PRINCESS SMARTYPANTS

A modern fairy tale with a feminist theme. The princess wants to remain single, but is bothered by a series of annoying suitors, in order to eliminate them, she sets a number of impossible tasks. The final suitor, who actually succeeds in all the tasks, is rewarded by being changed into a toad by a magic kiss, and also departs, so that the princess is able to live happily--and unmarried--ever after. The illustrations provide the lighthearted touch that makes the story fun, with plenty of amusing monsters and humorous details; the wacky activities are a reminder not to take the story or the moral too seriously. Some children may have enjoyed the previous titles by the author, The Trouble with Mom and The Trouble with Dad. Both old and new readers will find pleasure with this clever twisting of familiar themes.