The Very Fairy Princess Sparkles in the Snow

PreS-Gr 1—Spunky Geraldine is certain that she will be chosen to sing solo at the Winter Wonderland Festival. To make Mr. Higginbottom's decision easier, she steps forward just a little during chorus rehearsal and sings in her best (loudest) voice. She also sings outside her music teacher's door during lunch and underneath his window at recess. Geraldine is crushed when he announces that a professional will be the guest soloist. However, "Fairy princesses know how to take a frown and turn it upside down," and on the morning of the concert, Geraldine is excited and ready to perform. Because of a snowstorm, though, the guest soloist can't get to the event on time. Luckily, "Fairy princesses are ALWAYS happy to lend a hand in a crisis," and the child volunteers to substitute for her. Even with a shoe mishap, the concert is fabulous and is followed by a family sleigh ride. The lively, ink and colored-pencil illustrations capture Geraldine's spirit well. One can never have too many princess books, and this one is better than most.—Brooke Rasche, La Crosse Public Library, WI