BANANA PANTS!

Miranda and Maude’s friendship is put to the test as their different interests cause some big disagreements.

Princess Miranda and not-a-princess Maude became unexpected best friends in series opener The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess (2018), and both are loving school and life. Unfortunately, school suddenly becomes much duller as their class is forced to take long exams. Fed up with nonstop testing, their teacher takes a stand and announces they will embark on a creative endeavor: a school play, which they call Banana Pants. As the kids bend their passions toward the play, Miranda and Maude become inspired to make positive changes of their own. Maude writes letters to protest the use of Styrofoam in the cafeteria, while Miranda works on the cause of love. When the girls can’t agree on whose is more important, conflict ensues. Once again, Wunsch writes a story with accessible themes and silliness that kids will enjoy. Balancing such serious topics as forgery and lying with the more lighthearted ones of stage fright and cooperation, she creates a strong storyline exploring conflict resolution. Von Innerebner again contributes amusing illustrations that add to the text, depicting Miranda with brown skin, straight, dark hair, and glasses and Maude with pale skin and tousled light hair. With short chapters, charming text, and pleasing drawings, this book is a delightful read.

A solid sequel with new topics, themes, and fun.