The first by this author I read - the one that made me want to read everything by her. ( )

If you like young adult old-school fantasy but dislike the damsel-in-distress scenario, you will probably enjoy this book. Princess Jennifer has become one of my favorite fairy-tale heroines ( )

This book seems to be an early feminist attempt at a modern fairy tale. It just felt to me like the author was too concerned with making her points and teaching us something important than in having fun creating an adventure. Also, you have to be careful in a world where magic works that there is still some sort of reasonable cause and effect: A spell is broken at the end without any logic that I could see. So, because I liked the characters, I was disappointed that it wasn't better. ( )

This is a tiny children’s book, but it’s a thoroughly enchanting one. The occasionally interspersed illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman are gorgeous and the story is simple, straightforward, and perfectly executed.

A humble young princess ends up trapped in an enchanted forest and has to rescue a vain prince with only her own wits and the reluctant assistance of a clever young sorcerer. An utterly charming adventure ensues. ( )

Jennifer, princess of a very small kingdom, falls for the handsome prince Alexander, who has come questing. Hence, she gets in trouble along with him when they encounter a talking mirror and the prince behaves foolishly. In finding a way to free Alexander from his enchantment, Jennifer happens into all sorts of magical adventures. Vande Velde gives Jennifer a sensible and matter-of-fact voice. A short and enjoyable jaunt. ( )