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Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl
Princess Puffybottom has the purrfect life among her adoring subjects. All is well...until an intruder arrives in her kingdom. Surely he will be banished soon. Or could he be here to stay?
Princess Puffybottom is not amused.
Princess Puffybottom is not amused.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2019
About the author
Susin Nielsen
33 books647 followersSusin got her start feeding cast and crew on the popular television series, Degrassi Junior High. They hated her food, but they saw a spark in her writing. Nielsen went on to pen sixteen episodes of the hit TV show. Since then, Nielsen has written for over 20 Canadian TV series. Her first young adult novel, Word Nerd, was published in 2008 to critical acclaim. It won multiple Young Readers’ Choice Awards, as did her second novel, Dear George Clooney: Please Marry My Mom. Her third novel, The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, was published in August 2012. It went on to win the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Canadian Library Association’s Children’s Book of the Year Award, and a number of Young Readers’ Choice Awards. Author Wally Lamb named it his top YA pick for 2012 in his “First Annual Wally Awards,” and recently Rolling Stone magazine put it at #27 in their list of “Top 40 Best YA Novels.”
Her books have been translated into multiple languages. Susin’s new novel, We Are All Made of Molecules, will be published in Canada, the US and the UK in Spring of 2015. She lives in Vancouver with her family and two naughty cats. She is delighted to have finally figure out how to "claim" her author profile on Goodreads!
Her books have been translated into multiple languages. Susin’s new novel, We Are All Made of Molecules, will be published in Canada, the US and the UK in Spring of 2015. She lives in Vancouver with her family and two naughty cats. She is delighted to have finally figure out how to "claim" her author profile on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
January 20, 2020
So I finally had a chance to reread Princess Puffybottom and Darryl in hardcover format and I would give six stars if I could. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Original Review:
I have seen NO ONE mention that Princess Puffybottom has two mommies! Of course it's not a big dealYES IT IS or about that, which I guess I am making it now but I'm happy about it and want to express my gratitude, but children need more books that just show families being families.
This book wouldn't show up on my kindle correctly so I downloaded the app Netgalley recommends. That made the graphics visible but the words were so small I could barely read them even when I zoomed in. I still enjoyed the book. It was too short but the graphics are absolutely gorgeous.
I recommend Princess Puffybottom... and Darryl to anyone who loves pets, loved the movie The Secret Life of Pets, the movie Bolt, the movie Homeward Bound, or are planning on additional family members joining the family whether they are fur babies or tiny humans. I can't wait to own this book in hardback. 💕💕💕
Final thoughts: PLEASE MAKE PRINCESS PUFFYBOTTOM AND DARRYL INTO A FEATURE FILM
***Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books for allowing me to review this adorable book.***
Original Review:
I have seen NO ONE mention that Princess Puffybottom has two mommies! Of course it's not a big deal
This book wouldn't show up on my kindle correctly so I downloaded the app Netgalley recommends. That made the graphics visible but the words were so small I could barely read them even when I zoomed in. I still enjoyed the book. It was too short but the graphics are absolutely gorgeous.
I recommend Princess Puffybottom... and Darryl to anyone who loves pets, loved the movie The Secret Life of Pets, the movie Bolt, the movie Homeward Bound, or are planning on additional family members joining the family whether they are fur babies or tiny humans. I can't wait to own this book in hardback. 💕💕💕
Final thoughts: PLEASE MAKE PRINCESS PUFFYBOTTOM AND DARRYL INTO A FEATURE FILM
***Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books for allowing me to review this adorable book.***
December 8, 2018
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to provide an honest review of this adorable children's book.
Princess Puffybottom....and Darryl was overall a nice story that teaches some valuable lessons. I also really liked how the household had two moms and brought a baby into the family. The illustrations were beautiful and I think brought the characters to light in the way the author intended.
I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't a little longer and that there wasn't a little more to the story. It isn't entirely original, but at the same time, my 18 month old (or any other young child that this book is for) didn't/won't care.
Princess Puffybottom....and Darryl was overall a nice story that teaches some valuable lessons. I also really liked how the household had two moms and brought a baby into the family. The illustrations were beautiful and I think brought the characters to light in the way the author intended.
I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't a little longer and that there wasn't a little more to the story. It isn't entirely original, but at the same time, my 18 month old (or any other young child that this book is for) didn't/won't care.
