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The Princess in Black #8

The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem

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With a noisy giant crashing around the kingdom, the Princess in Black uses the Sparkle Signal to call ALL her heroic friends together - for the biggest adventure yet.

The Princess in Black is ready for her snowy playdate with the Goat Avenger and the Princess in Blankets. It's a perfect day to build snow monsters and battle them for practice. But just when they're about to wage battle, a huge foot smashes their snow monster. "SQUASHY!"

It's a giant, and it's smashing everything in its path! The giant is too strong for the three friends, so the Princess in Blankets has an idea: it's time to light the Sparkle Signal and summon help. With a rising crescendo of a plot and a delightfully surprising ending, the latest adventure in the New York Times best-selling series features all the Princess in Black's friends as heroes for the first time.

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2020

85 people are currently reading
558 people want to read

About the author

Shannon Hale

147 books14.2k followers
Shannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.

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5 stars
612 (46%)
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440 (33%)
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210 (15%)
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42 (3%)
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12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
Profile Image for Darla.
4,871 reviews1,257 followers
November 13, 2020
The giant problem that Princess in Black, Princess in Blankets, and the Goat Avenger have is literally a giant. That giant loves to say "Squashy" and is stepping on everything in its path. Our three superheroes send out a sparkle signal for assistance and are surprised to get eleven more helpers! Here are some of the new friends: Sister Spark and her Narwahl, Fishy Splash; Rain Bow and her Lion Roar Beast; and Super-Meow and her Cat-Fish, Purr-Maid. With the full-color artwork from LeUyen Pham and the Hales' clever storyline, this is sure to be a hit with all PIB lovers. Snowball Smack! Sledding Mosh! Twinkle Twinkle Little Squash!
Profile Image for Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads).
1,140 reviews
June 13, 2020
The Princess in Black is missing her friends and is ready for a play date when she faces a giant problem. When she sends up a signal for help, more superhero friends than she expects answer the call and together they solve the problem with enough time to enjoy playing afterward.

This is another excellent story in the series! Each book has had a great message about friendship, adventure, and imagination with wonderful illustrations. My six-year-old and I love reading this series together.

Thanks to Candlewick Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem is scheduled for release on October 6, 2020.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,253 reviews102 followers
January 14, 2021
Both a princess and a superhero? Yes please.

This is apparently the eighth book in the series, which, according to Shannon Hale, both boys and girls enjoy, and want to know more about, despite them saying that reading about princesses is not something they want to do.

The Princess in Black misses her friends, that she had over for her birthday, so decides to get into her disguise and go seek them. What follows is mostly lining up new superhero kids for a future adventure, but it was still fun to see the different ways that the kids disguised their pets.

Thoroughly silly book with funny names for the various superheroes, and their pets. but of course, they all unite to fight the common enemy, a giant that is heading to wards town.

Kids will enjoy the bright and colorful illustrations, as well as the realistic way the kids fight the giant that is threatening them, as well as the solution to the problem.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Profile Image for Allison Ketchell.
233 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2020
Immediately after this book arrived, my four year old wanted to read it with me five times in a row.
Profile Image for Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama).
1,668 reviews31 followers
April 17, 2021
This was another really cute, fun addition to the series! It had a fun plot twist that my kids absolutely loved (especially my six year old).
Profile Image for Amy Bell.
460 reviews13 followers
February 9, 2021
Princess in Black and the Giant Problem is the next book in the Princess in Black beginning chapter book series by Shannon Hale. My daughter and I have read several books in this series and was delighted to learn a new one was coming out. We read the book together and we both rated it 4 stars. The story is easy to follow and the illustrations go along nicely with the story. The book is age appropriate although could be a bit scary for younger readers if giants and monsters scare them easily. The story has a happy ending.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,722 reviews96 followers
May 28, 2020
When the first Princess in Black book came out, I hoped that there would be sequels. Now, this series has continued for eight books, and even though some story elements get repetitive, each book does something new and different with the familiar set-up and characters. This eighth book expands on the general story structure with a larger-scale problem and bigger cast, bringing together a variety of disguised superheroes who must take down a gigantic, destructive monster.

The plot twist at the end was very obvious to me as an adult reader, but it will probably surprise the target audience, and the book is creative and different overall. I enjoyed the winter theme, which helps set this apart from previous volumes, and chuckled over the wide range of different superheroes and disguised animal sidekicks. Someone who isn't entertained by the different names and costumes may find this part of the book less appealing, since it spends some of the short page count on introductions instead of more action, but in my experience, the silly disguises and names are part of this series's charm.

