learns a few hard lessons while away from the ones who love her. Fearful of how her family will react when she returns home messy and smelly, she welcomes kisses and hugs from everyone-including the new rambunctious Pekinese.

Children of all ages will surely enjoy this adventurous and surprising story. Along with adorable, full-color illustrations, THE PRINCESS AND THE PEKINESE is sure to be a favorite for many. Its folk tale appearance will draw you in, but the delightful tale will keep you enchanted until the very last page.

Join the "princess" on an exhausting journey by getting a copy for your children's library, due out July 15, 2003