Reviews

A Hidden Magic by Vivian Vande Velde, Trina Schart Hyman

clarabooksit's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

marie123's review against another edition

3.0

Vivian Vande Velde is one of those authors, that while I've certainly outgrown the target demographic for her novels, I haven't outgrown the books themselves. They are fun, and cute and sweet fantasies that generally have a happy ending and a moral of some sort.

This book is no exception. I love the fantasy aspect, and just the fun of her books.

iamastraythought's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

micaelabrody's review against another edition

5.0

I found this book hidden away on a bookshelf in my room on a trip home to New Jersey and I couldn’t believe I’d ever forgotten about it. This was likely an influential book for me - the princess being a rather ordinary person and the charming prince being pretty horrible is a wonderful subversion of a classic fairy tale that definitely shaped my thinking on fairy tales in general. It’s a fast read and a fast plot, and I think it’s essential children’s reading, which makes it a shame that as far as I know it’s basically an unknown.

I leave you with this, what is one of my favorite introductions of a protagonist ever:

“Jennifer was not your average beautiful princess living in a Amy office for palace. In fact, she was actually rather plain and shy, with the chubby, good-natured kind of face parents tend to call nice.”

Finally some representation for the rest of us!

stefaniajoy's review against another edition

3.0

Quick read, enjoyable story. some parts a little predictable, but overall I liked it.

ejderwood's review

3.0

Very light and quick read, but very sweet. Anything illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman is always a delight as well.

greymalkin's review

5.0

Such a formative book for me as a young child and holds up remarkably well reading it as an adult. Possibly the start of my preference for practical princesses and characters who are more complex than just their stereotype. I loved Jennifer's story. Plus also the illustrations are gorgeous.

naonao's review

5.0

This is a childhood favorite. A sweet, slightly prickly tale. I remember loving this book so much. Recommended for bookish girls age 9-14.