PRINCESS PENELOPE'S PARROT
by Helen Lester & illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
Princess Penelope's Parrot ($14.95; Oct. 1996; 32 pp.; 0-395-78320-8): A routine, predictable morality tale: Despite selfish Princess Penelope's threats and demands, her new parrot refuses to talk—until Prince Percival pays a call. The parrot drives him away by repeating Penelope's words verbatim, then later joins him on the beach, leaving the unedified Princess preparing to hook the next prince who happens along. Any interest that Munsinger's familiar cartoon figures spark will quickly disappear beneath the heavy lesson and trite plotline. (Picture book. 5-7)