Tessa Roehl

Part of Disney’s Before the Story series, this book features Mulan as she starts classes that will determine her potential as a bride. Even though she would rather learn martial arts like the boys she is determined to succeed in the lessons bringing honor to her family. Mulan and the girls are constantly bested by Ying causing animosity. After one of the lessons Mulan discovers Ying has been cheating and tells the others. Mulan suggests the girls share their strengths and work together show more while excluding Ying. As the girls improve their skills Mulan accidentally overhears Ying and her family and understands why Ying cheated. Feeling sorry for Ying Mulan brings Ying back to the group and all the girls successfully devise a plan to outwit the Matchmaker’s competition. Engaging and well paced story that encourages forgiveness and thinking outside the box that Disney fans will love. show less

Before the story takes us back to when Cinderella was a young girl. Ella as her parents affectionately call her is participating in the Midsummer Festival’s puppet contest. She has always dreamed of winning. Then she meets Val, who has the same dream. The two girls work together to create the best puppets ever. Cinderella shares her material and in return Val teaches her how to sew. I would recommend this for any collection owning the others in the series and it is great for fans of the show more classic Disney princesses. show less