The ABC of Fabulous Princesses

Gr 1–3—Prince William is in need of a bride, so his family brings in 26 prospective candidates from all over the world. In alphabetical order, each princess gets the same, pageantlike introduction: name and birthplace (Nonna from Narvik in Norway); personality traits (nice, naïve, and naughty); favorite foods (noodles, nuts, nectarines); hobbies (navigates nature, looking for nighthawks); and a description of the gift she brings for the prince (her nana's nicest shoes and nine nifty rhino balloons). With every character sporting an avian head, the princesses' colorful plumage, costumes, and occasional entourage give them a fanciful yet regal aura as they stand underneath their corresponding letter. Though a beginning-to-end read-aloud may prove daunting, especially since the prince leaves the decision up to readers, a sampling of entries provide wonderful opportunities for expanding vocabulary.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library