The Newest Princess

January 1, 2020

K-Gr 3-Itty Bitty Kitty lives in Lollyland, a magical kingdom where candy and sweet treat landscapes feature prominently (though fruits and vegetables also grow in Goodie Grove). Inhabitants include other friendly animals, small fairies, talking flowers, and singing mermaids. As the daughter of King and Queen Kitty, Itty Bitty is excited when a messenger fairy announces her eighth shooting star is approaching, signaling the start of Itty Bitty's role as a princess. Upon learning all of the duties of a traditional princess, Itty Bitty grows increasingly reluctant and fears she is not princess material after all. She enjoys choosing a tiara and considering new wardrobe options, but is dissatisfied with the prospects of a new hairstyle, a new bedroom, and private tutoring. Itty Bitty Kitty's world will find an audience with fans of Daisy Meadows's "Rainbow Magic," though Stubbings's illustrations create an adorably rounded, comically cute cartoon quality that differentiates this title from other sugary-sweet early chapter books. The story is simple and innocuous, but children will relate to Itty Bitty's trepidation about unanticipated developments, paired with her delight in more palatable adjustments like new clothes. All is resolved quite easily when Itty Bitty's parents explain that she doesn't have to make any changes she doesn't want to make. Readers' experiences with change won't always work out this way, but the positive underlying message is about being true to oneself. VERDICT A fine purchase for medium-sized early chapter book collections, notable for its spirited illustrations.-Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2019
Change can be very scary even for a princess kitty. The setup reads like a sendup. Cotton-candy-colored kitten Itty Bitty lives in a castle in Lollyland with her parents, King and Queen Kitty. She loves going to school and playing in Goodie Grove with her friends Luna Unicorn, Esme Butterfly, and Chipper Bunny. When an announcement fairy surprises Itty and Luna with the news that Itty's eighth shooting star is on its way, they know this means that Itty will be an official princess in just a few days. She soon learns this means she'll have a new tutor, new hairstyle, and new bedroom...that's a lot of changes for someone so itty bitty. She likes the tiara, but the rest upset her tummy. Will understanding parents and friends be enough to help her through? This series starter features large, inviting type, short chapters, and black-and-white cartoon illustrations of large-headed, supercute creatures on nearly every page. Young readers facing changes will identify with Itty's emotions, though most won't be given the option to refuse it, as she is. For those new to chapter books who are obsessed with kitties, princesses, and fairies, this earns a glitter-spewing shooting star...all others should have the insulin handy at first exposure. Empty calories surround some emotional truth. (Fantasy. 4-8)

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