Paula Harrison

Both I and my patrons have loved Paula Harrison's beginning chapter series in the past. I've had families with a diverse (adopted) children who liked the diversity in Rescue Princesses, I enjoyed the traditional fantasy of Secret Rescuers that did NOT feature princesses, and this new series is just as delightful.

Kitty's mom has super powers and goes out every night. Kitty might have some of the same cat-like powers - seeing in the dark, perfect balance, and being able to talk to cats - but show more she's scared of the dark. There are so many strange sounds and mysterious shadows! One night, her mother leaves her with some gentle words about being open to adventure and not letting her fear rule her. And she talks to her first cat! Figaro needs help and only Kitty is available. Can she face her fears and brave the night?

Paula Harrison has written a charming adventure story for any child who has ever imagined having an adventure or talking to animals. Lovlie's pictures show a cute little girl with black hair like her mother and a comfy cat suit of overalls, striped shirt, and cape. Of course, there's also a headband with ears, which is very timely, as on my last school visit at least half the girls were sporting kitty ear headbands! The pictures are all shades of black and orange and the story is full of whimsy but never too sweet. Kitty faces some definite trials and even some dangers, but with the help of her new "cat crew" and her own determination, she makes it through.

The story ends with a new home for a lost kitten and Kitty looking forward to new adventures. There are some facts about cats' abilities, and a teaser for upcoming books. This is an easier reading level than Harrison's previous books, with copious illustrations. It's perfect for kids who can handle easy chapters but aren't ready for something more dense.

Verdict: Sure to be a hit, especially at Halloween, hand this to readers who love cats and magic and enjoy Princess in Black and Daisy Dawson.

ISBN: 9780062934710; Published September 2019 by Greenwillow/HarperCollins; Purchased for the library show less

I first heard of Paula Harrison when a family with internationally adopted children recommended her "Rescue Princesses" series to me. They said it was one of the few books they'd found that featured the diversity of their family in a princess-style story. The series has been very popular and I enjoyed promoting a series that featured a diverse array of characters.

Rescuing magical animals seems to be all the rage in beginning chapter books right now (well, always really) and I recently read show more through a whole stack. I've selected "Secret Rescuers" as my favorite and I look forward to adding it to the juvenile series next year.

Sophy is just an ordinary maid at the castle. She's often yelled at by the strict housekeeper, tries to stay out of the way of the cranky queen and her creepy captain of the guard, Sir Fitzroy, and rather misses the old king who seems to have been the only one who liked the magical creatures that are rumored to abound in the kingdom. As she's helping the garden boy, Tom, dispose of the king's old belongings she finds a bag of plain gray stones which she absentmindedly pockets.

Later in the day, while picking apples, she encounters her first magical creature - Cloudy, a lost baby storm dragon! She also discovers the pebbles are actually magical stones that enable her to speak with Cloudy - and maybe other magical creatures. A breathless chase is on as Sophy tries to complete her duties and keep Cloudy safe from Sir Fitzroy and all his men. Once she succeeds, a new world of adventure opens up to her as she sets out to explore beyond the castle walls.

Williams' black and white illustrations are soft and shaded, showing a sweet-faced blonde girl with an untidy braid, a cute baby dragon, and a medieval-style castle with guards and others sprinkled about.

This is a friendly blend of sweet, cute, and adventurous and is sure to charm beginning chapter readers looking for new series about magical animals and fantasy adventures.

Verdict: Of course this will be an instant hit with fans of Harrison's previous series. It's also likely to appeal to readers who like Daisy Meadows' series, as well as Kallie George's Magical Animal Adoption Agency and, a bit more of a stretch, to fans of Tracey West's Dragon Masters. A fun addition to any beginning chapter series section, although I do hope that Harrison will introduce more diverse characters in later books.

ISBN: 9781481476089; This edition published 2017 by Aladdin; Borrowed from another library in my consortium show less

The Rescue Princess series begins with a lovely ball and a mystery that only four fabulous Princesses can solve. We meet Princess Emily who is excited for her first Grand ball. As she finds four new friends and tries out the super fun zip line a mystery is just around the corner. The four girls find an injured deer in the forest next to the castle. Hunting and traps are illegal in this Kingdom so it's up to them to find out who would do such an awful thing. Can they save the forest's deer in show more time? Who is the man in the purple hat? Read and find out in this fun new series by Paula Harrison.

This is a perfect beginning chapters book for young girls who are crazy about animals and princesses. The story is lighthearted, fun, and the mystery is not too scary for the younger readers. I can see my young patrons squealing in delight over the descriptions of the fancy clothes and jewels. The accompanying illustrations are a great addition and help move the story along. The characters are charming and good role models for friendship and kindness. I will be adding this to our collection as soon as possible!

My only tiny quibble is the mix of modern thrown in. This is not a bygone tale but a more modern take of royalty. It might be a bit confusing to some readers at first when they randomly mention cars and flying in jets while riding in a horse drawn carriage! It does not take away from the story and I hope that other books set the scene a bit better. show less

This was a pre-read before giving it to my daughter. It is about four princesses who band together to save animals, ninja style. A refreshing break from the damsel-in-distress type of books, and a great option to give to my mighty girl, who is also very much a girly-girl.