The Starlight Slippers

100 Dresses #3

by Susan Maupin Schmid

A royal wedding and magical slippers . . . it's the stuff of fairy tales! Fans of the Land of Stories and the Descendants series are sure to find the lighthearted fantasy-adventure of 100 Dresses a perfect fit!

* 100 Dresses * 100 Disguises * 100 Daring Adventures

Inside an enchanted castle, there's a closet--a closet with one hundred magical dresses that only Darling Dimple can wear. Each dress disguises her as somebody else. And once again, Darling needs them!

You've heard of glass slippers? What about starlight slippers, delicate lace shoes studded with starlight opals? When Princess Mariposa reads about her grandmother's bridal slippers, she wants to find them for her own wedding! Darling is only too happy to help look for the slippers . . . until she discovers they are connected to the castle's magic. Could wearing them set the dragons free? With the help of her friends Roger, Gillian, and Dulcie and lots of dresses, Darling must save the castle--and Princess Mariposa's wedding day.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Fiction, Childrens, Humor, Fairy Tales

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2018

About the author

Susan Maupin Schmid lives in Iowa.

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magical, charming, adventurous series! Can’t say a lot since this is the 3rd book, but I absolutely loved this & had such a great time w/Darling, friends, the dresses, the canary, & the mice! Lol There was a whole new mystery to figure out in this 1, & just like the other 2, each is connected to the bigger picture “mystery”. Gillian didn’t annoy me at all in this one! She is actually such a great character, & I really grew to love her. I did, however, find myself annoyed w/Dulcie & her “threats” after everything Darling has done for her. Ugh We got a lot of answers to the questions that have been building up over the series, but there are still more answers needed. I thought this was a trilogy, but after some digging I saw where the author said she would be writing a book 4. Does anyone know when that’s coming?? Because I need it. Lol Lots of magic, adventure, friendship, action, suspense, & beautiful writing. A fairytale story I absolutely love. Highly recommend! Another beautiful cover by Melissa Manwill, & amazing inside illustrations by Lissy Marlin too!💜

[Orangetails · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enchanting, as always! I so hope this isn't a trilogy, because then that will mean the end of this series, and I want to know what's going to happen next! Darling is charming and clever, and she does her best (sometimes messing up a bit along the way) to save the castle along with Gillian and Roger and now, adorable Dulcie. There are a lot of people to remember, but they all stand out well enough that I can sorta keep track of them all. This world lives and breathes with magic, and I'm so pleased to be a part of it. Loved it, hope there's more to come! <3

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE!!!!! Please!!!!
The tunnels they found in the previous book leads everywhere. And I mean everywhere!!!!! It’s insane and I love it.

I just NEED this to continue. Please.

[Elinor Loredan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, not as good as the first one. The series kind of plateaus during the second book, as it contains what I love about the first installment but does not keep building and building. I feel like secrets keep being hinted at but are never revealed, such as the origins of the magical dresses and the full extent of Darling's ancestor's magic. I still love Darling's courage and determination to save the kingdom, although everyone keeps treating her like a child who needs disciplining despite how much she's done. Additionally, Mariposa's character becomes progressively less interesting after the first book, and she becomes a generic princess--quite an annoying bridezilla, in fact. You don't need the starlight slippers, for goodness' sake!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read! I predicted the plot pretty easily but still enjoyed it. I found I liked her friends better in this book. The ending was good! And I like how Darling is discovering more about her family and her past, her possible future, and the magic in the castle.

[Shirin Erkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book

[Abi (The Knights Who Say Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun as always! Thanks to a long break between reading the previous book and picking up this one (the library system was just not stocking this book for some reason!), I forgot quite a few dangling plot threads, which made it hard to enjoy this book as much as I would have. Because unlike the first and second books in the series, this book doesn't have a self-contained plot. It's entirely a bridge between the last book and the next one. Sure, Dimple makes progress on a mystery from the last book, and there's a whole lot of panicking over what the starlight slippers might do, but in the end, there were a whole lot of words for nothing much important. The book suffered because of that. But I also enjoyed the large and colorful cast of characters, and how this series manages to keep up with such a large secondary cast and keep adding new ones without getting confusing.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the wedding plans for Princess Mariposa herald her upcoming nuptials with Prince Sterling, the royal household is in a tizzy as everyone tries to please the princess. When she learns of some special starlight slippers worn by her grandmother, the princess is determined to wear them for the wedding. But Darling Dimple becomes convinced that the shoes contain magic, and that something terrible will happen if she does so. Good thing she has those 100 dresses to wear as she tries to insure that nothing goes wrong with the wedding and that the magic that is keeping the kingdom safe continues to hold. Fans of this series will enjoy this one, the third title, and be eager to read the next one since Dimple has solved some mysteries about her inheritance only to stumble upon others that need to be solved. There are several characters to sort out, but the author has helpfully provided a character list in the back matter. Intermediate and middle grade readers may enjoy this one because of the magic and because of Dimple's irresistible quality. I love all those dresses seem to have their own personalities even while taking on the personalities of others.