Like the rest of the Princess in Black books, this is a great selection for boys and girls of all ages. The series appeals to a broad audience by striking the right balance between its princess and superhero elements, and it also works as both a book for beginning readers and a fun, dramatic read-aloud. These books are fun and appealing for parents and kids, and I highly recommend them.

I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Faith Elizabeth  Hough.
593 reviews79 followers
September 13, 2020
It's become a common sight in my house: a big sister curled up on couch or bed with a little sister (or often, brother) on her lap, paging through Princess in Black books one after another. There are few books that can live up to this kind of intense re-reading, but Shannon and Dean Hale manage to keep story and humor at the forefront of every page, and that's what makes it work--even eight books into the series.
Since being absolutely delighted by the first book years ago, I've found that there are certain titles that are, well, in slightly better condition than the rest after living in my house for a while. Saying they're less-loved implies some sort of lack, but the reality may be that the other titles are just extremely loved. So far we've only read the digital ARC kindly provided by the publisher through Netgalley, but I can already tell: this one's going to have pages falling out before the hard copy's been in our house a year. And I can't think of much higher praise than that.
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews79 followers
August 26, 2020
For every little girl who always wants to be a super hero But is told to be a princess guess what you can be both!!
Shannon Hale gives little girls everywhere the chance to be a princess and a hero at the same time.
My daughter started reading this series in kindergarten after buying (Yes she bought it on her own) it at the school book fair. This series brought my than kindergartner joy as she readers about her favorite rebellious princess in black.
My daughter is now in 4th grade and still buys the The Princess in Black series even though she finishes in a hour or less. The stories are tales being able to do what ever you desire with the help of friends and working together to find solutions.
This is a can't miss series for anyone with a girl who has been told she needs to be a princess when she really wants to be a hero!
The art is beautiful and tells tell the story the author has beautiful written.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Shannon Hale The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem.
Profile Image for Jannah.
Author 1 book11 followers
May 30, 2020
Note: Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book!

The next installment in the Princess in Black series.
The Princess misses all of her friends being together, so she goes on a mini-playdate in the snow. Suddenly, calamity strikes when a giant arrives and begins a rampage of terror!...or is it?

A cute story featuring a huge cast of heroes to save the day! I loved seeing the variety of characters brought in to help. This kind of story may have been done before, but it hasn't been done with this level of friendship and style! A good continuation of the beloved Princess in Black books.
Profile Image for Pam.
9,923 reviews55 followers
July 6, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Candlewick Press through NetGalley.
The 8th book in this series.
This time the Princess and her friends have to take on a giant who appears in the meadow. This time more heroes appear from everywhere in response to the signal. It takes all of them to handle the giant and win the day. They celebrate with a giant snow party and the decision to meet weekly to get to know each other better and to simply party.
Hale continues to capture the joy and adventures in this series for mid-elementary level readers. The illustrations are brightly colored and help readers see how the characters disguise themselves and their pets.
76 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2021
It's a cold wintry day and Princess Magnolia finds herself missing her friends as she works on her scrapbook. Her sadness is short lived as she remembers it's time for a playdate as her secret monster fighting identity, The Princess in Black. What should be a day of snowy fun quickly becomes a giant problem when one comes through squashing everything in sight. Can three young heroes stand a chance against such a monster?

As always, the Princess in Black is a charming and enjoyable read. With gorgeous full colour illustrations and a fun simple plot it proves an engaging series for young readers. What I really love about this series is how it shows you don't have to choose between princesses and heroes, you can be both. This installment brings that message to a new level with many new heroes coming together to work as a team. I got quite a kick from all the new sidekicks and their clever disguises. It's sure to be a hit for it's readers!

The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem is a fantastic title for young readers, especially those who might be intimidated by chapter books. Families are sure to delight in reading this book (and the entire series!) out loud together.

Thank you to the publisher for a digital copy to review.
Profile Image for Becky B.
9,371 reviews186 followers
March 29, 2021
The Princess in Black and Blacky are missing their friends on a wintry day. They have a play date with the Goat Avenger and the Princess in Blankets, and they have fun in the snow, but they miss the whole gang. When an out of control giant shows up they get the perfect opportunity to call in all their friends to help. But even with all of them there, are they any match for a giant? And what does this big guy want?

I like that there are enough subtle clues woven in that observant readers can figure out what is up with the giant before the big reveal. The gang also gains some new superheroes too. I like the different snowy setting for this adventure too (and the wintry activities with the friends). Hand this series to kids who like superhero stories, fantasy fun, and friendship stories.

Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. The superheroes try to stop the giant but aren't very successful. The giant is destructive but you realize in the end he didn't do it on purpose.
Profile Image for Guerry Sisters.
514 reviews6 followers
May 28, 2020
Thank you so much to Candlewick Press, Shannon Hale, and NetGalley for this early ARC. This was a 5 star read for us! I cannot say enough good things about this series! Shannon Hale is a go-to author for us! My daughter, who is 8, struggles to find books that engage her. The Princess in Black series is amazing nd wonderful! This series really allows young readers to learn how to read early chapter books. This series is very imaginative and keeps young readers engaged. The Princess In Black and The Giant Problem is now one of my favorite books in the series! As always, the pictures are beautiful. I also really enjoyed all of the additional superhero characters! #theprincessinblackandthegiant problem #netgalley

We will post this review to our Instagram account closer to the publishing date!
Profile Image for Stephanie Tournas.
2,743 reviews37 followers
December 28, 2020
Eighth book in the series. Princess Magnolia wishes it were her birthday again so she could have a party and see her friends. She changes into her Princess in Black gear and goes to play in the snow with Goat Avenger. When a giant wreaks havoc over the goat pasture, the friends worry that he will destroy the village. They summon more princesses, but the solution to the rampaging, noisy giant surprises them all. Adult readers may notice that the giant is toddler, and when his giantess mom arrives on the scene with his lost “Squashy” lovey, it all makes sense. Gentle tension, a diverse crew of princesses, a predictable yet entertaining story, and utterly delightful illustrations make this and the entire series a delight for newly independent readers or as a read aloud. New princesses are introduced at the end, signaling more titles in the series to come.
Profile Image for Faith.
999 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2021
Shannon and Dean Hale's characteristic whimsy and humor are again present in The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem.

This playful series is a favorite with my seven-year-old daughter, and I enjoy experiencing them with her, as they are fun to read and I appreciate the diverse characters and the colorful illustrations.

Young readers will enjoy feeling like they are smarter than the characters in the book, because they know the truth about who Princess in Black is, as well as the expansive cast of characters, when the characters seemingly don't recognize each other.

At quick count, in this installment, fourteen heroes (both new and old) band together to save the village from a squashing giant. I delighted in the new sidekicks and confess my favorite one is now "Coatrack!"

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
Profile Image for Vicky.
459 reviews24 followers
January 16, 2022
All those princesses who helped out in the Science Fair Scare? They’re superheroes now too! (And my daughter says it’s too much, but I like letting everyone have their own way to be super.)

Once again, we learn about the importance of cooperation and everyone having a part to play in solving the problem. It is an ongoing theme, and an important one in our current climate of “everyone for themselves”.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Secret identities, a giant, and fairy-tale peril.

Who Might Like This Book:
As with the others, boys and girls alike. If you like superheroes and/or princesses, this is for you!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Sue.
Author 1 book40 followers
August 26, 2022
Another book I read aloud to my grandchildren. My five-year-old granddaughter says this is currently her favourite book - and she has many to choose from.

The story is about some princesses who transform into other characters along with their somewhat unusual pets, to sort out problems. It's a gentle kind of twist on the super-hero trend, and the story is nicely told. The team work together well to try to stop a blundering giant from trampling all over the village... and there's an unexpected ending which I didn't see coming.

This is eighth in the series of books by the same authors, and although intended to be read by newly fluent young readers, it made a good read-aloud too. For children of around four or five up to perhaps nine.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
607 reviews16 followers
March 2, 2021
The delightful saga continues! This one ranks among my favorites because of the amazing and hilarious superheroes it introduces. I cannot spoil it by telling you their names, but the last is the best, and they are all delightful.

I think this series has the perfect combo of words and pics. Like the best illustrated books, the illustrations are an integral part of what makes these books so fun. I hope the trio of authors/illustrators continue to write these books far past when any of my kids are still their target audience. And we'll keep buying and reading them together even then (my 13yo and 10yo still enjoy snuggling in and reading them all together as a family with my younger kids still).

Rating: obviously G
Profile Image for Erin.
810 reviews34 followers
February 1, 2023
It's a quiet, snowy winter day and time for a superhero playdate, when suddenly the fun is interrupted by a giant who starts squashing everything and doesn't respond to the usual superhero tactics. What to do? Call in reinforcements, of course! Soon the Princess in Black, Princess in Blankets, and the Goat Avenger are joined by not just their superhero friends, but also 8 NEW superhero friends and animal sidekicks. Together they trap the giant in a giant-sized twine playpen, and the giant starts to...cry??

My kids and I love the theme of friendship and collaboration, and it's fun to see the silly combination of disguises the new friends come up with. You don't learn anything much about the new characters, but that may come in future installments in the series.
Profile Image for N.J..
34 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2020
The Princess in Black and the Giant Problem by: Shannon Hale, Dean Hale

Yet another cute little story. This book is easy to read and a great learn to read mini chapter book. Pictures on almost every page encourage reading and curiosity.

The Princess has encountered another problem, she misses her friends, but a ‘giant problem,’ is keeping her occupied. Can the Princess save the kingdom and solve her conundrum of wanting to see her friends? Join in on the fun and laughs in this new Princess in Black adventure.

I recommend this book from Pre-k to third grade. But also a nice quick read for adults, if you would like something cute and lighthearted to brighten your day.

-NJ🐰
Profile Image for McKenzie Richardson.
Author 68 books67 followers
February 8, 2021
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle

Another fun Princess in Black adventure. Featuring a whole slew of heroes, a giant problem, and some snowy playdates, this was such an engaging read.

As with the other books, the illustrations on lovely. Great level of detail. From fight scenes to creative problem-solving, this was a great read that shows some problems are too big to tackle on your own.

Perfect for superhero fans and princess fans alike. This series had cool costumes, epic fight scenes, fun catch phrases, and tons of awesome characters. I always love seeing who shows up next.

A great series for young readers.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
Author 13 books62 followers
January 21, 2025
As far as Princess in Black books go, this one is pretty good. Not exactly my favorite, but I've only read it once as opposed to 12 million times, so currently (for now) it's up there. My only complaint I guess is that every other single Princess besides Princess Magnolia is very bad at coming up with superhero pet alter egos. I know it's supposed to be funny that like the elephant is disguised as an octopus, but I am 40 years old, so it just isn't to me. I also understand I am not the ideal audience for this book, but at the same time I *am* the one who has to read it aloud to my child. Likely... many times.
Profile Image for Sarah.
207 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

I have read all of the Princess in Black books so far, and this one lives up to others quite nicely! The Princess in Black returns to battle a giant, along with the Goat Avenger, and the Princess in Blankets. As always the illustrations are perfect and make it easy for beginning readers to follow along and stay interested.

I can't wait to bring this into my classroom for my students and to add to my home library for my own children.
Profile Image for Samantha Fraenkel.
909 reviews32 followers
September 18, 2020
We are big fans of the Princess in Black in my house so my daughter and I were pretty excited to read this. These books just keep getting better and better! My daughter was so excited to see just what happened after the Sparkle Signal was used in the culmination of the Princess in Black's biggest adventure yet! All the trademarks of what makes this series great were present including a few surprises. I'm sure we will be getting a physical copy of this at the release date.

ARC Provided by NetGalley
1,927 reviews22 followers
October 30, 2020
This book, the latest in the Princess in Black series, follows Princess Magnolia as her alter-ego, The Princess in Black, as she strives to save her kingdom from being destroyed by a giant. What starts off as snow-day fun with two friends, the Goat Avenger and The Princess in Blankets eventually turns into a large mob of super-heroes battling the giant. However, when the battle is over, the giant is not the bad-guy they were expecting. Fun illustrations and hilarious super-hero names will keep children enthralled. Great book!
Profile Image for Alicia Evans.
2,411 reviews38 followers
November 5, 2020
The Princess in Black and friends must face a giant in this book, and more heroes are introduced to help with the new threat. The book fits well with the others in the series, including the consistent humor and steady plot. However, there are now so many characters and superheroes that it's a little muddled for me. Regardless of this, the book is fun, colorful, and a pleasant read.

For: fans of princesses and superheroes; readers wanting a quick starter chapter book.

Possible red flags: monster fighting; misunderstandings.
Profile Image for Daniel Fevrin.
56 reviews7 followers
January 20, 2026
This story is cute and an easy read for me and my daughter. As usual, the Princess in Black is enjoying her day and something terrible happens. This time it is a giant who is out of control and will not listen to when he is asked to leave. He's big enough to not care about what 3 mini-heroes say, so a crew of mini-superheroes have to show up to help solve the problem.

We always look for a practical life lesson in children's books. The lesson here seems to be when you have a big problem, your friends will come to help.
Profile Image for Kim.
800 reviews27 followers
July 9, 2020
The girls in my school love Princess in Black adventures, and this one will be sure to please, too. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The story itself is simple, but the representation of empowered girls being more than just princesses is a great example for young readers that they can be whomever they like. As an adult I like the message of both fun and the power of friendship and working together, and the appreciation that we all have unique gifts to share with the world.
1,036 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2020
My kids liked this so much that we finished it in two days. While keeping many of the elements that readers love about this series, this story is a little different. Instead of a monster the heroes are battling a giant, and instead of just a couple of heroes, heroes appear to be coming out of the woodwork to wage battle. The resolution is nothing that the heroes see coming, and it will be interesting to see how all the additional heroes are incorporated into future books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews

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