Kitty Princess and the Newspaper Dress

Both my 2 year old daughter and 5 year old son adore this book! They love the story, the lesson in manners, and especially like looking for Fairy Godmouse on each page (as well as the surprise faces on the magazine covers at the news stand). We borrowed it from the library, but will definitely be buying it for future gifts.

This delightfully animated spin on the traditional Cinderella tale stars a rude and arrogant Kitty Princess as its main character. She is a great contrast to the traditional Cinderella who is typically presented as kind, generous, and loving. This tale is told from the point of view of Kitty's Fairy Godmouse who becomes fed up with her mistreatment and lets Kitty fend for herself while preparing for Prince Quince's ball. As can be expected, the results fall far short of Kitty's expectations and she must deal with the consequences of her actions. The ending is unexpected as the focus remains on Kitty Princess while Prince Quince has a lesson of his own to learn.The story focuses on Kitty Princess and her dynamic character transformation. The reader becomes appalled at Kitty's mistreatmnet of others while anxious to find out how her lesson is learned. During her solitary journey, she travels from store to store demanding shoes, jewelry, and a gown for Prince Quince's ball. When the shop owners attempt to fill her requests, she is greatly disappointed. She recognizes the error of her ways and discovers disrespect and rudeness do not serve her well. She resolves to treat others in a more kind and less demanding way. Kitty becomes a credible character as young children will identify with wanting their own way immediately but resolving to do better in the future. Young children will delight in the journey Kitty takes. Children in middle elementary grades will enjoy a different take on the Cinderella story which focuses less on how to impress the prince and more on how to treat all people.

There are numerous refreshing aspects to this tale of fashion, community, appreciation, and a stubborn little kitty princess. Expressed through a vivid and textured Japanese motif, Princess Kitty is laying down the high demands in anticipation of a royal ball. What little princess wouldn't want to be the most glorious geisha of the bunch? Its the witty dialogue that drives this story to supremacy. (The narrator is Kitty's frustrated fairy mouse.) This tale is great to read aloud to kids and even adult peers. You will get a sugar high off of the fabulous illustrations alone. Get this for your favorite little princess and/or the princess that?s within.