March 26, 2019
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this one (cat books can be hit-or-miss for me), but this is actually a pretty funny book. Princess Puffybottom lives with her "subjects" (a lesbian couple, which was a pleasant surprise) and life is good... until the day they bring home a puppy named Darryl. Darryl offends Princess Puffybottom's sensibilities terribly; he's uncouth and disgusting (at least, in the cat's mind). Watching her try to get the puppy banished is pretty funny. She tries all sorts of tricks, but nothing works, and she eventually has to accept that the dog is there for good.
There's another story thread that's sort of running along in the background involving the women, and I didn't pick up on it right away. It's all spelled out by the end of the book, though, and it promises more aggravation for poor Princess Puffybottom. And she thought Darryl was bad!
The illustrations are really quite adorable. (Somehow, the illustrator even managed to make a pile of poop look cute!) And I appreciate the fact that the women are not only a same-sex couple, but also people of colour. It's not actually talked about in the text (it's just accepted as the way things are), but the lovely illustrations bring the characters to life. I kind of like how this was done, especially with the ending; but this makes viewing the pictures rather essential to grasping the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this more than I thought I might. It's a good story about rivalry and jealousy, but also tolerance and acceptance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
There's another story thread that's sort of running along in the background involving the women, and I didn't pick up on it right away. It's all spelled out by the end of the book, though, and it promises more aggravation for poor Princess Puffybottom. And she thought Darryl was bad!
The illustrations are really quite adorable. (Somehow, the illustrator even managed to make a pile of poop look cute!) And I appreciate the fact that the women are not only a same-sex couple, but also people of colour. It's not actually talked about in the text (it's just accepted as the way things are), but the lovely illustrations bring the characters to life. I kind of like how this was done, especially with the ending; but this makes viewing the pictures rather essential to grasping the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this more than I thought I might. It's a good story about rivalry and jealousy, but also tolerance and acceptance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for providing a digital ARC.
March 15, 2019
Princess Puffybottom had a perfect life, waited on by her two human companions, and given everything that a kitty cat could want or need. Then one day her mothers brought Darryl home, and all was chaos. An energetic puppy with somewhat gross habits, this canine interloper hogged the attention that Princess Puffybottom ought to have gotten. When her efforts to get rid of Darryl don't bear fruit, our feline heroine is quite cast down. It is then that her new puppy sibling's good qualities emerge, eventually reconciling her to his presence. Little does she realize however, that an even more disruptive newcomer is on the way...
This delightful cream-puff of a picture-book pairs an engaging and ultimately tale of jealousy and eventual friendship with adorable illustrations. Apparently, author Susin Nielsen has written for some of Canada's best-known television shows, including Degrassi Junior High (which I have heard of, but never watched). Whatever her previous experience, she certainly knows how to spin a humorous tale. The artwork by Olivia Chin Mueller is charming, capturing the appeal of both feline and canine characters. I picked up on the eventual surprise that emerges at the end of the book quite early on, in the scene in which one of Princess Puffybottom's mothers is caressing her stomach, but the ending was no less humorous, for being suspected ahead of time. I appreciated the fact that our feline heroine's human family is a same-sex couple, and that this is just worked effortlessly into the artwork, without need for narrative comment upon it. All in all, a sweet little book! Recommended to young cat and dog lovers, and to any child who has ever felt jealous about a newcomer in the family.
This delightful cream-puff of a picture-book pairs an engaging and ultimately tale of jealousy and eventual friendship with adorable illustrations. Apparently, author Susin Nielsen has written for some of Canada's best-known television shows, including Degrassi Junior High (which I have heard of, but never watched). Whatever her previous experience, she certainly knows how to spin a humorous tale. The artwork by Olivia Chin Mueller is charming, capturing the appeal of both feline and canine characters. I picked up on the eventual surprise that emerges at the end of the book quite early on, in the scene in which one of Princess Puffybottom's mothers is caressing her stomach, but the ending was no less humorous, for being suspected ahead of time. I appreciated the fact that our feline heroine's human family is a same-sex couple, and that this is just worked effortlessly into the artwork, without need for narrative comment upon it. All in all, a sweet little book! Recommended to young cat and dog lovers, and to any child who has ever felt jealous about a newcomer in the family.
March 27, 2019
A well-done iteration of a pretty standard story: the diva cat's life is upended when a new puppy is added to the household. Beautiful art.
What elevates this picture book is the casual and matter-of-fact inclusion of lesbians of color as the pet owners. Nice. I would have loved to share a book like this with my child when she was younger.
What elevates this picture book is the casual and matter-of-fact inclusion of lesbians of color as the pet owners. Nice. I would have loved to share a book like this with my child when she was younger.
February 7, 2019
A cute story that isn't super special but the illustrations make it a 4 star read. A same-sex, poc couple with a child? More of that please!
