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Prince Not-So Charming #1
Once Upon a Prank
Turns out being Prince Charming isn’t a fairy tale; it’s more like a fart joke.
Prince Carlos Charles Charming is the youngest in a long line of Prince Charmings. But he’d much rather grow up to be a court jester. He dreams of juggling fire while riding a unicycle instead of fulfilling his princely duty. (And the word “duty” always make him think of a poop joke.)
But when a dragon is spotted in the Somewhat Enchanted woods, Carlos is going to have to figure out how to be a true Prince Charming fast. Because it’s a slay-or-get-slayed world out there. . . .
The first in a hilarious new series of illustrated chapter books, Prince Not-So Charming: Once Upon a Prank by Roy L. Hinuss introduces a reluctant Prince Charming to every kid who might worry that it’s hard to live up to the fairy tale.
Don’t miss the second book in the series, Her Royal Slyness, on-sale alongside this book!
An Imprint Book
Prince Carlos Charles Charming is the youngest in a long line of Prince Charmings. But he’d much rather grow up to be a court jester. He dreams of juggling fire while riding a unicycle instead of fulfilling his princely duty. (And the word “duty” always make him think of a poop joke.)
But when a dragon is spotted in the Somewhat Enchanted woods, Carlos is going to have to figure out how to be a true Prince Charming fast. Because it’s a slay-or-get-slayed world out there. . . .
The first in a hilarious new series of illustrated chapter books, Prince Not-So Charming: Once Upon a Prank by Roy L. Hinuss introduces a reluctant Prince Charming to every kid who might worry that it’s hard to live up to the fairy tale.
Don’t miss the second book in the series, Her Royal Slyness, on-sale alongside this book!
An Imprint Book
144 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2018
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 1, 2023
Super cute story!
May 29, 2020
I love this series, and I found myself laughing at every turn of the page. In this first title in the funny series featuring a reluctant member of the royal family, Prince Carlos Charles Charming does not fit the expectations his family has for how he should behave. Instead, he tends to avoid the duties designated for royals in favor of practicing magic tricks and learning how to juggle and ride a unicycle. But he also loves his father and mother, and must follow the call of duty. In this case, that means he needs to slay a fire-breathing dragon that has been spotted nearby. It turns out that the dragon is friendly and young, and his jokes amuse the little creature, and he "slays" Smudge in a very different way than might be expected. The black and white illustrations, word play, and the prince's personalities all contribute to the pleasures of reading this book. Plus, it has a great message about being true to oneself.
November 27, 2018
Once Upon a Prank (Prince Not-So-Charming #1) by Roy Hinuss, 120 pages. Imprint (Macmillan), 2018. $6. 9781250142382
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Prince Carlos Charming wants to be a jester, but his father, the king, will hear nothing of it. He sets Carlos up with a few lessons in sword wielding, then off to slay the dragon. Carlos can’t stand the thought of killing a dragon. Luckily, he and the DINO (Dragon In Name Only) hit it off and no slaying is required.
This is a fast-paced story with a lot of humor, especially the potty variety. All the characters are fun and silly. Kids will love Carlos and the friendly dragon. Illustrations throughout.
Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Prince Carlos Charming wants to be a jester, but his father, the king, will hear nothing of it. He sets Carlos up with a few lessons in sword wielding, then off to slay the dragon. Carlos can’t stand the thought of killing a dragon. Luckily, he and the DINO (Dragon In Name Only) hit it off and no slaying is required.
This is a fast-paced story with a lot of humor, especially the potty variety. All the characters are fun and silly. Kids will love Carlos and the friendly dragon. Illustrations throughout.
Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
February 3, 2019
What happens when you cross a reluctant prince with a reluctant dragon? Answer: You get a book that fractures the fairytale motif with humor and fast action.
Mike Allegra writing under the nom de plume of Roy L. Hignuss, presents the first book in a series highlighting Carlos, a prince of a kid who would rather grow up entertaining the court than ruling it.
Throw in some potty humor (because what kid doesn’t appreciate how “duty” sounds like, well you get the idea) and a dragon who shirks his fiery calling, along with royal parents who totally don’t get their kid, and a new favorite is shelf ready.
This is a recommendation for those young readers transitioning from early readers to chapter books. A fun read with whimsical drawings.
Mike Allegra writing under the nom de plume of Roy L. Hignuss, presents the first book in a series highlighting Carlos, a prince of a kid who would rather grow up entertaining the court than ruling it.
Throw in some potty humor (because what kid doesn’t appreciate how “duty” sounds like, well you get the idea) and a dragon who shirks his fiery calling, along with royal parents who totally don’t get their kid, and a new favorite is shelf ready.
This is a recommendation for those young readers transitioning from early readers to chapter books. A fun read with whimsical drawings.
July 23, 2024
This brief kid's book introduces us to Prince Carlos Charles Charming, who is expected to follow in his family's footsteps and be a gallant, brave, charming prince. However, Carlos has other ideas. He is more interested in pulling pranks and having fun and telling silly jokes. He wants to be a jester! But when a dragon is spotted in the woods, Carlos needs to grow up and fulfill his parents; expectations fast! But will he do his royal duty, or will he pull a royal doody?
As one might expect from a book written by "Roy L. Hinuss," this is a pretty lightweight, silly book. It's perfect for kids, probably particularly boys, who are starting to read chapter books but might not particularly enjoy reading. Adults might not appreciate it quite as much, but it's not for them, is it?
As one might expect from a book written by "Roy L. Hinuss," this is a pretty lightweight, silly book. It's perfect for kids, probably particularly boys, who are starting to read chapter books but might not particularly enjoy reading. Adults might not appreciate it quite as much, but it's not for them, is it?
October 24, 2018
Fast-paced and funny, even the boys will like it. Prince Carlos Charming wants to be a jester. The king has more princely ideas for his son, like being a dragon slayer. He sends him off for a few lessons, then out to slay a dragon. Instead of slaying the dragon, Carlos tames it with his comedic antics. This one's for the kids who like potty jokes.
March 9, 2019
This is a very-much-so charming chapter book that, like Christopher Healy's middle grade novels, opens the fairy tale genre up for boys. I enjoyed the emphasis on Carlos' relationship with his father, who clearly loved him even if he didn't always understand him.
April 10, 2019
Hilariousness mixed with being proud to be yourself. When A juggling prince and a knitting dragon meet, fireballs and laughter erupt in the forest. Excellent read aloud, with a fun dragon voice and tired king voice.
December 30, 2017
A fun story of a prince who wants to be a jester and is tasked with slaying a dragon. The illustrations add an excellent note of whimsy!
September 10, 2018
Clever, fast-paced pun filled royal romp perfect for chapter book readers yearning for something irreverent and fun!
March 18, 2019
Cute series start. I love the premise with the prince who wants to be a jester and his parents who love him but expect him to do prince-ly things. Funny. Loved the dragon.
August 29, 2019
A little too silly for me but kids will probably love it.
July 28, 2025
A goofy, "How to Train Your Dragon" vibe... that took a little too long (80 pages) to get there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2019
Oh my gosh, this is too cute.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews