From author Emma Wunsch and illustrator Jessika von Innerebner, The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is the first chapter book in the Miranda and Maude series.
Princess Miranda does not want to go to school. She wants to shoe shop, plan parties, and decorate the castle.
Maude cannot wait for school. She loves rules and social justice and getting good grades. She also loves hard-boiled eggs, much to Miranda’s dismay. When a tense first week of school results in Maude getting excluded from the Royal Birthday Party, Maude decides she’s found her first fight for social a birthday boycott.
This hilarious, heartfelt, illustrated chapter book series teaches empathy and reminds us that your very best friend could be one desk away.
“Brilliantly relevant, playful, and compassionate.” —Abby Hanlon, author of Dory Fantasmagory
Miranda and Maude The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess (#1) Banana Pants! (#2) Recess Rebels (#3)
There was much to love about this series opener. The cover is fanstastic depicting the contrasts between Miranda and Maude. The story is about two 3rd grade girls who stand out from the crowd in their own way. When one has a birthday party and the other is not invited, the action really picks up. Will the party be a success? Will the two girls work out their differences? You will have to read it and find out.
A big thank you to Amulet Books (a imprint of Abrams) for sending me a free hardcover copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is an early chapter book probably for girls about friendship. Miranda is a princess and Maude is about as far from a princess as you could get. At first they don’t like each other at all, of course they make no attempt to get to know each other either. When Miranda invites everyone from her class except Maud to her birthday party, Maud is hurt and upset. She convinces everyone in the class to boycott the party. When Maud puts herself in Miranda's shoes, things finally turn around for the girls. The story progresses well with some humorous twists and turns to show how they do become friends. Maud and Miranda each have a distinctive personality with certain traits that make them often infuriating, especially to each other. Miranda is the snooty, snobbish, scared, introverted princess. Maude is the impulsive, in your face, extroverted social justice activist. You would never think that they would become friends. When they get to know one another, they finally realize that even though they are very different, they have a lot in common. A great lesson in friendship. This would be a good story for primary or early junior readers, specifically if they are having a difficult time making friends, or if someone new is coming into their class. The publisher, Amulet books, provided me with a copy of this book to read. The opinions stated are my own.
This is a cute early chapter book about friendships. You could say it is The Odd Couple, for the early chapter kids.
The premise is that the princess has to go to school, and she doesn't want to be there. She feels like an outsider, because she has always been home schooled, and loves to organize things. And Maude is a tom-boy type, who loves her chickens, and her animals, and hard boiled eggs, which the Princess hates. They do not get along, at first, mainly because of that initial misunderstanding.
Of course, there would not be a story if they never got along, so this story, the first in what appears to be a series, is how they became friends.
The other kids, however, are not very fleshed out, though I suppose they dont' have to be. I expect they will be as the book series continues.
The drawings are fun as well, as evidence below.
I found the story very quick, and fun, as the anger builds up, and you can just see it all coming, but don't care, to reach the surprise ending. Good for young readers.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess (Miranda and Maude #1) by Emma Wunsch, illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner, 132 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Amulet Books (Abrams), 2018. $13.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL.
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Accustomed to a private tutor, who has recently retired, Miranda is not excited about having to go to school. She is especially not excited to be sitting next to someone who brings smelly boiled eggs to school and uses a dirty hanky. Maude, who loves the eggs her chickens lay, is equally unpleased to sit by someone who doesn’t like their smell. When Miranda sees a mean drawing about her by Maude she decides not to invite Maude to her birthday party. Maude in return gets the class to boycott the party. The girls realize that they have hurt each other and when they reach out to the other, they find an unexpected friendship.
I loved this book about two girls who are trying their best at school, but feeling a bit insecure and stumbling around friendships. I thought the completely realistic school combined with one princess, was just fantastical enough that it made it feel luxurious. The final chapter of the book highlights that both girls could learn something from the other. I like this message that takes the idea that it is okay to be different a bit deeper and teaches readers that we have much to gain from each other.
The first in a series of books for children, Miranda and Maude are two friends who are the opposite of one another and this is the beginning of their story in this sweet and charming book. (Spoilers ahead!)
The characters are really crafted well, in that though they are meant to be opposites, you can see they have a lot in common and that is something that’s really important in the story. Maude is a tomboy who likes to go out and get dirty and Miranda is a princess who likes her nail polish and party planning, but they both are adventurous and introverted and their friendship makes sense.
The plot is pretty good and easy to understand as the story unfolds,, but actually it all works out and makes for a great end to the tale. I also like the sort-of-epilogue where we see Maude and Miranda hanging out -
A really nice story about difference and friendship, I look forward to more in this series.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for a honest review).
