Twelve Terribly Active Princesses Who Were Not Exactly Dancing

by Michael Ann Hobbs

Twelve Terribly Active Princesses Who Were Not Exactly Dancing is a remake of the old fairy tale in which twelve princesses slip out every evening to dance the night away. The title got my attention and the idea was a good one. The effort unfortunately broke down in execution. The chapters are too wordy for a picture book for younger children and the interest just isn’t there for beginning chapter book readers. The reading level and number of words per chapter are also too high for those readers.

The illustrations are acceptable, but not outstanding. Two details I did enjoy are the method the princesses use to get to their nighttime world and the identity of the old woman who helps with the discovery of the princesses’ activities. I would recommend this book for young girls who are true baseball enthusiasts.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Xist Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3/5

Category: Children’s Fiction

Notes: Publisher recommends this book for Middle Grades

Publication:   April 4, 2017—Xist Publishing