There is an attraction to the concept of princesses that seems to be universal, especially for young girls. The beauty, the fancy dresses and frills, the royal stature- all of it speaks to some children, and there is certainly a bevy of books and toys that address this mass interest. With the release of Sterling Books’ new, and highly anticipated, book The Secret Lives of Princesses, the field of royalty has been greatly expanded. And the newly introduced Princesses are like none you’ve ever seen before.
Written by Philippe Lechermeier and illustrated by Rebecca Dautremer, The Secret Lives of Princesses truly is a tome of fun information about a slew of princesses that don’t always fit in the typical mold. You may know all about Sleeping Beauty, but her lesser known relative, Princess Somnia may not yet be on your radar. When you read her entry, you’ll see a sketch of her special four-poster bed and discover what her family’s coat of arms declares. Gracing the cover, Princess Hot-Head is one that I can’t help but draw comparisons to when I think of my own little hot- (and red-) headed daughter. My personal favorite, though, can be found in her library, writing her autobiography and reading anything she can get her hands on- Princess Paige, always with a book in her hand. (Methinks that some of you might identify with her, as well!) Interspersed among the pages devoted to particular princesses are informational sections on such important matters as The International Alphabet of Fans, Coats of Arms and Flags, maps, and popular kingdom pets, among other topics.
Honestly, one quick browse through this book’s pages will amaze children and adults alike. Intended for an audience of readers aged seven and up, the text certainly skews older, but even my own two and four year old children adore looking at the striking illustrations with beautiful color palettes. (I can imagine a playroom with walls adorned with large prints of Dautremer’s incredible pictures… I’d want to hang out in there!) A creative and often sophisticated sense of humor pervades this coffee-table sized thick picture book, and the whole package just invites readers to return to its pages again and again.
Now Sterling Publishing is pulling out all the stops to promote this book that they have much reason to be proud of! You can become a fan on their Facebook page, Being a Princess, or play around on their official website, The Secret Lives of Princesses, where sneak previews and interactive games await you. You can even take a few minutes to quiz yourself and discover what kind of Princess you are! (Sadly, I discovered I am no true princess at all… oh well.)
In addition, we’re happy to announce a giveaway of one copy of the delightful The Secret Lives of Princesses to a lucky reader. Just leave one comment here, U.S. and Canada residents only, please. Our winner will be announced on June 9th.
Our winners of the giveaways closing this week are:
Council of Dads: #3 Jen Thomas
Activity Books for Kids – #11 – Anne at Little Sprout Books
Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter.
Princess Dawn and her royal crew appear as the central characters on her blog, my thoughts exactly.
Upstatemomof3 says
Oh what a cute idea!!! I would love to read this with my kids.
Loretta says
Of course I had to take the quiz…I’m a whimsical princess. I can think of a few little girls I would LOVE to give this book to.
stephanie says
Enter me please!
Dianna says
sounds so cute. 🙂 enter me please.
Jen says
Sounds like my little one would love this book… Her mom might like it even more!
Katie Schroeder says
This sounds like a delightful book. I know two little princesses I would love to share this with.
Lauren says
This sounds really good. I don’t know that I was ever so infatuated with princesses like other girls were when I was little, but this book still sounds interesting. Great review! 🙂
edj says
Even though my princess is technically too old for this, I think we would both still really enjoy it. I checked out the website and found out that I am a whimsical princess so I’m hooked.
Susan E-J says
My three year old has become facinated with princesses, try as I might to discourage. i am always looking for princesses that are not spoiled or selfish. I am looking forward to this book.
Benita G. says
Awesome giveaway! Please count me in.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chelsea Saulpaugh says
I would love, love, love to own this beautiful book. Thank you so much for the chance at winning it. It looks darling and really promotes that everyone is a princess. Hey, if a book says you can be a sleepy princess, what’s not to love?!
Joy Mills says
Would love to add this book to our bookshelf.
Linda Kish says
I would love to win this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Petula says
That sounds like a fun book that I would love reading with all of my daughters. We seem to be fascinated with princesses over here.
Page Turner (Heather) says
This looks like great fun! Please enter me!
Ann Wilson says
what a cute book!!
katklaw777 says
This book sounds delightful…great giveaway, thanks.
Michele Anne says
Really sounds like a great book…would love to win…sign me up….
Kelly Holt says
I just saw this book at the store tonight and browsed thru it really quickly as we were on our way to checkout as they were closing, the artwork is cool and wish I had the chance to actually read some of it, would love to win a copy.
angie says
sounds like a great book to share with a little princess I love
ShootingStarsMag says
this sounds so adorable. please count me in.
Christine W says
This looks like a fun book…thanks for the chance!
Mozi Esmes Mommy says
We posted about this giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2010/05/secret-lives-of-princesses.html
I’d love to share this with my daughter!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Ticia says
That looks so cute. Fingers crossed, I love fairy tales and princess books.
trish rowell says
sounds so cute. please enter me!
Marci says
Yes – please enter me – my niece would enjoy this book as she loves princesses and is one herself!
abi says
Please include me in this giveaway. Thanks
Steph says
Looks like a fantastic book with wonderful animation.
Debbie F says
Count me in! Looks good! Thanks?
Megan says
This looks so cute! Thanks for the chance to win!
Carolyn says
What fun! Please enter me, as I go off to take the quiz!
Terri says
This sounds like a fun book for my girls.
Tennille says
Thanks for the chance to enter-looks like a cute one to give to nieces!
martha c says
I would love to share this one with my class and family.
Sheri says
This book sounds and looks intriguing. I work in a public school library “media center” and all the girls love the books on princesses!! There are never enough to go around. . . 🙂
Kirsten T. says
Would love to share this with my girls. Thanks
Betsy says
Our little neighbor across the street would love this book.