I received an ARC through the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book, it was cute an funny. Princess Miranda is forced to go to public school by QM (Queen Mother) and KD (King Dad). She has difficulty interacting with the other children because she has never really been around people her own age. Unfortunately, she sits next to a girl, Maude, who is obsessed with becoming an activist, raising chickens, and eating the most hated, hard boiled eggs. The two cannot stand each other, but with Miranda's looming birthday party they may need to find a way to be together. I was laughing throughout this book. The illustrations were cute and I look forward to future books in this series.
The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess tells the story of how Maude and Miranda become friends after nearly becoming enemies. While these 2 girls come from very different backgrounds and their interests aren't similar, the girls each learn a lot about themselves during the beginning of third grade. The story embraces individuality while teaching acceptance of others' differences, too. This book is wonderful for young readers that can read chapter books (grades 1-3).
Checking this out to see if it would work for a school book club.
Conclusion: Absolutely not.
I get that it's a kid book and that kid books are often silly, but this went beyond silly into the realm of ridiculously stupid. I'm amazed I even read past the first mention of "Queen Mother." Gag.
I read 30% and then quit, even though it's a super short book. This is was the line that pushed it over the edge for me: “Do you think you’re better than me because I’m just a humble social justice activist?” Maude asked.
[I received an electronic review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Solid early chapter book about the assumptions and misunderstandings that could keep two girls from becoming friends. Some interesting dynamics between the two girls and their classmates. If this was MG, those would be explored more but here they are only touched on.
Girls will love this story about two very opposite girls (think prince and pauper type story for youngins!) who don't like each other very much, become BFFs by the end of the book! Cute, easy to read story that I am sure kids will relate to somewhere in Elementary school! Fun read! I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
These books are great reads for 7-9 year olds. I love how unique and outlandish all the characters are, from Maude's hippy, yoga master, beetle collecting dad to the principal who always shouts to the kind Ms. Kinde. They pack a lot of story into these books and they deal with some pretty deep subjects (like guilt, shame, honesty and friendship) but keep it light and entertaining.
This was a cute book! The characters are lovable and you hope they can resolve their differences to become friends. This is the start of a new series and I look forward to reading about Miranda and Maude's adventures.
Beginning chapter books often contain lessons about basic life skills—compassion, sharing, making friends, etc.—but this one was in no way subtle about it. It will likely appeal to some within its target age group, but there are other, similar books I would recommend first.
Funny story about an unlikely friendship between 2 little girls that extremely different. Both rather headstrong that come together as best friends. Very entertaining and funny.
5 stars for MIRANDA & MAUDE! The first book in this chapter book series is just adorable and brilliant. Don’t be fooled by the cute pink cover - this story is perfect for kids who love humor, and is a wickedly funny “how NOT to” make friends. As we go back and forth between Miranda and Maude, we simultaneously empathize with each girl, while smacking our foreheads at their not-so-terrific choices. The comical extremes in this story are perfect for talking about themes of friendship, social activism, stereotypes, and more. It’s my second readaloud of the year, and I’m so thrilled to be sharing it with my students!
As it says right in the beginning of the book, this book is "for anyone who goes to school" No matter if you like school, or don't like school at all, this is a great book!
A BIG Thank You to NetGalley and Amulet Books for providing me a copy of “The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess (Miranda and Maude #1) " by Emma Wunsch, Jessika Von Innerebner in exchange for my review. This was a fun chapter book and an excellent start to the “Miranda and Maude” series.
Each character has a distinctive personality with certain traits that make them sometimes infuriating but overall adorable. I honestly enjoyed reading about all the characters, including the parents and the classmates. It is very true that close friendship are mostly between two opposites, even though it might not always start that way. Miranda is the snooty, snobbish, scared, introverted princess. Maude is the impulsive, in your face, extroverted protestor. You would never think that both of them would get along. At first they don’t like each other at all. The story progresses well with some humorous twists and turns to show how they do become friends.
There’s only one part that irked me. I am a bit peeved that all the festivities done for the birthday party went to waste. I realize it’s a children’s book and Miranda is rich beyond means, but I just cringed when all that food and entertainment was wasted. Considering that there is so much poverty in the world, kids might feel it is ok to waste food and not appreciate niceties after reading this. But that is just my opinion.
However, putting that aside, this book is delightful! Another aspect that I liked was that this shows that someone doesn’t have to act a certain type to make friends. You could be shy, strong, talkative or quiet, but be yourself and people will befriend you. The good thing about having friends with a completely different personality than yours is that they could open your eyes to different perspectives.
