Princess Snowbelle

Princess Snowbelle of Frostovia is nervous about singing at the palace’s Snow Ball, and things get even worse when her friend and accompanist, Sparkleshine, doesn’t show up, trapped in the woods during a snowstorm. With help from a magical charm bracelet and a few woodland creatures, Snowbelle saves her friend and makes it back to the castle in time to perform her song to rave reviews. Frost (a pseudonym) sets up some dramatic stakes, but everything comes so easily to Snowbelle that the story never generates much tension. Devoted Frozen fans should enjoy the friendship-centric message and the regal details of Snowbelle’s home, as depicted in Fleming’s frost-tinged cartoons, but others may find the gushing narration (“All at once, a beautiful glimmering light burst from the snowflake charm”) a bit too cloying. Ages 3–6. [em]Illustrator’s agency: Bright Group. (Nov.) [/em]