Maiden & Princess

In an eclectic kingdom, a tenacious young woman, who wears an enviable suit of stylish armor and has a dragon for a pet, dreads attending the king and queen’s ball, where they hope to “find their son a worthy bride.” When she is chosen as the best match for the prince, she is miserable (he’s a nice enough guy, but “I see him as a brother”). When she’s approached by “a beautiful girl”—the princess—“who took the maiden’s breath away,” the two form an instant romantic bond. Readers may expect resistance from the king and queen; refreshingly, though, the two wholeheartedly approve of the match. Artist Human dresses the diverse villagers in lavish, jewel-toned gowns and dramatic headpieces, bringing a sense of opulence to the pages. Galupo and Haack joyfully subvert fairy tale tropes while maintaining romance and enchantment. Ages 4–8. [em](Apr.) [/em]