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The Secret Lives of Princesses [Hardcover]

Philippe Lechermeier , Rebecca Dautremer
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)

List Price: $19.95
Price: $14.75 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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Book Description

June 1, 2010 7 and up

Go beyond Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella! Some princesses are well-known to all children—but others, equally magical (and sometimes, a lot funnier) have remained anonymous, mysterious, and far from the fairy-tale crowd.

Now these captivating ladies are finally stepping out of the shadows where they’ve remained hidden for far too long. With wit, sublime humor, and beautiful art, The Secret Lives of Princesses introduces a bevy of royal daughters to the court of young readers.  While it alludes to some of their more famous sisters, this large and lusciously illustrated compendium presents such unique and unforgettable characters as the petite Princess Claire Voyant, who can see very far into tomorrow (but muddles her predictions); Princess Oblivia, who forgets everything and misses all her appointments; Princess Tangra-La, who does the tango, the fandango, and any dance that comes her way; and Princess Babbling Brooke, who chatters on and on about everything and nothing. Plus, you’ll learn about such princessy matters as the language of fans; coats of arms; and how not to offend dangerous fairies who cast evil spells.

Poetic, often humorous, and always enchanting, this is the perfect collection for princess-loving girls who long for more than just the traditional fairy tale.

 

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The Secret Lives of Princesses + The Paper Bag Princess (Classic Munsch)
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-4–It is safe to say that this volume, purporting to be a guide to princesses, is unique. It is more catalog than storybook. Lechermeier has invented a variety of eccentric women, such as Princess Barbara of Babel, who "speaks a multitude of languages. All the time." Or Princess Claire Voyant, who "reads tarot cards, tea leaves, palms, even the feet of spiders." Also included are expositions on subjects ranging from four-poster beds to cat-o'-nine-tails and a quiz for would-be princesses. Dautremer illustrates the royal population with lush, fanciful paintings replete with teeny details that, if closely observed, reveal more secrets than the text. A certain sort of child may enjoy the wordplay and sly humor herein, but many will find this wacky compendium more frustrating than fun.Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
© Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

One thing is certain: these ain't no Disney princesses! Au contraire, this French import features about 30 royals who are quirky to a fault. There's Princess Hot-Head, a study in fiery red, who “prefers brandishing a sword to practicing the piano.” And Princess Molly Coddle, cousin to the fussy girl of “Princess and the Pea” fame, who “never hesitates to demand the impossible.” A detailed, imaginative guide—more akin to titles like Wizardology (2005)—this novelty book also features pages devoted to elaborate, witty commentary on proper cradle etiquette; each character's coat of arms; and various palace types. Dautremer's illustrations are perfectly attuned to the mood of each princess' prose portrait, by turns sophisticated and witty and full of odd angles and bizarre details. Princess Do-Re-Mi has the body type of a curvy violin; Princess Oblivia (“She forgets everything”) wears a hat full of holes that leaves blow through. A book to pore over. Grades 4-6. --Karen Cruze

Product Details

  • Age Range: 7 and up
  • Hardcover: 88 pages
  • Publisher: Sterling (June 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 9781402766770
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402766770
  • ASIN: 1402766777
  • Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 0.6 x 12.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #138,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
(29)
4.8 out of 5 stars
Very original, funny, creative and a realistic look at fantasy. Lucy's Reviews- Enchanted By Josephine  |  9 reviewers made a similar statement
The pictures are really colourful. Lucy Bertoldi  |  7 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous illustrations, fully of whimsy and wit May 20, 2010
Format:Hardcover
I work in the children's department of my local bookstore, and the moment this hit our shelves I knew I had to buy it. I'm probably well beyond the age this was intended for (I'm twenty..) but the illustrations were so beautiful, I couldn't put it down. I'm really, really glad I made this purchase! This is one of the richest picture books I've ever seen, there are little details hidden on every page, so it's something you can look through again and again- you'll inevitably catch a detail you hadn't seen before. The writing style is charming but matter-of-fact... never condescending, but it will still hold the attention of young ones. (Example: the books definition of an Amazon is- "Princesses who hate princes. Feat on steak tartare... peerless horsewomen, they even sleep on their steeds. They frighten everyone and fear no one, not even the ogre, Offal the Awful.)

