The Princess and the Pony - Kate Beaton

1. The Main Character: Princess Pinecone is not your normal princess, she is a warrior princess, and that is what makes her so endearing.

2. Pinecone's Facial Expressions: Kate Beaton does a remarkable job illustrating the entire story, but it's Pinecone's facial expressions that stand out to me. My favorite is when she fumbles for her spitballs.

3. Flatulence: Yup. It's in here. More than once. Your kids will love it.

4. The Message(s): It seems like there are so many messages that are touched on in this book...just do your best, teamwork, sometimes solutions are unexpected.

5.The Endpapers: Because I can't get enough of that adorable, plump pony.



Parents: Don't pigeonhole this story as "just for girls" because it is about princesses. She is a warrior princess, there is a fierce battle, and again, there is farting. Boys will enjoy this story, too.

Teachers: Great read-aloud-ability here; reading with expression; characterization; making inferences

Writers: How to take topics like birthdays and princesses and make them unique; pacing

---