THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS TAKES THE STAGE

The mother-daughter team offers a follow-up to the popular The Very Fairy Princess (2010). This time, spunky Gerry believes she is a shoe-in for the starring role of the crystal fairy in her ballet studio's spring performance. To her chagrin, another dancer, Tiffany, is selected for the coveted role, and Gerry is cast as the Court Jester. Even though her costume is not to her liking, Gerry does her best, but she stumbles around on stage, tripping, stepping on toes and, worst of all, losing her sparkle. She gets it back when she saves the day by offering her very own tiara to Tiffany when hers is smashed on stage. It's a cute-enough story, but it is Davenier’s ink-and–colored-pencil illustrations that really steal the show. They, more than the text, demonstrate Gerry’s lovability, delightful awkwardness and indomitable spirit. In one memorable spread, Gerry’s facial expressions change from exuberance to devastation to a steely smile as she trips her way across the stage while audience members chuckle behind their hands. Captivating artwork aside, the authors make this princess fare more palatable than most by emphasizing that Gerry’s claim to princesshood is her sparkle, which turns out to be more about her self-confidence and self-expression than a frothy dress or gleaming tiara. (Picture book. 3-7)