Real Princesses Change the World

March 1, 2023
Princesses rock! Princess admirers should enjoy these brief, laudatory profiles of 15 modern-day royals from monarchies across the globe--among them one duchess and four young heirs apparent from Western Europe. The book spotlights their varied achievements and talents and the important work they do for their countries and people. For example, Princess Abze Djigma of Burkina Faso is a trained engineer who created a solar-powered light for her nation's citizens who lacked access to electricity. Each profile is headed by an emphatic statement ("Real princesses are LAWYERS," "Real Princesses are ENVIRONMENTALISTS"). The book expands readers' worldviews: They'll discover princesses live almost everywhere and are racially and ethnically diverse. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is included (as is Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales), though her profile notes that she and the Duke of Sussex "are no longer working members of the royal family," it doesn't mention that the couple now reside in the United States. Some readers may wish for a pronunciation guide and photographs of the princesses. The writing is straightforward and upbeat but generalized. Some facts aren't explained, e.g., why Princess Keisha Omilana of Nigeria lives in London. Illustrations are bright, cheery, and colorful, depicting princesses posed against themed settings; background figures are racially diverse. Some princesses wear national dress. (This book was reviewed digitally.) No glass slippers: just women with brains, skills, and dedication. Real princesses indeed. (author's note, glossary, "who said it?" quiz, "dream big questions," websites with further information) (Informational picture book. 6-10)

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January 20, 2023
Preschool-Grade 3 Many girls associate princesses with pastel ballgowns, but this volume sets the record straight by profiling 15 contemporary princesses. When Princess Abze Djigma was growing up in Burkina Faso, her family had only kerosene lanterns for lighting. She went to university, became an engineer, and invented a solar-powered lantern to help others without electricity. Once an Olympic swimmer, Princess Charlene of Monaco now works to make swimming lessons accessible to children worldwide. Princess Kako of Akishino graduated from college and represents her country, Japan, at meetings and celebrations around the world. Nowadays, princesses study at universities, learn several languages, and prepare themselves for leadership roles in their countries. Some are children, but most are adults. Their clothing differs according to their locations, interests, and responsibilities, but the message here is that princesses spend a great deal of time helping others. Most of the double-page spreads present a handsome portrayal of a princess within her country, accompanied by a few paragraphs of clearly written text. An amiable introduction to hard-working princesses living around the world today.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.