Book

Princess Princess Ever After

📖 Overview

Princess Amira rides through the forest one day and discovers Princess Sadie trapped in a tower. This chance encounter sets both princesses on an unexpected journey together through their kingdom. The two princesses face obstacles and challenges as they travel, learning to work as a team despite their different backgrounds and approaches to problem-solving. Their quest brings them into contact with dragons, ogres, and other beings who test their developing partnership. This graphic novel explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and defying stereotypes about what makes someone a "proper" princess. The story demonstrates how strength comes in many forms and how people can complement each other's abilities while staying true to themselves.

👀 Reviews

Readers highlight this graphic novel's positive LGBTQ+ representation and its fresh take on fairy tale tropes. Parents and teachers note it works well for young readers ages 7-12. Readers appreciated: - The art style and color palette - Representation of different body types and relationships - Simple but meaningful messages about being yourself - Age-appropriate content for elementary school readers Common criticisms: - Story feels rushed and underdeveloped - Too short at 56 pages - Some readers wanted more world-building - Basic plot that older readers may find predictable Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (230+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (40+ ratings) One teacher reviewer noted: "My students love that it breaks traditional princess stereotypes." Multiple readers mentioned wanting a sequel or longer version to flesh out the characters and world more fully.

📚 Similar books

The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill A gentle graphic novel about a blacksmith apprentice who discovers magical tea dragons and forms connections in a world where magic and friendship intertwine.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang A graphic novel about identity and acceptance follows a prince who secretly wears dresses and the talented dressmaker who helps him express himself.

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson A shapeshifter becomes the sidekick to a supervillain in this graphic novel that subverts fantasy tropes and explores themes of identity and friendship.

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan A boy enters a magical realm and turns fairy tale expectations upside down while navigating relationships and questioning traditional heroic structures.

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag A graphic novel about a boy from a magical family who must choose between following tradition and pursuing his true calling as a witch rather than a shapeshifter.

🤔 Interesting facts

🌟 Author Kay O'Neill identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, creating inclusive stories that challenge traditional fairy tale gender roles. 🏰 The graphic novel began as a webcomic before being published as a book by Oni Press in 2016. 👑 The story subverts classic fairy tale tropes by having Princess Amira rescue Princess Sadie from a tower, rather than the traditional prince-rescues-princess narrative. 🌈 The book received widespread praise for its positive representation of same-sex relationships in children's literature, particularly in the fantasy genre. 🎨 O'Neill's distinctive art style uses soft, pastel colors and rounded shapes to create a welcoming, gentle atmosphere that makes complex themes accessible to young readers.