This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Princess Shmincess by Julie Keshmiry, young readers are introduced to Princess Alexandria Von Shmincess. She’s a royal with a snorting laugh, who’d rather bang on drums than sit up straight at the piano. She also hates “proper princess posture” and puffy pink dresses. One day, her world changes when she goes over the garden wall and runs into a dragon with a surprising secret. While an army of princes is sent out to save the day, Alex tries to escape the creature’s lair by herself. However, she slowly begins to realize she may not need rescuing at all. As she and the beast talk, they each start to understand something very important. What is it? Could the two actually be more similar than they first thought?
I really enjoyed reading Princess Shmincess by Julie Keshmiry. I like how it’s not the usual princess narrative. Alex’s laugh, dislike of piano lessons, and stubborn streak make her feel like a real kid. She’s very relatable. The writing is light but still addresses some big ideas about courage, identity, and what it means to be “proper.” As an educator, I could see it used to discuss gender roles, expectations, and happiness. Kids could also compare Alex’s story to a traditional one, such as Cinderella, draw their favorite part of the book, or create a character who doesn’t always follow the rules. Mariia Furdei’s illustrations are colorful, silly, and very engaging. I especially appreciated Alex’s wild pink hair and the expressive dragon. Fans of twisty fairy tales or girl-power stories will love this fun, layered, and very satisfying read that celebrates individuality.