There are all sorts of intricate maps, colorful diagrams and little pieces of prose all over the page. I can't stress enough how much of a treasure this book is. I wish I could have so many of these princess portraits framed on my wall.

If you have a daughter who loves princesses (or even one who doesn't- the book is stunning but not pink and glittery as the cover might have you believe)... or if you're like me and you just love wonderful picture books, do not hesitate in buying this book! It's very thick and has good quality pages, Amazon's discount is a total steal. You won't regret it, I promise you.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Not for the sensitive princess May 24, 2011
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I had a hard time rating this. The description says it's appropriate for 4-8 year olds, and I bought it on the recommendation of someone with a 3 and 5 year old. However, my almost 7 year old (who reads well above her grade level) just had me remove the book from her room because it was so scary she didn't want it on her book shelf (specifically the Night Princess, who it says, if you see her in the corner of a room to run the other way). I love the illustrations, and think it is very cleverly written, I just wish I had read more reviews before giving it to my sensitive daughter. It is definitely for older or non-sensitive kids. My daughter at this point would give it 1 star.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly unique! May 24, 2010
Format:Hardcover
If Shel Silverstein had decided to write a guide on princesses it would look something like The Secret Lives of Princesses. Funny, kooky, charming, creative and witty this book will provide hours of absorbing fun. You definitely won't be bored by average run-of-the-mill princesses in these pages. Some of the most hilarious and eccentric divas will enchant and inspire you to create or become one of your very own. This was a pleasure to read; so refreshingly unique and entertaining!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Much Better Than Expected!
I found this book by chance and decided to give it a try. Im glad i did; art work is awesome and its really fun to read. Simply brilliant. Strongly recommended!
Published 10 days ago by Imren Mutlu
5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous book
This book is gorgeous. The illustrations are rich and colorful. The tales that accompany them are amusing and full of ironic insight. I purchased this originally for my niece. Read more
Published 1 month ago by On_A_Jet_Plane
5.0 out of 5 stars princess book
The book didnt arrive when expected, but it is a very nice book, great quality and lots of fun reading. didnt know there were so many kinds of princesses.
Published 4 months ago by Carole Lenz
5.0 out of 5 stars Very cute
Probably more fun for the adult reading it, as the humor will go over a very young child's head. But a very nicely done book & the kids will appreciate it more as they get older.
Published 4 months ago by K. Rowe
4.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Lives of Princesses
Very clever book. The play on words is interesting and humerous. The illustrations are bright and appealing. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Illustrations
I first bought this book in France in 2007 before I even had children! I just fell in love with the illustrations and had to have a copy for myself. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Mai L. Weston
5.0 out of 5 stars I savored it over several days
This is a thoroughly unique and clever book; full of beautiful art pages and fun descriptions. We learn about Princess Miss Hap who is always clumsy, and Princess Anne Phibian who... Read more
Published 16 months ago by HanakoGal
5.0 out of 5 stars The landscape of a Sweet heart
One of the largest and most beautiful experiences of imagination. "The Secret Lives of Princesses" is absolutely a fountain of creativity, colour, and subtle suggestions about the... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Andrés Aguilar.
5.0 out of 5 stars The true meaning of enchanting
There is absolutely nothing corny, commercial or repetitious in this gorgeous art book about "princesses". Read more
Published 17 months ago by Victoria
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Princess Book Ever (and best hope for those not into Disney...
This is a smart, engaging, beautiful book about a new kind of princesses - princesses who are flawed and adventurous, who are from different lands, who are engaging and quirky, and... Read more
Published 18 months ago by K. Dabbs
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