Story Spinners: A Sisterly Tale of Danger, a Princess, and Her Crew of Lady Pirates

by Cassandra Federman

The Princess Bride meets Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters in this middle grade graphic novel about two sisters who must put aside their differences to soothe their new baby sister with the best bedtime story ever, proving to their parents—and each other—that they can get along.

Big sister Kennedy and little sister Devon couldn’t be more different. Their shared room has a clear divide down the middle. On one, musical theater–loving Kennedy keeps things tidy. On the other, heavy metal fan Devon looks like she lives in an exploded toy store. When baby sister Eve moves in, her contribution is crying. Constant. Ear-piercing. Crying.

The added stress pushes the older girls to their breaking point, and they get into their biggest fight yet. In response, Mom and Dad crack down, seizing all beloved electronics until Kennedy and Devon can find a way to get along. Now stuck together with no distractions except Eve’s screaming, the two land on a desperate solution: tell Eve a bedtime story so epic that it puts her to sleep and gets her big sisters out of trouble.

Pizza aside, the only thing the girls have in common is their love of stories. But Kennedy’s fairy tales make Devon want to barf, and Devon’s nonsensical adventure stories make Kennedy want to tear her hair out. So they try to mash-up a story of true love, adventure, princesses, pirates, pirate-princesses, dragons, spiders, and…garbage trucks?

That’s a lot of story to spin. Will their hilarious fairy tale remix solidify their sisterly bond or break it forever after?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Comics, Adventure, Family, Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2025

About the author

Cassandra is an award-winning author/illustrator who grew up reading comic books, playing with action figures, and drawing superheroes. Over the course of her life, she has been many things — a hand model, a wrestler, a manatee rescuer, an actor, and a mystic wood elf — but her favorite so far has been an author/illustrator.

Reviews

[Halli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sincerely hope Cassandra Federman creates more middle grade graphic novels, because this was one of the best I've ever read! I can't wait to recommend it to some kids :)

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is certainly going to be popular with the audience who reads Babysitters Club and Raina Telgemeier. I like that it satirizes fairy tales but I have read a lot of those books now and I think this isn't as well done as others (including when Patricia C. Wrede did it over 30 years ago). Devon and Kennedy are cute and the story shows the trials of sisterhood well. It was a little silly for me, but I'm an adult and not the target audience. The art was fine but I think the facial expressions for Devon were inconsistent. There were times when the text is telling me she feels one emotion (annoyance, frustration, anger, etc. Usually something negative) but the facial expression is giving a different one (placid, neutral, happy, etc. Usually something positive). Not going to be a favorite but one I'm sure I will recommend to many readers who have sped through Telgemeier's ouevre.

[Lannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC. The opinions are our own.

My 9 and 11yo girls loved this book. I could hear them laughing out loud while reading it silently together. This is a graphic novel about 2 sisters (“FFSs: forever fighting sisters” lol) and their imagination play together that comes to life on the page. It is in part in color but most of it is in black and white (not sure if that’s an ARC thing or not).

[Aloura Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is really enjoying this book which surprised me because he's really into Dogman and fart jokes and this seems like a very clever, female driven story. He's been writing his own comic books so I guess he's identifying with these story telling sisters. It's very well written and illustrated to keep his interest, even if he's not the prime demographic. And, I get the satisfaction as a mom of knowing my son is being exposed to strong , clever girls in books! Good job, Cassandra Federman. Can't wait to see the next one.

[Jerry Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute silly and endearing fun!

This younger middle grade GN is a perfect blend of humor, wit and engaging story, all the while building a great relationship for two sisters, with all the ups and downs siblings bring upon each other. Enjoyed this thoroughly!

[Karol Silverstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so, SO much fun! Anyone who's a sister...or a sibling...or is adjusting to a new baby in the family...or gets frustrated...or likes pirates...or is bored with the patriarchy and gender stereotypes...or has a wild imagination...basically, anyone and everyone - will find something...or many things...to be delighted by in Story Spinners!

Author Cassandra Federman is a master at back-and-forth snarky dialog and this, her debut middle grade graphic novel, is a perfect next step for fans of her picture books who've grown up a bit. One can only wonder what dangerous treasures she'll come up with next!

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about modern day sisters, with one having some old school ideas that get messy when the sisters unite! Fun illustrations.

[Morgan E.H. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute graphics novel of sisters learning to communicate

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is adorable with several laugh out loud moments. I loved it. Perfect for mid elementary who enjoyed Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and ready for something a bit longer.

[Stan Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SO funny and reminded me of a story game I used to play with my son when driving places in my car, where we each improvisational added on to a story. Cassandra does an amazing job of making this so funny at every turn along with little twists and even a post end matter surprise ending!