[Michelle the Magical · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was definitely more to this one than the second one, and it was, of course, super charming. However, this appears to be the end of the series, and I'm annoyed by the large amount of blatantly unanswered questions.
A fun and charming series, but the first one was easily the best.

[Read Love Irie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This post contains spoilers.

ᵀʰᵉ ᴾʳⁱⁿᶜᵉˢˢ ᶜˡᵉᵃʳᵉᵈ ʰᵉʳ ᵗʰʳᵒᵃᵗ ᵃⁿᵈ ʳᵉᵃᵈ: "ᵂᵉᵈᵈⁱⁿᵍ ˢˡⁱᵖᵖᵉʳˢ ᶜʳᵃᶠᵗᵉᵈ ᵒᶠ ˡᵉᵃᵗʰᵉʳ ᵃⁿᵈ ˡᵃᶜᵉ ᵃⁿᵈ ᵇᵉʲᵉʷᵉˡᵉᵈ ʷⁱᵗʰ ˢᵗᵃʳˡⁱᵍʰᵗ ᵒᵖᵃˡˢ. ˢˡⁱᵖᵖᵉʳˢ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ʳᵉᶠˡᵉᶜᵗ ᵗʰᵉ ˢᵗᵃʳˡⁱᵍʰᵗ ⁱᵗˢᵉˡᶠ. ᴹᵉᵐᵒʳᵃᵇˡᵉ ˢʰᵒᵉˢ ᶠᵒʳ ᵃⁿ ᵘⁿᶠᵒʳᵍᵉᵗᵗᵃᵇˡᵉ ᵉᵛᵉⁿⁱⁿᵍ."

The castle is abuzz with excitement as everyone prepares for a wedding like no other. Finally, Princess Mariposa has found her happy ever after. And Darling Wray is too happy to help out in the preparations until... the Starlight Slippers came about.

Apart from some 'poofing' activities with her friends Gillian and Roger trying to look for the perfect keyhole for the key that Darling held in her posession, Darling is convinced that the Starlight Slippers is connected to the castle's magic and may cause a disaster. Now she is intent in preventing whatever damage it may cause (might wake up the dragons, too!).

How to keep a fairytale wedding from falling apart when the Starlight Slippers are a major setback?

I am definitely enjoying the friendship between Darling, Gillian, and Roger. I'm glad Gillian is already in the loop about the castle's magic. Dulcie, a new character introduces in book 2 seemed to be an obstacle for Darling and her friends' plans but eventually, she was found to be a huge help.

I honestly thought this would be the last book in the series! But I'm sure there's going to be more. There are so many questions unanswered especially involving Darling as the last Wray.

So far so fun!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Starlight Slippers (100 Dresses #3) by Susan Maupin Schmid, 322 pages. Random, 2018. $17.

Content: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Princess Mariposa is eagerly awaiting her real wedding day to her true prince, but in order to make everything special, she insists that she wants the Starlight Slippers described in Magnificent Wray’s writings. Darling Dimple, however, would like to leave the slippers wherever they are, because she is sure that there is something magical and dangerous about them. Only with the help of 100 dresses, and a bit from her friends, will she be able to forestall dragon disaster.

Girls who love E.D. Baker will also love Darling and company. I imagine that there is at least one book coming, because Darling still has the mystery of her inheritance to solve. This would be a fun one as a bedtime family read!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm liking where this story is going. I was a little nervous this would be the last book like a trilogy thing but it ended with enough questions and mystery that there will be another. It delves a bit more into Darling's family and the magic that is in the castle. Her mission to save the princess and her wedding day as well as the members of the court with the dresses and her determination is very fun for girls who like fancy things (the descriptions of the clothes, shoes, and jewelry are detailed) but also like adventure and action. It was a bit strange how Princess Mariposa was so obsessed over shoes for her wedding, almost caring about them more than anything else, seemed strange. That just doesn't seem like something a bride would do. But, had fun, liking how the story is growing, and looking forward to the next book.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding preparations heat up for Princess Mariposa and Prince Sterlings wedding day. A letter is found that tells Princess Mariposa about starlight slippers that Queen Candace wore on her wedding day. No one knows where the slippers are now. Marci involves the Princess' girls in a search of the attic but becomes worried after the slippers are found. Darling, Gillian and Roger continue to look for secret passages and what the key that Darling found in the second book opens. These activities lead to many adventures. The starlight slippers may be a threat and Darling is out to prevent any damage they might do.
This third installment is interesting and fun. Similar problems are encountered in each book which made this one a little repetitive but it was still enjoyable.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Mariposa is finally getting married to the dashing Prince Sterling, and everybody is racing to make the wedding a spectacular event - but when her highness decides to wear shoes imbued with powerful magic, Darling and her friends will have to work behind the scenes to make sure the evil dragons are not freed on this most grandiose day! Schmid continues this adorably lighthearted and vivid series with another entertaining entry sure to please fans of all ages. Either Marica is worrying too much, or the castle is about to get a rude and fiery awakening!

[Alethia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of the story, this is the third book of the series, and follows Darling on her adventures with the closet full of 100 dresses. You get to visit all your friends in the castle as Darling tries to solve the mystery of the key and the Wray legacy.
Beautifully written, with many fun and entertaining moments. This fits right in with the rest of the series and was a very enjoyable read.

[♡Arissa♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a splendid read! It was just as amazing as the first two books! Although I didn't know there was going to be a continuation of this series. I thought this was a trilogy until I got to the ending of this book. But there hasn't been a fourth book for four years ever since this book was published :(. I really do hope there will be a fourth book! There's still so many mysteries we haven't uncovered yet.

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5- Wow, I love these books. The magic and the characters and the mystery wrap me up in a cozy blanket of happiness! There’s also a nice balance of description and action. And the cover is gorgeous. You can totally judge this book by its cover.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I keep trying to guess what will happen, but so far none of my predictions have come true... yet...

[Mariam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this book wasn't as strong as the second one but it was still interesting. The whole story line built up to Princess Mariposa wearing the starlight slippers in the starlight and even though something big happens I didn't really feel like it was as big or as major as what I was expecting. I'm interested to continue to see where Darling's story goes.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! Magic! Adventure! Mystery! I can't wait for the next book! (I know this one just came out a few months ago.) I wish I had books like this growing up. I adore these characters and the world building. Book one is probably the strongest, but it also had to do a lot of setting up. There is still more magic and mystery to be revealed and I can't wait for another book in this series.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this gorgeous book. My daughter and I read it together and we agree there needs to be more 100 Dresses books. The main character continues to mature and the author has a wonderful way of tying new and old detail together. Buy two copies and give one to your child’s classroom. You don’t want to miss this one!

[Shillene · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this out of order. Now we know the order :). My children and I still loved reading this book. It has slight parts that talk about boyfriend/girlfriend, that I am not interested in too much. I love the layered parts of these novels! My girls and I can picture ourselves in the book. There are many times to laugh and then grit our teeth as suspense simmers. Awesome read!

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this aloud to my daughter, we definitely took our sweet time as we never felt we were too eager to get back to the story. We enjoy the characters, but this book seemed to take forever to get to the "juicy parts" and once there, they were lackluster. I'm sad to say that neither of us are planning to continue this series at this point.

[Gunes BILGIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book. This book was a combination of adventure, self-truggle, and magic. And the ending hints at the fourth book so I will be waiting for the next “dress adventure” with excitement. The dresses are always ready to help.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was indeed (as my daughter declared) a much better sequel than the second story. Again, so vibrant and descriptive. Lots of fun. New characters and new escapades. The story ends as if there will be a fourth in the series. One day?

[Mildly Mad Hatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was clean and definately something I would let my younger siblings read. The only thing I didn't like was the Princess was kinda spoiled and didn't think about anyone else besides herself. But other then that, it was good.

[Farah Al Fardh · Rating 3 out of 5]

bit disappointed with the ending
because of all the events and trouble the characters went through we expected a major final discovery at the end

[Elizabeth S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute addition to a fun series. There will be more, yes? I hope?

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in a cute series. There are a few concerns for my middle schooler to read this, but mostly it's a fun story.

[Debbie Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always entertaining. Fun plots and adventures!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

My girls really liked this series.