TIANA'S PERFECT PLAN

Disney’s Princess Tiana sets out to make the perfect cake for a royal Mardi Gras visit.

Tiana leaps from the film The Princess and the Frog (2009) to the page in this book written by the Tony Award–winning voice of Tiana, Rose. When her husband Naveen’s parents, the queen and king of Maldonia, announce that they will be arriving for Mardi Gras, Tiana begins planning a special treat for her royal guests. She secures a treasured recipe for king cake and begins searching the bayou for a “dollop of magic glow” to enhance her planned “king and queen cake.” Even though the final product is imperfect, Tiana realizes that the real magic is her love and effort. The story includes a peppering of French words and phrases, thoughtfully explained to readers: fêted, je ne sais quoi, and even simply voilà. Rose’s Tiana is capable and determined, leaving Naveen behind to prepare the house while she ventures out for her special ingredient. Even her accompanying manservant, Raha, bumbles in comparison with her confident proficiency. The illustrations are a match for Disney’s, and Raha’s missteps—seen mostly in the artwork—will make readers giggle. Besides showing Tiana as a quick, skillful problem solver, the story also has a sweet message of the value in doing your best and doing it with love. Tiana is Black; most characters are pictured with brown skin.

A capable, strong role model takes charge in this entertaining, worthy read.