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent middle grade graphic novel about two sisters who must figure out how to finally get along as they share their love of stories with their new baby sister/roommate. Their fairy tale remix is quite fun, as both of their unique personalities clearly shine through. The overall story is a great realistic fiction dealing with the struggles of siblings and family dynamics. Eye-catching artwork and a joy to read.

[Jessica CLARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughters really enjoyed reading this book. The girls were relatable and they loved how they came together to create a fun adventure.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! I want more Kennedy and Devon!!

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goddesses, what a fun, funny, joyful kids' comic.

'Story Spinners: A Sisterly Tale of Danger, a Princess, and Her Crew of Lady Pirates' - it is exactly what you'd expect from a title like that. It is a romp. A rumpus ode to girlhood, sisterhood, and feminism told in modern children's fairy tale comic form:

Sisters! Princesses! Lady pirates! Female friendship and companionship (and other ships ;) ) over men. Females having adventures and being creative and spontaneous (and diplomatic!) over a happily ever after "true love" with a man, a "prince".

Dragons! Mermaids! Spiders! Sharks! Sentient monster garbage trucks! Volcanoes! Vampires (sort of)! This graphic novel has it all!

Practically every female of every kind is represented here, even if in the background.

(That includes POC rep and LBGTQ+ rep in the art.)

What delightful imaginations young girls have! We need to celebrate stories like these.

There's even an environmental message to go with the sisterhood, the storytelling, the subversive fairy tale, and the feminist teachings.

Who knew that a simple narrative about two very different sisters - the older "mature, intelligent" Kennedy and the younger "stupid, out of control, messy, tomboy" Devon - who try to navigate and compromise when telling their own fairy tale to their baby sister, Eve, to get her to sleep at night, could be so hilarious, fun and infectious? It is wild and random (but not really) in the best way. It is a great way to showcase children making up a story on the spot, and who learn to communicate, see the benefits in each other's differences, and accept and love each other as they are.

Kennedy and Devon's much younger sister brings them closer together by the end of the progressively feminist tale.

Sisters forever!

I don't have a sister. Not a sister by blood, anyway I sometimes wish I did. But I imagine this is a realistic, if exaggerated for cartoony and comical effect, yet positive depiction of early childhood sisterhood. It is chaotic, but sweet.

'Story Spinners''s art is like that of a simple cartoon, or a comic strip, but it is very fitting, as is the use of shadowing and colours. The real world of Kennedy, Devon and Eve is mostly in purples, lilacs, blacks and whites (Kennedy's orange shirt and dialogue balloons stand out, as do Devon's blue clothes and dialogue balloons). The sisters' bedtime story, their princess fairy tale world, is all in colour, and it is action-packed and exciting.

'Story Spinners: A Sisterly Tale of Danger, a Princess, and Her Crew of Lady Pirates' is not as silly as it seems. It is genius.

It is like the best Nickelodeon cartoons. It is like 'The Powerpuff Girls' meets 'Princeless' (especially its spinoff, 'Princeless: Raven The Pirate Princess: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew') meets a less fantastical 'Of Her Own Design'. It should be adapted into an animated series. I hope it continues as a graphic novel series, at least.

Sisterhood, storytelling - it is its own magic, and journey of self-discovery. I've always known it, always reiterated it, and 'Story Spinners' is the newest reminder and reinforcer of this truth.

Happy Story Spinners and Sisters, Eve!

Final Score: 5/5

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 4 out of 5]

FFSs. Stands for forever-fighting sisters, according to Kennedy. Nor does it help that she and Devon are total opposites with only three commonalities: stories, pizza, and a baby sister named Eve. She shares their room. She cries at night.

Kennedy and Devon’s arguing comes to a head when they break the television. Mom takes away their phones and electronics. She does not want to hear any noise from their room. They must learn to get along or else they will never get their items back!

Even with the door closed, the fighting continues until they decide to tell the perfect fairy tale. Of course, that leads to more bickering since Kennedy, who likes math, has her own formula for what does and does not belong in a fairy tale. Devon, on the other hand, loves danger. Eventually, they join forces to tell Eve a bedtime story so she will sleep. Kennedy will do the traditional parts while Devon adds the “COOL parts” – which leads to more clashes and a story involving a princess pirate who goes in search of someone or something to kidnap her so Prince Charming will rescue her and they will live happily ever after. Except, this princess isn’t the only one looking for true love.

The majority of this graphic book is in black and white, but there are fifteen pages in color. These may denote that change is in the air, although that’s a guess rather a known fact. There are multiple chapters, each with a specific focus that leads toward Princess Sparklepuff’s goal. Devon’s “Dangery” parts include lady pirates, dragons, a mermaid, spiders, a shark, and garbage.

More important than the princess’s quest, the sisters learn to communicate and realize what it means to be sisters. Readers are never quite sure what’s coming next, which keeps them invested in both tales. Geared toward girls ages seven to ten, the sibling rivalry is something many will readily identify with and Kennedy and Devon’s solution may just give them ideas of their own so that their parents can have some peace and quiet.


