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4.52 AVERAGE
4.52 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I think this was trying too hard to show inclusiveness and LGBTQ representation, but since this is a kids book I think it is a little appropriate to be heavy handed with the message. The art had very rich coloring.
What a charming, attractive and engaging book! It’s a simple romance, obviously modeled along the lines of many children’s picture books, YA novels, cartoon movies, etc, but with a crucial difference: the two lovers are young men. In ever other way, it follows an enjoyably predictable script, narrated in rhyme. Other than the gender of the lead pair, there is the usual narrative arc, beginning with dissatisfaction, leading to adventure and peril, and satisfyingly leading to a very traditionally-styled Happily Ever After. (Spoiler Alert: if soppy weddings gross you out, you will not enjoy this book.)
Sure, it’s syrupy sweet. Yes, in terms of plot structure and character development, it is highly derivative. As a book marketed to children, it is utterly and somewhat pointedly sexless (that is, sex-free, Rated G). And the illustrations are exceedingly conventional, in terms of gender norm depictions. (Cis-normative in the extreme).
But therein lies its success, as well. It is an attractive and credible - in the fairytale world sense - depiction of a sweeping Disney-style (that dragon will look familiar to anyone who has watched Sleeping Beauty) romance between two men. Well-paced and succinctly told, as befits a children’s picture book, it tells its story boldly and in clear language. If it comes across as dated and cloying at times, so be it. It is true to its genre, as true as the love between the Handsome Prince and His Brave Knight (check out the stubbled jawline on him, btw).
I am going back to the bookstore to read it again.
Sure, it’s syrupy sweet. Yes, in terms of plot structure and character development, it is highly derivative. As a book marketed to children, it is utterly and somewhat pointedly sexless (that is, sex-free, Rated G). And the illustrations are exceedingly conventional, in terms of gender norm depictions. (Cis-normative in the extreme).
But therein lies its success, as well. It is an attractive and credible - in the fairytale world sense - depiction of a sweeping Disney-style (that dragon will look familiar to anyone who has watched Sleeping Beauty) romance between two men. Well-paced and succinctly told, as befits a children’s picture book, it tells its story boldly and in clear language. If it comes across as dated and cloying at times, so be it. It is true to its genre, as true as the love between the Handsome Prince and His Brave Knight (check out the stubbled jawline on him, btw).
I am going back to the bookstore to read it again.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I LOVE this queer prince-must-be-married-to-gain-throne tale. Both the story and artwork are perfectly modern yet pay tribute to the classic fairy tale trope. I also loved that the prince's parents and village were so genuinely happy when he brought the knight home as his true love.
A "Reading with Royalty" book. The prince just isn't finding love with the princesses his parents present him. But after a daring adventure involving a dangerous dragon, the prince finds his perfect match.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
My serotonin levels, part 1, are going through the roof!