January 27, 2021
100 books before kindergarten
March 28, 2019
The story is one we've all heard before, but the pictures are beautiful and full of fun details that support and enhance this telling of the story. After reading the book once I went back through to find all the clues foreshadowing the "surprise" ending, and little touches like notes posted saying "Get cat food" and "I [heart] you". And the illustration for the ending is amazing - I spent some time just staring at it and taking it in.
February 9, 2025
Я тут вчора прочитала надзвичайно милу дитячу книжку і прийшла до вас трішки про неї розповісти 🥰
Так вже вийшло, що мій блог в інстаграмі ще з самого початку спеціалізувався саме на дитячо-підлітковій літературі, і тому шукати прикольні історії та ділитися ними уже стало звичкою. Зараз звісно в моєму полі зору переважають книжки категорії янґ-едалт, але і про дитячі я не забуваю.
Коли вперше побачила «Принцесу Пухколапку та Деріл» видавництва Жорж - одразу зрозуміла, що хочу її в свою колекцію. Тема котиків завжди буде для мене актуальною, а в цьому виданні ще і шикарні ілюстрації!
Так про що ж книга ⬇️
Принцеса Пухколапка - киця, яка проживає своє найкраще життя з підданими, які в усьому їй догождають і своїми котячими радостями. Аж тут усе змінюється в одну мить, адже в її домі з'являється жахливий і огидний (на скромну думку киці) пес. І що там тільки не починається: Пухколапка спершу намагається його позбутися, потім проходить через усі етапи прийняття і нарешті знаходить спільну мову з Дерілом.
🤍 Коротенька, але дуже мила історія, яка сподобається усім, хто читав книжку «Кіт король» або любить мультики «Секрети домашніх тварин» і «Вольт» з темою конфлікту і прийняття нових пухнастих мешканців вдома. Взагалі вважаю, що така книжка стане чудовою можливістю поговорити з дітьми про реакцію на нових членів родини і якою вона може бути 🙌
➡️А ще дуже неочікуваний, але надзвичайно приємний момент книги це те, що господарки Пухколапки та Деріла - це лесбійська пара двох жінок. І найкраще те, що книга зовсім не робить на цьому акцент, а показує, що сім'я - це просто сім'я 🥰
Словом від мене рекомендація!
Так вже вийшло, що мій блог в інстаграмі ще з самого початку спеціалізувався саме на дитячо-підлітковій літературі, і тому шукати прикольні історії та ділитися ними уже стало звичкою. Зараз звісно в моєму полі зору переважають книжки категорії янґ-едалт, але і про дитячі я не забуваю.
Коли вперше побачила «Принцесу Пухколапку та Деріл» видавництва Жорж - одразу зрозуміла, що хочу її в свою колекцію. Тема котиків завжди буде для мене актуальною, а в цьому виданні ще і шикарні ілюстрації!
Так про що ж книга ⬇️
Принцеса Пухколапка - киця, яка проживає своє найкраще життя з підданими, які в усьому їй догождають і своїми котячими радостями. Аж тут усе змінюється в одну мить, адже в її домі з'являється жахливий і огидний (на скромну думку киці) пес. І що там тільки не починається: Пухколапка спершу намагається його позбутися, потім проходить через усі етапи прийняття і нарешті знаходить спільну мову з Дерілом.
🤍 Коротенька, але дуже мила історія, яка сподобається усім, хто читав книжку «Кіт король» або любить мультики «Секрети домашніх тварин» і «Вольт» з темою конфлікту і прийняття нових пухнастих мешканців вдома. Взагалі вважаю, що така книжка стане чудовою можливістю поговорити з дітьми про реакцію на нових членів родини і якою вона може бути 🙌
➡️А ще дуже неочікуваний, але надзвичайно приємний момент книги це те, що господарки Пухколапки та Деріла - це лесбійська пара двох жінок. І найкраще те, що книга зовсім не робить на цьому акцент, а показує, що сім'я - це просто сім'я 🥰
Словом від мене рекомендація!
March 7, 2019
Reading the title alone - Princess Puffybottom … and Darryl - put a smile on my face. And then seeing that Susin Nielsen wrote the book? That's the squeaker in the proverbial chew toy.
This is a story about family, and I love it when different families are shown in picture books (all books, really). In this case, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Princess Puffybottom and, of course, wee Darryl, have two moms (who are also people of colour). This isn't the focus of the book, obviously that goes to her Highness Princess Puffybottom and her canine intruder. Instead, they're just a regular ol' family dealing with two mischievous pets and I loved that.
