Kirkus Reviews QR Code
PRINCESS CHAMOMILE GETS HER WAY by Hiawyn Oram

PRINCESS CHAMOMILE GETS HER WAY

by Hiawyn Oram

Pub Date: May 1st, 1999
ISBN: 0-525-46148-5
Publisher: Dutton

This cautionary tale from Oram (Just Dog, 1998, etc.) has a lot of wit and sparkle, coming to a breathless close almost before it’s begun. Princess Chamomile, a nice young mouse, is overprotected by her Nannie Nettle, who forbids her to leave the palace grounds, to eat candy, etc. When Chamomile has had enough of this nonsense, she runs away to the nearest candy store, run by a bad cat named Bags-Eye, who promptly considers her kidnapped. He demands she write a ransom note, since he can’t read or write; she agrees, for the price of candy. Chamomile uses the note to explain her predicament and is duly rescued, though not before making herself sick on candy. Readers learn, in rapid succession, that candy is not bad, though too much of it is; that those things that are forbidden turn into never-ending temptations; and that there are consequences to pay for any act. Such lessons can’t undercut the charm of this tale; Varley’s watercolors are attractive and pleasing and add generously to the antic proceedings. (Picture book. 3-9)