Princess Pinecone is ready to become a fierce warrior like her parents and everyone else in their kingdom. After years of receiving cozy sweaters, Princess Pinecone is super clear about what she wants this birthday: A big, strong horse fit for a warrior princess.
When Pinecone’s birthday arrives, she doesn’t quite get the horse she expected. Instead she is greeted by a fat, tiny pony that seems to be cross-eyed. But it turns out even surprisingly cute and cuddly ponies can have their place in battle. And so can little warrior princesses in The Princess and the Pony (2015) by Kate Beaton.
There is a lot to recommend this picture book starting, right at the beginning, with Princess Pinecone’s bi-racial parents and diverse kingdom of warriors. Although Pinecone’s pony farts more than is necessary, this is still a fun story and sure to be a crowd pleaser. The Princess and the Pony is a wacky story with the feel of a fractured fairy tale and the humor to match.
Beaton’s background in comics gives her illustrations a cartoon-like quality. Each illustration is in full color with sharp outlines. The size and motion in each illustration also makes this a great choice to read to a larger group.
The Princess and the Pony is an entertaining and enjoyable picture book with whimsy and a kick-butt heroine. Recommended.
Miss Print 