The Princess in Black and the mysterious playdate by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

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Ill. by LeUyen Pham. The Princess in Black book 5. Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN 9780763688264
(Age: 5-8) Highly recommended. My favourite princess is back and this time she is having a playdate with Princess Sneezewort. Unbeknowns to her a monster has followed her from the goats' field and is terrorising the children who have pets in the park near Princess Sneezewort's palace. When Princess Magnolia hears of the threat she quickly dons her Princess in Black attire and goes to the rescue. Princess Sneezewort follows the directions for becoming ' a monster battling hero' and dressing herself in a disguise of blankets, becomes the Princess in Blankets, and goes to the pets' rescue as well.
Filled with funny moments and humorous illustrations, this episode shows that with a bit of help, anyone could be a hero. The friendship portrayed between the two princess, both as their ordinary selves and then as heroes, is heart warming. The two friends have such fun playing dress-up slam and karaoke jam and playhouse romp and snack-time stomp. When they vanquish the monster it is time for a victory dance with the Goat Avenger and they slap hands, they wiggle bums and say 'Callooo!'
This series of books come highly recommended. The characters are well developed and most likeable and will appeal to a wide range of children. The delightful drawings complement the warmth and charm of the story, which is also action packed for readers who enjoy adventure. Readers will have lots of fun searching for the monster who is very adept at hiding.
I look forward to further exploits of the Princess in Black and her trusty friends.
Pat Pledger

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