Princess Florizella challenges princess stereotypes and still gets the prince-on her own terms….Princess Florizella's parents are unconventional royals who did not teach her the Princess Rules but let her do as she liked. As a result, "she grew up into a cheerful, noisy, bossy, happy girl." So when she is invited to a ball by handsome Prince Bennett, along with 120 other, more conventional, princesses, she is the only one not interested in marriage but a fun party and excellent food. The prince decides she is the only one he wants, however, so he's flabbergasted by her refusal. But they decide that they can settle for being best friends. Florizella flouts convention when she rescues Prince Bennett from a nasty tussle with a dragon only to be "prince-splained" as he expounds upon her violation of gender norms. In the second of the three interconnected stories in this work, the prince really does come to the rescue with a smart plan to make a wolf cub a more acceptable resident in the eyes of her royal parents. In the final story, Florizella and Bennett embark on a mission to rescue the Seven Kingdoms from the ravages of a destructive giant. Young readers will enjoy this validation of normal, gender-inclusive behavior. Florizella reads as White and Bennett as Black; the cheerful, charming illustrations have a classic feel and portray a diverse supporting cast.A hilarious, wacky spoof on fairy-tale conventions. (Fiction. 8-12)

Gr 1-3 Three previously published "Princess Florizella" tales are grouped together in this delightful collection. Princess Florizella is not a typical princess. This quirky, confident tween rejects rules and loves her horse, adventure, and swordplay. She doesn't plan to marry, refuses to be rescued, and likes to take matters into her own (not-always-competent) hands. Readers are introduced to her in the first story, "Princess Florizella." Though the narrator follows the traditional fairy-tale form, the voice is decidedly wry, with witty asides that help subvert fairy-tale conventions. Florizella is sent to attend Prince Bennett's breakfast, where he will find a bride. She observes how other princesses neither eat nor express opinions as she tucks into a hearty breakfast and opines freely. When Bennett proposes, Florizella offers friendship instead, much to her parents' dismay. In "Florizella and the Wolves," the princess rescues a litter of baby wolves after their parents are killed by a hunter. She hides them in the castle but her behavior leads people to believe that she's turning into an animal. "Florizella and the Giant" showcases the protagonist taking initiative. Bypassing the adults, she vows to battle a giant who seems to be rampaging the countryside. Accompanied by Bennett, she sets out to do the deed right. Grey-toned spot art enlivens the text and adds humor. VERDICT These gently feminist fairy tales celebrate individuality, friendship, and partnership. A collection that belongs in all libraries serving youngsters. Brenda Kahn, Tenakill M.S., Closter, NJ