The Runaway Princess

November 4, 2019
This fizzy, inventive graphic trio of stories stars Robin, a princess who, in the first episode, skips out on her tutor Elias’s etiquette class and sets off for the Aquatic Carnival in nearby Noor, finding four lost brothers on the way. (“I’m Paul,” the oldest says, politely. “This is Matt, Lee, and Omar.”) The five soon reach Noor, the City of Water, where a mermaid floating in a bubble bewitches Paul and the younger boys disappear (“You sure get lost a lot,” Robin says, in the Smiths’ natural-sounding translation). In all three tales, new creatures and dilemmas appear as fast as the old ones are dispatched, with opportunities for readers to help out now and then (“Use your finger to find out which path they should follow”). Evildoers are often reassuringly incompetent (one makes a gingerbread house with salt instead of sugar), and famous characters from classic children’s books make cameo appearances (“I’m Mr. Mole, and this is Mr. Badger”). Author-
illustrator Troïnowski’s loopy drawings, brilliant colors, and hectic pacing make this book the perfect companion to while away a long journey. Ages 8–12.

February 14, 2020

Gr 3-5-Princess Robin loves adventure, and adventure loves her! Whether narrowly escaping danger in dark labyrinths, breaking bewitching spells, outwitting pumpkin minions, or standing up to a dreaded pirate, Robin, accompanied by her friends, is an inquisitive, optimistic, and doggedly determined heroine. However, though the princess's willful walk into the unknown and her penchant for evading imminent danger are appealing, the book's real charm lies with the book's interactive element. Broken into three connected yet distinct tales, the narrative appeals directly to the reader to help Robin maneuver the kingdom or save her friends. These cleverly-placed invitations not only keep readers focused on the action but help drive it as well. The buoyant cartoons, which rely on a gorgeous palette of warm and cool colors to complement the bold red of the princess, effectively capture Robin's journeys. VERDICT For fans of fantasy, adventure, or graphic novels.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Library, IL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2019
Princess Robin isn't supposed to have adventures, but that doesn't stop her in this French import. Excited for the Aquatic Carnival, happy-go-lucky Princess Robin slips out of the castle without any adults catching her. Taking a shortcut through the woods, she comes across four brothers who, � la "Hansel and Gretel," are terrified after having been dropped off in the woods by their father. Robin is determined to help them, and as adventures featuring a mermaid, pirates, kidnapping, and a candy house ensue, the quintet becomes fast friends. Adventures are broken down into three chapters (the book was originally published in three separate volumes), and each one includes a map and at least one interactive activity. "Dear reader," prompts one, "please help our friends make the right choice! Which vine reaches all the way to the ground?" At least one, a connect-the-dots drawing, actively encourages children to put writing implement to book. The style and substance are less like Jeremy Whitley's comic-book series Princeless or Ursula Vernon's Hamster Princess and more as though Yellow Submarine and Luke Pearson's Hilda had an extremely European baby. The scribbly crayon-and-ink illustrations have a bright, bold color palette and often take advantage of the diminutive size of Robin and her friends (all white-presenting) in their use of scale. Robin is one of only a few girl characters. A quirky romp but also a niche one. (Graphic fantasy. 6-9)

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November 15, 2019
Grades 3-6 Random House Graphic's inaugural title collects three distinct adventures of the carefree Princess Robin, who keeps getting swept away to strange, fantastical lands populated by equally strange and fantastical characters. First, after running away to visit the Aquatic Carnival, she's ransomed by a group of illiterate kidnappers. Then, a game of hide-and-seek leads to her finding a secret passage and a new friend?who means to eat her. Finally, marooned on a remote island, Robin and her friends must fend off plundering pirates and find a way home. All of this and more, because at every turn, Tro�anowski subverts expectations, making for a surreal comical experience held together less by internal logic and more by a delirious exercise in imagination that is too spectacular to turn down. The art, throughout, exudes magic through a breathtaking array of tropical rainbow palettes. Occasional interactive sections?mazes, connect the dots, and other innovative mini-games?let readers participate in the story. All in all, a creative wonderland that will throw some but delight most with its quirky fun.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)