📖 Overview
The Very Fairy Princess follows young Geraldine, who knows with complete certainty that she is a fairy princess, despite her outward appearance. She maintains her royal identity through her daily activities at school and home, even when others fail to recognize her true nature.
Through illustrations and text, the book depicts Geraldine's unwavering confidence as she navigates regular childhood situations. She demonstrates her fairy princess qualities in ways that range from her choice of accessories to her interactions with family and classmates.
The story shows how a child's imagination and self-belief can transform ordinary moments into magical experiences. The narrative celebrates individuality and the power of staying true to oneself, regardless of external perceptions or circumstances.
👀 Reviews
Parents and young readers connect with Geraldine's confident personality and message of being true to oneself. The illustrations by Christine Davenier capture both the character's enthusiasm and relatable everyday moments.
Readers liked:
- Messages about self-expression and inner beauty
- Balance between fantasy and real-world situations
- Realistic portrayal of a spirited child who isn't perfect
- Engaging read-aloud text with natural rhythm
Readers disliked:
- Some found it reinforces princess stereotypes
- A few noted it was too similar to other princess-themed books
- Price point considered high for length
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (480+ ratings)
Common reader comments:
"Perfect for little girls who march to their own beat"
"My daughter asks for this every night"
"Teaches confidence without being preachy"
"Wish it was longer for the price"
📚 Similar books
Olivia the Princess by Ian Falconer
A pig who believes she is a princess navigates daily life with royal flair while wearing tutus and tiaras.
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle A young girl learns that princesses come in all types and can do anything they choose.
Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen Girls demonstrate that princesses can play sports, get muddy, and wear their crowns while doing it all.
Princess Grace by Mary Hoffman A school project leads Grace to discover princesses from around the world who made their mark through actions rather than appearances.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch A princess reverses traditional fairy tale roles when she rescues a prince while wearing a paper bag.
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle A young girl learns that princesses come in all types and can do anything they choose.
Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen Girls demonstrate that princesses can play sports, get muddy, and wear their crowns while doing it all.
Princess Grace by Mary Hoffman A school project leads Grace to discover princesses from around the world who made their mark through actions rather than appearances.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch A princess reverses traditional fairy tale roles when she rescues a prince while wearing a paper bag.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Julie Andrews co-wrote this book with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, making it a true mother-daughter collaboration.
👗 The book's illustrator, Christine Davenier, deliberately chose to show the main character, Geraldine, in everyday clothes rather than traditional princess attire to emphasize that being a fairy princess comes from within.
📚 The Very Fairy Princess became the first book in what would become a successful series of 10 books following Geraldine's adventures.
🎭 The character Geraldine was partially inspired by Julie Andrews' own granddaughter, who loved to dress up and believed firmly in her own "sparkle."
🎬 While Julie Andrews is best known for her roles in films like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, she has written over 30 children's books throughout her career.