This is a cute picture book filled with diverse characters and beautiful, detailed illustrations that add much to understanding the overall plot. Princess Puffybottom ... and Darryl is a fun read that shows the differences and issues that even our fur babies can have with each other, but the overall message of family and acceptance is one that I hope families take away from this beautiful picture book. While it was shorter and had a simpler story than I prefer in a picture book, I liked that the ending leaves an opening for future books.
This is a story about family, and I love it when different families are shown in picture books (all books, really). In this case, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Princess Puffybottom and, of course, wee Darryl, have two moms (who are also people of colour). This isn't the focus of the book, obviously that goes to her Highness Princess Puffybottom and her canine intruder. Instead, they're just a regular ol' family dealing with two mischievous pets and I loved that.
This is a cute picture book filled with diverse characters and beautiful, detailed illustrations that add much to understanding the overall plot. Princess Puffybottom ... and Darryl is a fun read that shows the differences and issues that even our fur babies can have with each other, but the overall message of family and acceptance is one that I hope families take away from this beautiful picture book. While it was shorter and had a simpler story than I prefer in a picture book, I liked that the ending leaves an opening for future books.
December 12, 2018
A bit too light headed for my personal taste. Not a bad book, but a arrogant cat and a dog that try to get its attention, might be consider cute or funny, but not by my standard, clearly not a book for me!
May 5, 2019
This is a pretty typical "pampered first pet does not like new pet" story, BUT!! The owners are two lesbian women of color!! Which elevates it to the top my list for these types of books, especially because the story is done very well. The illustrations are cute, and I really like both Princess Puffybottom and Darryl.
February 16, 2019
Oh no my heart melted
March 28, 2019
Gotta love that Darryl. Princess Puffybottom is living the good life until Darryl the puppy moves in. She tries plenty of tricks to see if she can get him rehomed but when that didn't work, Darryl found a way to at least have her tolerate him. The ending is perfect and can open up conversations about what happens when families expand.
February 20, 2019
The cutest story about a cat named Princess Puffybottom, who is not too excited about having to share a home with a new member of the family, the derpy dog named Darryl.
January 12, 2020
When I'm looking to gift somebody a picture book, the first thing I look for is whether it features animals or plants. Animal friendships? Even better, which is why I knew that I'd love the adorable Princess Puffybottom ... and Darryl, written by Susin Nielsen and illustrated by Olivia China Mueller. This is a story about a kitten who has the purrfect life until an intruder arrives. Personally, I don't love the "princess" mentality/theme for children, although the author makes it fun by referring to the humans as Princess Puffybottom's "subjects" who serve her food and wait on her. That said, the drawings in this book are so cute! I absolutely adored them! And the book itself tells a nice, simple story about making friends instead of competitors. The last page/ending was also especially sweet. Overall, I think this would make a nice gift, especially if a slightly older child was expecting a sibling. I'd be especially interested in checking out more books that Mueller has illustrated in the future.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2019
*I won a copy of this book via Librarything*
The story itself is cute. But, I feel like it taught conflicting messages. I felt like it was telling kids that it's okay to be spoiled, and that change is bad. It didn't feel as positive as it could have been.
The language feels a bit advanced for preschool age kids, and having a character named Princess Puffybottom, and Darryl doesn't really jive together in a cohesive way either.
I appreciated the subtlety of Princess Puffybottom having 2 female owners, and that they are people of color. These details don't add to the story, but the reflection of unique family structures in kids books is always a great thing.
The story itself is cute. But, I feel like it taught conflicting messages. I felt like it was telling kids that it's okay to be spoiled, and that change is bad. It didn't feel as positive as it could have been.
The language feels a bit advanced for preschool age kids, and having a character named Princess Puffybottom, and Darryl doesn't really jive together in a cohesive way either.
I appreciated the subtlety of Princess Puffybottom having 2 female owners, and that they are people of color. These details don't add to the story, but the reflection of unique family structures in kids books is always a great thing.
February 20, 2019
If Susin Nielsen writes it, I will read it. I had heard about this from Susin when she was in Toronto last year for a book preview, so I was eagerly anticipating the final product. The art work is just beautiful!! Definitely a story that I can see becoming a kids movie one day, it's so adorable! I always love reading picture books, and even though I'm a ways away from being a mother myself, I think this is a great book because 1) it features the adorable princess puffybottom and darryl, 2) it handles the complexities of mixed and blended families in a really sweet way, and 3) the parents are two mom (yay for representation)!! All in all, definitely one that I think readers of all ages will enjoy. I know I'm gifting a copy to some of my expecting friends! :D
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review/consideration. All opinions are my own. #PRHPartner
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review/consideration. All opinions are my own. #PRHPartner
March 23, 2019
Adorable illustrations and a very sweet story for little children. Princess Puffybottom lives an enviable kitty life until a new puppy enters the story. A spoiled but loveable cat who always gets her way does not want to share the young black couple with the puppy so she thinks of ways to get him into trouble, But then she notices that Darryl loves and adores her so why fight it?