(This review originally appeared at Pirates and Privateers: http://www.cindyvallar.com/YA-graphic...)

[Sesana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle grade graphic novel about sisters learning to get along through collaboratitve storytelling. I'm clearly in the minority, but I just didn't like this one. Which is a shame, because I was looking forward to it. The sisters going back and forth on a story to try and entertain their baby sister is a good idea, and so is giving the two sisters very different interests. For me, the problem was that neither sister felt at all like real people. The little sister feels like a caricature of how small children talk. And the older sister's interest in princess feels really artificial. Not loving princesses, lots of girls do. But how many little girls still feel like princesses wait to get rescued by princes to get their happily ever afters? That simply isn't how princess stories have been written in literally decades. This feels like what a princess hating adult thinks kids are getting from princess stories, not what actual kids see when they look at a princess. Real kids see Merida's independence, Belle's reading, Cinderella's kindness, Ariel's curiosity, and barely think about the princes at all.

[Meggie Ramm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big sister Kennedy and little sister Devon are constantly at odds, until they have to team up to tell littlest sister Eva a story so they can all finally get some sleep. Kennedy wants a story of true love, Devon wants pirates, the result is a story only a kid could write. 

This story was constantly ridiculous and I absolutely loved it. When I taught kids comics their stories felt very similar to this, with lots of crazy characters and solutions built on someone changing their mind on a whim. This book has charm and underwater spiders and princesses who don't need saving. Kids will be able to see themselves in Kennedy and Devon and will root for them to succeed at the end. A fun and lovely book!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story of 2 battling sisters using co-storytelling as a tool for getting along. In some ways, it reminded me of the picture book "Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude" (2 very different kids co-writing a fairy tale that melds their different outlooks), but since this is a graphic novel, the author can delve deeper into issues like the need to communicate, and expand the fairy tale to even more hilariously adventurous heights (because of course the mermaid princess is going to want the prince that is half shark to rescue her). The ending is satisfying, though a bit pat (not mentioning that they probably still argue from time to time).

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A laugh-out-loud middle grade graphic novel about the power of story in surviving sharing a room with your sisters! What happens when the tween and the kid are told to put the baby to sleep? Time to break out the fractured fairy tales! Jokes, physical comedy, and word play follow as the girls telling their own versions of the stories produce much merriment, but not a lot of sleep LOL I think this one will inspire young readers to have a blast creating their own fairy tales! On to Dragon King’s Pizza!!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for Story Spinners! A fun and very humorous genre-mixing meta-narrative, aimed at elementary or early-middle-school kids but fun for a wide age range. I loved the focus on sisterhood and storytelling, and the goofy art style works well. The whole thing's got a Lumberjanes-meets-Tom-Angleberger spirit to it. I did think the resolution of the conflict between Kennedy and Devon felt a little oversimplified, but it's an enjoyable book overall.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kennedy and Devon are the fighting kind of sisters. That's because they are complete and TOTAL opposites AND have to share a room. When their fighting gets out of hand and they lose their devices, Mom says they have to find a way to get along. Can they find middle ground in storytelling? Because there is a third sister--baby Eve--and getting her to sleep is going to take quite a tale. Fun-filled story that reminded me of a graphic novel version of Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude.

[Judy Rath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique graphic novel. Definitely skews a little bit younger maybe 2nd to 4th grade. Sibling story between two sisters who are drastically different. They learned how to communicate and understand each other in a fun way by working together to tell their baby sister a story. Lots of cute fairytale references for kids that enjoy that style of book. Artwork compliments nicely and also shares a positive message at the end about being a strong girl.

[Sara Shacter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hilarious and heart-warming story will appeal to any reader with a sibling or a sense of humor! Unique, fun characters propel a rollicking plot that keeps the pages turning. Federman’s art is engaging, full of details that flesh out the characters’ worlds. I read it in one sitting and laughed out loud on several occasions. Highly recommend.

[Brian Gonsar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra - you did an amazing job on this! I read it with my 8-yr old daughter who played the character of the younger daughter, while I took the older daughter. It was a great back and forth, well paced, and entertaining. It took the normal fairy tale structure and flipped it on its head. I'd recommend it for anyone with a sibling.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This was super fun. I love how the two sisters are so different but have to work together. The story they create is quirky, silly, and fun. I can see my students really enjoying this graphic novel. I definitely think anyone with a sibling will be able to relate to this book but even those who don't will be able to understand the feelings both sisters have.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful sister graphic novel that challenges the princess fairy tale trope and encourages imaginative play.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4

[Lisa Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about 2 sisters learning to get along together, but I’m not sure my middle graders would read this. Feels more like an upper elementary book.

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

The back and forth between the sisters in their bedroom and the story they were telling didn't work for me. Also, mixed reactions to the art.

Not my favorite.