The Everything Princess Book

The Everything Princess Book by Barbara Beery, Brooke Jorden, Michele Robbins, David Miles. Illustrations by Rebecca Sorge (EK Books) HB RRP $29.99 ISBN 978-1- 942934-65-3

Reviewed by Elizabeth Vercoe

Hold onto your puffy sleeves and tiaras – THIS is a Princess book to outshine them all.

With 101 crafts, recipes, stories, decorations and more inside a lush, pink-and-gold embossed hardcover book, this spiral-bound compendium will have your own princess swooning before s/he’s even turned a page. Although unashamedly catering to girls, some little boys – if given the opportunity - will also enjoy this book which fosters empowering values like intelligence, problem solving and inner beauty.

Divided into sections with fairy tales, princess recipes, games, virtues, activities and ‘heaps of charming tips on how to befit your royalty (and handle your fairy godmother),’ there are literally hours of frilly entertainment to be had from within the pages of this book.

The idea and intent are happy, magical and uplifting – however I’m glad that I will not be the parent who needs to interpret some of the recipes (‘cook your cupcakes in little china teacups,’ proclaims one!).  My own personal princess was more into gumboots in her heyday than tulle. Perhaps a Princess Masterchef is in order?

This book will no doubt be shared and enjoyed by princesses and would-be queens, the world over. This is a sure bet choice for a special occasion, or just because.