This book is great on so many levels. It would be a great book for children to receive when there will be a new baby in the home, also to introduce same
sex couples and above all sharing.
I highly recommend this children's book to all families with young children.
I received a finished copy of this book as a win from LibraryThing from the publishers in exchange for a fair book review. My thoughts and feelings in this review are totally my own.
This book is great on so many levels. It would be a great book for children to receive when there will be a new baby in the home, also to introduce same
sex couples and above all sharing.
I highly recommend this children's book to all families with young children.
I received a finished copy of this book as a win from LibraryThing from the publishers in exchange for a fair book review. My thoughts and feelings in this review are totally my own.
December 8, 2018
This is a cute story of the relationship between Princess Puffybottom and Darryl. Princess Puffybottom thought her fancy kitty life was just fine until one day her family brought a puppy home. She decides to do everything in her power to get her old life back, and get rid of Darryl.
I can totally relate to this story. It’s always chaos for a few days when a new pet is introduced at home. As much as I liked this story, I can only give it a four star because I was hoping for a bit more sassy cat and naughty puppy illustrations. The illustrations were good, but I feel as if they could have portrayed these naughty little pets a bit better to make it more entertaining.
Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the chance to review this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
I can totally relate to this story. It’s always chaos for a few days when a new pet is introduced at home. As much as I liked this story, I can only give it a four star because I was hoping for a bit more sassy cat and naughty puppy illustrations. The illustrations were good, but I feel as if they could have portrayed these naughty little pets a bit better to make it more entertaining.
Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the chance to review this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
February 23, 2020
Poor Princess Puffybottom is one pampered cat (with two mommies) until her subjects bring Darryl, a rambunctious puppy, home. No matter what she does, Princess can not get them to get rid of him. Luckily, Darryl adores Princess Puffybottom and manages to prove his worth to her. They settle into an amicable relationship hoping there will be no more surprises. There is, but you will have to read the book to find out what it is.
Olivia Chin Mueller's art is lovely and fun. I love the expressions she shows in the animal faces. I love that the art reflects the perspective of the cat in showing mostly the bottom halve of people. The liner notes on the cover jacket by both the author and illustrator are as hilarious as the book.
Olivia Chin Mueller's art is lovely and fun. I love the expressions she shows in the animal faces. I love that the art reflects the perspective of the cat in showing mostly the bottom halve of people. The liner notes on the cover jacket by both the author and illustrator are as hilarious as the book.
May 3, 2019
The artwork is pretty and yet not too elaborate. The page layouts are great, without too many words on each page, making it appropriate and not too daunting for younger children to read.
I loved the whole concept of the story and how the plot played out from beginning to end.
I liked that the human owners were hidden most of the time because it wasn't necessary to show them but also that when they are revealed at the end there is not big fuss made about them both being women. I think this was a really good book that I would definitely recommend to others.
I loved the whole concept of the story and how the plot played out from beginning to end.
I liked that the human owners were hidden most of the time because it wasn't necessary to show them but also that when they are revealed at the end there is not big fuss made about them both being women. I think this was a really good book that I would definitely recommend to others.
August 23, 2019
THIS IS SO CUTE!!! I love so much about it! So many clever moments in the story, the illustrations are wonderful, and I love that they’ve very casually slid in a non-white, non-straight couple for the humans. And that the humans and their human friends are young and hip! Someone even has tattoos!
February 14, 2020
Goodness this was adorable. What a great book! It teaches readers about acceptance and how change isn't bad. I also love the life of the pets' humans in the background. Two wonderful stories told at the same time. Wonderful illustrations. Read for VCFA semester one packet one.
February 6, 2019
4 stars for the illustrations and everything happening with the family in the background. Meh to the cat and dog story.
March 15, 2019
I had to read this just because of the title. It was a very cute story about a cat whose life is interrupted by the arrival of a dog. It was a sweet read and the illustrations were wonderful.
February 20, 2020
Queer-positive children's book with hilarious pet antics and adorable drawings. 10/10
June 22, 2024
Too many illustrated references to icky stuff like poop and vomit. Otherwise really cute.
June 19, 2019
I would give this more stars if I could. So cute.
August 15, 2019
Lesbians and pets, what's not to love?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews