The Princess Imposter - Hardcover

Vande Velde, Vivian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1338121472 ISBN 13: 9781338121476

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2017

Synopsis

Princess Gabriella is accustomed to a certain kind of castle life. So when she wakes up one morning in a crowded hut, surrounded by squabbling fairy siblings, it takes all her princess training to maintain her poise and good manners.
Meanwhile, across the kingdom, Fairy Phleg revels in Gabriella's luxurious lifestyle. As long as she can fool the castle into believing she's the real princess-with a little help from her magical disguise-then she's set to enjoy three glorious days of sweets and comfort.
The mischievous fairies have placed a bet, and Gabriella is caught in the middle of it. Can she survive her time in the chaotic fairy household without failing the ultimate princess test and losing her temper? Phleg turns the castle upside down as she poses as Gabriella, but when an important guest arrives, will her antics unwittingly send the kingdom into war?
An upbeat and hilarious fantasy from the masterful storyteller, Vivian Vande Velde.

About this title

About the Author

Vivian Vande Velde is the Edgar Award winning author of Never Trust a Dead Man, Heir Apparent, Dragon’s Bait, and dozens of other fantasy and mystery novels for young readers. She lives in Rochester, NY.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–6—Princess Gabriella of Fairhaven's life is turned upside down when one morning she wakes up surrounded by ill-mannered fairy children instead of in her bed at the palace. One of the fairy children, Parf (a name meant to combine pee and barf), explains that the fairy children were bored, so Gabriella is now a changeling for Parf's sister Phleg (short for Renphlegena) for the next three days. Gabriella struggles with some of Phleg's chores such as laundry and cooking, while Phleg inadvertently creates conflict with the parents of Prince Frederic of Ostermark, Gabriella's betrothed. Eventually, the two find their place in the other's world: Gabriella uses her diplomacy to help Parf's father Benlos resolve a conflict with another fairy, and Phleg uses the skills she learned helping animals to tend to Frederic when he injures his leg. The story alternates between Gabriella and Phleg's points of view as both protagonists find their happily ever after with a twist. In addition to a dash of magic, Velde's story is full of humor, whether it's oriented in bodily functions or Parf's tendency to misunderstand situations. Frederic and Benlos share an interest in storytelling, although this isn't explored in depth. The cast of characters is large, but each character is distinct and well developed. While the plot maintains a steady pace, Gabriella's problems seem trivial compared to those that Phleg's family has, making the resolution of her troubles feel slightly less significant. VERDICT Purchase where fairy books are in high demand.—Liz Anderson, DC Public Library

About this edition

• Publisher: Scholastic Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1338121472
• ISBN 13: 9781338121476
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224