REVIEWS+

Princess Charming

by Zibby Owens
Listening Library. Apr. 2022. 5p. $22. ISBN 9780593503805.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–Owens’s third book is also her third narrator credit, as well as her debut for children. She relies on a delightfully playful twist channeling one of the world’s most familiar fairy tales, cleverly revealed in the final three words (no spoilers). “Being a princess isn’t always easy,” the young royal laments, unable to achieve the expected “perfect.” “I try my best, but I just can’t seem to find my thing”: cartwheels, cooking, hip-hopping, and singing each prove disastrous. But find her thing she does, by helping someone else find her missing thing. Owens energetically imbues the tenacious princess with plenty of attitude and spunk.
VERDICT For reading-enablers intending to combine mediums, the audio edition is the stronger choice over printed. While diverse representation was clearly prioritized on the illustrated pages, the obvious whiteness of the royal family reads like an uncomfortable misstep.
Reviewed by Terry Hong , Aug 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Girlmode | Review
by J. Caleb Mozzocco
BLOGS

Cover Reveal and Q&A: Dusti Bowling’s Latest – The Beat I Drum (Apr 2025)
by Betsy Bird
BLOGS

Kagurabachi, vol. 1 | Review
by Renee Scott
BLOGS

Wednesday Roundup: Middle Grade Fiction: the Newbery Sweet Spot?
by Steven Engelfried
BLOGS

Surviving the Slow Burn of Middle Grade, a guest post by Shannon Messenger
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Mac Barnett Sleighs
by Betsy Bird
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?