Princesa pistacho

Princess Pistachio

by Marie-Louise Gay

El dia de su cumpleanos, Pistacho Zapato se entera de que es una princesa. uUna verdadera entre verdaderas! uSe acabaron las espinacas, la escuela y los deberes! De pronto, la princesa Pistacho de Papuasia se vuelve elegante, graciosa y muy caprichosa. Pero sus amigos y su familia se burlan de ella. Nadie cree que sea una verdadera princesa. Pistacho esta trastornada. Como probar que si lo es? Una historia comica y emocionante de princesas y falsos dragones.

Genres: Childrens, Family, Humor, Princesses, Juvenile, Picture Books, Chapter Books

48 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2014

About the author

Marie-Louise Gay is the illustrator of many award-winning children's books. She is from Montreal, Canada.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Pistachio finds a gift under her bed, she is highly curious. Addressed to 'My Princess Pistachio' and finding a crown inside, the young girl is sure that her daydreams have come true. She is actually the daughter of a king and queen in Papua, who were forced to send her to live with adoptive parents, the people who now serve as mom and dad. From thereon in, Princess Pistachio spends her time trying to convince everyone that she is royalty and should be treated as such. Neither her friends nor parents give these claims much merit and Princess Pistachio is left to fend for herself. When, after a fight with her little sister, Princess Pistachio realises that little Penny is missing, she goes into a panic. If that were not enough, her grandfather calls and Pistachio soon learns that she is not truly royalty, but only the brightest gem in his eye. By the end, Pistachio learns a valuable lesson, but still wants to be known by her regal title. This is the second in the series that Neo and I have read, enjoy them both. The story got a little long-winded, but what can you expect from a ginger, right? We'll look for more books in the collection and hope that we can read them soon, followed by some great reviewing.

[Kyisha Walter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give this book a two-star instead of a one simply because I liked the art style and think the plot is thin enough to help new readers. That being said I feel that this book needed to either be shortened into an easy reader or thickened into a more in depth chapter book. The plot is predictable and the characters just float around the story. Tries to teach good lessons but not very well.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pistachio is convinced that she is actually a kidnapped princess. She receives a mysterious crown in the mail, and believes that her real parents, the king and queen, will be coming to take her away to a palace. When she wears her crown to school, the other children make fun of her. Eventually, Pistachio learns to appreciate her family even if they aren't royalty. She even learns to love her bratty little sister, Penny.

Pistachio is a mess: tangled hair, sloppy clothing, and always falling into puddles. She's so hilarious and cute! I love how she is a perfect combination of girly princess and tomboy. She is passionate and wild and impatient. I love her character development in each of the books. She is definitely bratty and rude. Her friends tease her, and never seem to have anything nice to say.  But I can forgive that because Pistachio does seem to learn her lesson by the end. 

The illustrations are completely adorable. The bright colors and cartoony style are charming and sweet. I love the funny expressions on the characters' faces. It brings the story to life! I really like the pretty design of this book.

The writing is delightfully funny with rich words, perfect for expanding the vocabulary of young readers aged 8-11. I love that vivid words like "menacing, clenches, preening, triumphant, rustling, and frantically" are included in the book. The writing is clear and powerful. This is a great little chapter book for readers who are starting to read more on their own.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Briana · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a bit funny the book description says this is "whimsical." It's actually one of those books where the main character is a bit bratty, mean to their family and friends, and at the end sort of (a little bit) realizes perhaps they shouldn't have been. As an adult, I was mostly irritated reading this because the main character has such a bad attitude, and not in a way that comes across as funny because at least it's in a book and not someone I actually know, but maybe this will be more entertaining for other readers. To be fair, Pistachio's friends weren't much kind. And I very much want to know how old the little sister is supposed to be, since she's called a "baby" and the mom feeds her purees, but they also just leave this supposed baby alone in the yard in a pool with the dog. Sounds very safe...

[Annie]

Lillian liked this. You know—princesses.

I myself would rather hang out with Stella and Sam.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little girl gets an anonymous gift of a crown and a note calling her a 'Princess' proving just how much you have to watch what you say around little kids.

Maybe it's the fault of the parents for naming their child 'Pistachio' but the Princess in this story was extremely bratty. She's rude to everyone, extremely self-involved to the point where her sister goes missing, and shows a lot of attitudes I would not wish to see emulated in my own kids. What really struck me though, is how mean everyone is. The other kids (even the one who was supposed to be Pistachio's best friend) are all very cruel in how they act.

Overall, not my favorite book and not one I would recommend to my kids. There are so many other characters out there, so much more engaging.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pistachio gets a crown in the mail and decides her true parents, the king and queen of Papua, must have sent it to her. She goes around telling everyone that she’s a princess, but nobody treats her like she thinks she deserves.

Odd little book. Short and styled as a reader, but the text seems harder than readers are. Shrug.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find Princess Pistachio as engaging as Stella.
This is part of a series so I'll check out the others too

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so cool! I loved the ending when she helps her sister Penny.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story with cute illustrations. My only problem was the name-calling and meaness of both Pistachio and her classmates.

[Jessica Loomis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about a realistic little girl who is childishly selfish, quirky, and yet loyal and loving.

[Andrea Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures were adorable but I was annoyed with the main character most of the book. It was just ok I suppose. I will try one more in the series and see if I like it better.

[Lu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh
Fue un libro que leí como a los 7 años, lo vi en mi librero y me dieron ganas de releerlo.
Nada destacable.

