This Librarian's Quick Picks: Hamster Princess

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible
by Ursula Vernon
Dial Books (August 18, 2015)
Graphic/fantasy hybrid chapter book

Summary:

Never a conventional princess, Harriet becomes an adventurer after learning she is cursed to fall into a deep sleep on her twelfth birthday, but after two years of slaying ogres, cliff-diving, and more with her riding quail, Mumfrey, things go awry at home and she must seek a prince to set things right. 

Why You'll Love It:

•  Vernon already has a following in our library with the Dragonbreath series, and those kiddos will love Harriet! Also a ready-made booktalk for lovers of Holm's Babymouse graphic novel series. 
• Shifting between prose passages and indigo-tinted cartoon sequences, Vernon upends fairy-tale conventions and gender stereotypes left and right.
• Harriet breaks all the "princess" rules. She's cursed from birth to prick her finger when she's 12 and decides she's got to make the best of it 'till then. There's a great twist that leaves Harriet scrambling to find a prince--not to kiss HER awake, but everyone else in the castle.  

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-5...and here's the book trailer.

What Else You Should Read:

• The Dragonbreath series (also by Ursula Vernon)
• Half Upon a Time by James Riley
• The Babymouse series by Jennifer Holm 

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Dragonbreath -- Knight-napped!

Dragonbreath: Knight-napped!
by Ursula Vernon
Dial Books (January 6, 2015)
Fantasy chapter book

Summary:

Danny’s super-annoying cousin Spencer has been kidnapped by knights, every dragon’s worst enemy. After briefly enjoying the peace, Danny and friends go to his rescue.

Why You'll Love It:

• My kiddos at school are always excited about a new Dragonbreath addition. It's a no-brainer.
• Okay, still need convincing? Ursula Vernon’s witty passages will have readers chuckling. The description of Danny’s cousin is particularly funny: “If there had been a world championship for Most Annoying Cousin, Spencer would win every time. Then he’d whine until somebody carried the trophy for him.”
• Appealing comic-book-style illustrations appear throughout, enhancing the humor. For example, Wendell explains the composition of the moat that surrounds the castle by pointing to a visual aid labeled glop, ooze, and mafia informant.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 2-5.

What Else You Should Read:

• Fear the Amoeba (Squish series) by Jennifer Holm
• The Gumazing Gum Girl by Rhode Montijo
• The Flying Beaver Brothers series by Maxwell Eaton III