Children’s Book Review: The Dog Princess Fairy Tails
March 18, 2008 — Tricia AresThe Dog Artist Collection. The Dog Princess Fairy Tales. HarperCollins. Ages 3-6. ISBN-0060783105 (ISBN 13-9780060783105) $16.99
Move over Paris Hilton, there’s a new pampered princess in town—a pampered puppy princess that is. This pampered puppy princess is far from petty though, she has her . . . um . . . priorities straight (sorry—the alliteration is positively contagious).
The Dog Princess Fairy Tails is the latest book by The Dog Artist Collection. This modern fairytale is both empowering and endearing. The story of the pampered princess (with a pink limousine) is told through precious puppy photos. When the pampered princess begs her Fairy Dogmother to send a handsome prince to the grand ball, she gets “EXACTLY” what she wished for. Oops. What will a ballroom full of pampered princesses do with just one Prince? Well tell him to “go fetch,” of course. The pampered princess pals decide to play nice and have a slumber party instead.
Using unique angles and special lenses, The Dog Artist Collection captures the quirky humor of our favorite four legged friends. These dogs are featured on postcards, in calendars, and as plush animals world wide. They also appear in the picture book, board book, and paperback versions of The Dog From Arf! Arf! To Zzzzzz.
My three-year-old daughter loves this book. The photos keep her giggling from cover to cover, while the positive story reinforces the value of friendship, independence, and appreciating what you already have. The puppy photos are enhanced with illustrative effects that transform these adorable doggies into fair tale princesses. Although these puppies are bejeweled, they’re not afraid to break a nail. When they lay down for their beauty rest, they dream of things like soccer.
This simple story will really resonate with parents who want to foster female femininity and strength. The princess puppies are bedecked with boas and jewels, while demonstrating that style can have substance.
The world play and alliteration throughout the book makes the story fun to read out loud and enjoyable for young ears. The large print makes it easy to read while holding the book at arms length and the pink photo captions that accompany each photo are short enough for pre-school children to memorize, allowing them to read along before they actually master reading skills.
This picture book will be a fabulous addition to any child’s library, especially puppy loving princesses.
For more information on The Dog Artist Collection, visit their website at www.thedog-club.com.
