Who Wants To Be a Princess? What It Was Really Like to Be a Medieval Princess by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Migy - ESSENTIAL

Heos, Bridget.  Who Wants To Be a Princess?  What It Was Really Like to Be a Medieval Princess.  Illustrated by Migy.  Henry Holt and Co, 2017.  $16.99.  Content: G.  PICTURE BOOK.

You may think being a princess is all poufy gowns, tiaras, and handsome princes, but you would be wrong.  To illustrate the difference between popular fairytales and what the middle ages were really like for princesses, the author uses two-page spreads—one side the fairytale and the other the reality.  For example, on one side, a pretty pink castle and the other side, a grey, fort-like structure with a stinky moat.  The author debunks charm school and shows that princesses had tutors who taught them languages.  And instead of exciting balls, they mostly embroidered.  The author explains that princesses didn’t choose their prince, their parents did.  Not only that, but they were married when they were twelve years-old or older. 

An Author’s Note and bibliography are included at the end of the book and give further explanation about what it would have been like to be a princess who lived in Great Britain between 1100-1300.  Illustrator Migy does an excellent job of contrasting the fairytale illustrations with the more realistic ones.  The fairytale illustrations are very pink and very bright.  The more real-life illustrations have darker colors and the princess had hillarious expressions.  A charming book for any aspiring princess, even if there isn’t a handsome prince.          

Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL.  Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.