Younger readers would love to read this book and its successors in the series. There are so many possibilities for future stories that I can think of between these two. In fact, I can even see a possible animated television series based off it. Emma Wunsch has created a wonderful concept for a chapter book series. Jessika Von Innerebner has enhanced the book with cute whimsical illustrations. I simply LOVED her illustrations! Below is an example the various expressions she uses on the children.
Overall, I thought this was a cute book and am sure it will do well as a series! I rate it 4/5 stars.
Note: I received an ARC of this book at Book Expo of America however all opinions are my own.
Summary: Miranda is a princess that has never gone to school and is dreading her first day at the local elementary school. Maude is a girl who loves school and can’t wait for the school year. The two meet on the first day and clash immediately. Miranda is quiet while Maude is loud. Miranda tries to sit out during recess and gym while Maude like to run around. Plus, Miranda finds hard boiled eggs revolting while they are Maude’s favorite. The two girls try to avoid each other but when Miranda doesn’t invite Maude to her Princess Birthday Party Maude decides to strike back with a boycott.
Review: This is a super cute book about friendship. Miranda and Maude have to learn to understand each other to overcome their differences. Their path to friendship is simple and will appeal to younger readers. Also, simple is the lesson about empathy and how important it is to try to understand other people’s perspectives. These are lessons that are often found in children’s literature. Yet, I have to wonder how narrow the readership for this book will be. The story is very simple and the moral felt a little heavy handed compared to other books in this genre. The publisher lists the suggested reading ages 7-10 but I have to question if readers at the high end of the range will be interested in the story which focuses so heavily on a lesson that most have already learned. However, I do think younger readers will enjoy this book especially the adorable illustrations.
Miranda and Maude don't see eye-to-eye about much and a friendship seems unlikely, but sometimes those who are different from us make the best types of friends.
Miranda is a princess who is being forced to go to school for the first time and is not very interested in school work or socializing with her classmates. Maude wants to be a social justice activist when she grows up and loves learning. Miranda is disgusted by Maude's love of hard-boiled eggs. Maude thinks Miranda's rudeness is a social injustice. When Miranda has a royal birthday party, their differences come to a head and both girls treat each other unfairly. It turns out that the girls have something in common, an empathetic side that leads them past their misunderstandings.
This book is both humorous and sweet. Miranda and Maude both have interesting and quirky personalities. Their annoyance with each other at the beginning of the book is amusing, especially when they try to one-up each other with a collection of artifacts on their desks. The story is also heart-warming, as the girls develop a friendship and learn to embrace each others' differences.
The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is not only entertaining, but it can also help readers learn something about navigating relationships with their peers. The story shows that understanding differences and being empathetic are important in forming friendships.
With short chapters and illustrations, this book will suit readers who are transitioning to chapter books. This is the first in a series that promises more fun adventures with two delightful characters.
The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is an illustrated chapter book written by Emma Wunsch and illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner. This series starter is currently scheduled to be released on August 7 2018. Princess Miranda does not want to go to school. She wants to shoe shop, plan parties, and decorate the castle. Maude cannot wait for school. She loves rules and social justice and getting good grades. She also loves hard-boiled eggs, much to Miranda’s dismay. When a tense first week of school results in Maude getting excluded from the Royal Birthday Party, Maude decides she’s found her first fight for social justice: a birthday boycott. This hilarious, heartfelt chapter-book series teaches empathy, and reminds us that your very best friend could be one desk away.
The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is the start of a sweet early chapter book about dealing with changes, school, and being yourself. I loved the set up. Miranda is a princess that loves pink, nail polish, and party planning. She does not want to go to school, and when she does her head hurts and she just wants to go home. Maude loves learning, rules, and hard boiled eggs. These two seem to have nothing in common, and clash right away. Miranda needs to learn to get along with other children, and to consider how others feel. Maude needs to stop and think about how others feel as well. When they each take a moment and consider other people, a friendship is formed and thrives, showing readers that empathy can bridge almost any gap and bring wonderful surprises. I like that readers get multiple points of view, so they can see why Miranda is as unhappy and uncomfortable at school- and we can see why Maude holds on to her eggs and unusual ways. I also like that even after the friendship is formed, we see that not every day is perfect, and the pair each still needs to grow and learn about themselves, each other and the world.
The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is a wonderful easy chapter book with lovely illustrations. The book encourages young readers to think about how others feel, and how great things might come from breaking out of our own comfort zones.