THE PRINCESS AND THE PIT STOP

A race car–driving princess has something to prove when taking a pit stop leaves her in last place with just one lap to go.

While her capable crew of magical creatures gets her ready, the Princess hears her position and reddens with fiery ambition. She zooms ferociously around the track, leaving a rainbow trail of exhaust in her wake. As a track-announcer frog calls out the pun-laced action, the Princess speeds by her famous opponents, recognizable from fairy tales, children’s classics, and nursery rhymes. This princess is a force to be reckoned with. She’s not afraid of a little rough-and-tumble in the pursuit of victory. After crossing the finish line she celebrates by spinning doughnuts, posing for pictures while covered in grime, and happily accepting an endorsement deal. The full-page illustrations are saturated with color and express the action so vividly readers will nearly hear the roar of the racetrack. The emphasis on the Princess’ racing skill and zeal for her sport is empowering and refreshing, which is what makes the end spread all the more disappointing. At her victory party, readers finally get to hear the Princess speak for the only time in the entire book. “C’mon Prince! We’ve got a dance contest to win!” What a crash and burn. The Princess has light-brown skin and black hair.

An exciting ride that unfortunately runs out of steam on the last lap.