[Amanda Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Harper loved it but I really hated it. The protagonist is really mean to everyone for the whole book and never really apologizes.

[Candace Worrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pistachio is convinced that she is a real princess; surely a horrible witch has stolen her from her royal family and placed her with Mr. and Mrs. Shoelace, the couple who has been posing as her parents. And most definitely there is no way that her little “sister” is actually related to her! The arrival of a mysterious package containing a golden tiara has confirmed her beliefs. Convinced that it is a message from her royal family of Papua, Pistachio begins to put on royal airs. However, her actions are met with much laughter on the part of her friends and family. Pistachio becomes increasingly frustrated that she is not being treated with the dignity due to a royal. The story is a mere five chapters but full of humor and instantly relatable by any girl who once fancied herself a princess. Candace (E Fiction)

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like many youngsters, Pistachio Shoelace has always secretly known she was the offspring of a royal family. When a crown arrives in the mail, her thoughts are confirmed, and she's sure that it's only a matter of time until her real parents arrive. While she waits, she makes life difficult for those around her and endures ridicule from her classmates, who simply don't see her as she sees herself. Even though Pistachio makes several mistakes and even hurts the feelings of her sister Penny, eventually she behaves just the way a real princess would. I like this character and her antics and laughed at how dismissive she was to everyone, but I also liked how her mother responded to her royal tantrums. The illustrations effectively show the plight of a would-be princess as she deals with the misunderstandings of those around her.

[Elissa Schaeffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pistachio Shoelace receives a gift for her birthday, with a note that reads "Happy birthday, my little princess!" The gift is a crown which, combined with the note, convince Pistachio that she was right in believing she is a long lost princess. This doesn't go over too well with her parents and friends, but she insists that it's true. However, when she wishes her little sister would disappear...and then her little sister disappears...Pistachio puts a stop to her royal dreams to find her sister.

I am a fan of Marie-Louise Gay's illustrations and had high hopes for this book. Nope. Pistachio comes off as bratty and all together unlikeable. Even the contrived ending does nothing to save her character. I'm sure it will be read at my library because of the "princess" nature, but I can't really recommend this one. Grades 2 and up.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young girl awakens on her birthday to find a crown wrapped up beneath her bed. Believing her long lost royal parents have finally found her, she behaves as the princess she always knew she was.

In many ways, she is a normal girl who has chores and a younger sibling, so she's a likable enough main character, though I didn't find her charming enough to want to read more of her adventures. The main problem was not as gripping as I would've liked and the solution was predictable. That being said, I don't think I'm the right reader for this book; a young girl who's enthralled with princesses will probably find this to be a great read.

Full color pen and ink and watercolor illustrations are peppered throughout the short chapters in this beginning chapter book, Recommended for PreK-2.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When young Princess Pistachio receives a package containing her own crown and princess gown, her belief that she truly is a princess is confirmed. Her imperious tone gets her in a bit of trouble, and when she wishes her little sister would disappear forever, her little sister does disappear, bringing her bossy ways to a halt. This is an imaginative and clever first title in the Princess Pistachio chapter book series. The lovely watercolor and pen and ink spare yet expressive illustrations provide just the right amount of whimsy to this Pippi Longstocking look alike princess. Princess books are always popular, this one won't stay on the shelf.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

An early chapter book at about the same level as Mercy Watson to the Rescue. I thought that the idea was a good one, but the original plot point and the final climax don't really hang together. That being said, I think kids will relate to this and enjoy it.

[Tali Balas · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this all too relatable tale, Pistachio is a spoiled brat who believes she is an abducted princess forced to live with a "normal" family. The story never really goes anywhere and Pistachio, while familiar, is an unsympathetic character. With the bright cover, princess title and short length it's sure to circulate.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute early chapter book. I was a bit conflicted whether it should be in juvenile fiction or early readers, but decided to keep it in juvenile fiction.

The protagonist is not REALLY a princess, but is convinced that she was kidnapped from her parents the king and queen and should wear silk, eat bon bons and receive lavish gifts each and every day.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally charming! When Pistachio Shoelace receives a golden crown in the mail, she knows that it's only a matter of days before she takes her rightful place as the Princess of Papua but being royalty has it's consequences as Princess Pistachio finds out!

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new Marie-Louise Gay book being a fan of her Stella and Sam series. A girl receives a crown as a gift and thinks- and acts!- like she's royalty to the dismay of her family and friends. A sweet first entry into a new early chapter book series.

[Britt, Book Habitue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan. Pistachio is a major brat. I was hoping for some kind of "true princesses are kind" lesson, but no. She's just a brat.
(Gets 2 stars instead of 1 because the illustrations are excellent.)

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5. Bon petit roman pour les lecteurs débutants. L’histoire est intéressante et la touche d’humour efficace. L’auteur rate, peut-être volontairement, un peu sa chance d’introduire une petite morale ou une réflexion vers la fin, alors que l’histoire s’y prêtait si bien. Efficace!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good Pre K- 2 book for someone who is enthralled with princesses/ wants to be one. Also for someone starting to read on their own.

[Alia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming book. My 4 year old already asked when we can read the next one.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl awakens on her birthday to find a crown wrapped up beneath her bed, confirming her long-held belief that she is a princess.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love MLG. Nora was certain that Pistachio was really just Stella in disguise. A sweet, relatable early chapter books with color illustrations on every page.