:) We are big fans of books where girls can be princesses that wear frilly dresses and also stop monster invasions. Who said you had to pick between the two anyways?

This is a charmer. Very much along the lines of [b:The Paper Bag Princess|240130|The Paper Bag Princess|Robert Munsch|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386912856s/240130.jpg|844184] and [b:Not All Princesses Dress in Pink|6984768|Not All Princesses Dress in Pink|Jane Yolen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347262730s/6984768.jpg|7226760], but in an early chapter book format that is more appealing to the target age (I'd say ages 7-9).

The text is just about perfect, but much credit goes to illustrator LeUyen Pham, whose style here is full of energy and cute to boot. The illustrations play such a key role (belying the text, providing clues for young readers, explaining concepts visually), that I'm tempted to put this on my "graphic" shelf, even though this would rightly be called "heavily illustrated" and not a "graphic novel." But who cares about labels? Certainly not The Princess in Black! ( )

AR: 3.2

This is the first book in a series for young readers that not only challenges what princesses can do, but keeps you laughing. Determined to defeat monsters before the duchess finds our about her alter ego powers, this princess in black takes toung readers through all kinds of adventures, including with goats. We need more younger reader series' like this!

Independent Reading Level: Grades K-3
Awards: None