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
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Princess Dawn and her royal crew appear as the central characters on her blog, my thoughts exactly.
Oh what a cute idea!!! I would love to read this with my kids.
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.
Enter me please!
sounds so cute. 🙂 enter me please.
Sounds like my little one would love this book… Her mom might like it even more!
This sounds like a delightful book. I know two little princesses I would love to share this with.
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! 🙂
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.
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.
Awesome giveaway! Please count me in.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
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?!
Would love to add this book to our bookshelf.
I would love to win this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
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.
This looks like great fun! Please enter me!
what a cute book!!
This book sounds delightful…great giveaway, thanks.
Really sounds like a great book…would love to win…sign me up….
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.
sounds like a great book to share with a little princess I love
this sounds so adorable. please count me in.
This looks like a fun book…thanks for the chance!
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
That looks so cute. Fingers crossed, I love fairy tales and princess books.
sounds so cute. please enter me!
Yes – please enter me – my niece would enjoy this book as she loves princesses and is one herself!
Please include me in this giveaway. Thanks
Looks like a fantastic book with wonderful animation.
Count me in! Looks good! Thanks?
This looks so cute! Thanks for the chance to win!
What fun! Please enter me, as I go off to take the quiz!
This sounds like a fun book for my girls.
Thanks for the chance to enter-looks like a cute one to give to nieces!
I would love to share this one with my class and family.
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. . . 🙂
Would love to share this with my girls. Thanks
Our little neighbor across the street would love this book.