Princess Pistachio (Princess Pistachio #1)

A playful and entertaining take on children's perennial questions surrounding ideas of personhood, family and community.

Gay (the Stella and Sam books) introduces a mercurial heroine named Pistachio Shoelace in this early reader series launch. An anonymous birthday gift of a golden crown confirms the redheaded, freckle-faced girl's belief that she is actually a princess from an island kingdom, where she was showered with lavish presents--"silver skates, invisible kites, a parrot that spoke five languages"--until a jealous witch whisked her away to live with "adoptive parents." Pistachio's jubilation over "discovering" her regal origins gives way to outrage when her parents and friends refuse to appreciate her royal status ("My real mother would never deny me anything," Pistachio huffs). Worse still, her baby sister, Penny, insists she's a princess (or rather "pwincess"), too. Airy spot illustrations keep the comedy fresh, drolly portraying Pistachio's lofty airs, which result in not-infrequent rages when the world doesn't bend to her will. Gay gives full credence to Pistachio's volatile emotions--she often lashes out at her sister in ways that are uncomfortably believable--which makes the reconciliation between the girls feel a bit rushed as the story concludes. Ages 5-8. (Feb.)

On her birthday, Pistachio Shoelace gets an unsigned card that says "Happy birthday, my little princess" and a golden crown. She has suspected her whole life that she is actually a princess, so she weaves a tale that she believes is the story of her royal heritage. At dinner, donning her princess dress and crown, she informs her family that "From this day forth, you shall call me Princess Pistachio." Unfortunately, her annoying little sister Penny wants to follow in her footsteps and decides she will be a princess, too. In this easy chapter book comprised of five short chapters, Pistachio realizes that her own family, friends, and teacher, and even the neighborhood boys don't really acknowledge her new status and some make fun of her. Readers will be empathetic to her struggles, especially when she wishes her sister away, and then has to find her. Young readers transitioning to chapter books will be enthralled by Pistachio and her big personality and imagination. The pen-and-ink illustrations are tinted with bright water colors and will help readers visualize the girl's antics. VERDICT A wonderful new offering from Gay to take her picture book readers to the next stage.—Nancy Jo Lambert, McSpedden Elementary Frisco, TX