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Princess Charming
From debut author Zibby Owens comes Princess Charming, a lovable and empowering new character!
Princess Charming can’t quite seem to find her “thing.” She’s tried everything from cooking to hip-hop, and hasn’t been able to perfect either. Even her cartwheels are subpar. But when the castle hosts a superstar for a special event, Princess Charming finally finds her time to shine.
Princess Charming is about a brand-new princess character filled with fun, humor, and girl power. With a modern look and can-do attitude, Princess Charming is the perfect gift for all young readers who never give up!
Praise for Princess Charming
"[A] timeless message."-- Kirkus Reviews
Princess Charming can’t quite seem to find her “thing.” She’s tried everything from cooking to hip-hop, and hasn’t been able to perfect either. Even her cartwheels are subpar. But when the castle hosts a superstar for a special event, Princess Charming finally finds her time to shine.
Princess Charming is about a brand-new princess character filled with fun, humor, and girl power. With a modern look and can-do attitude, Princess Charming is the perfect gift for all young readers who never give up!
Praise for Princess Charming
"[A] timeless message."-- Kirkus Reviews
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1923
About the author
Zibby Owens
10 books25k followersZibby Owens is the award-winning host of the podcast Totally Booked with Zibby and the weekly TV show “Totally Booked” on JBS.
Author of six books including two bestsellers, On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates and Blank: A Novel, she owns Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica, CA, and Zibby Publishing, a boutique publishing house, all part of Zibby Media. She also runs an events and retreats series, Zibby’s Book Club, and the Z.I.P. membership program.
A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Zibby lives in New York (and sometimes L.A.) with her husband and four children ages 11 to 18.
Become a Z.I.P. (Zibby’s Important People) today to support her work and follow her on Instagram @zibbyowens.
Author of six books including two bestsellers, On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates and Blank: A Novel, she owns Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica, CA, and Zibby Publishing, a boutique publishing house, all part of Zibby Media. She also runs an events and retreats series, Zibby’s Book Club, and the Z.I.P. membership program.
A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Zibby lives in New York (and sometimes L.A.) with her husband and four children ages 11 to 18.
Become a Z.I.P. (Zibby’s Important People) today to support her work and follow her on Instagram @zibbyowens.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 8, 2023
Princess Charming can't quite find her "special" stand-out skill or talent.
She wants so desperately to help when a starlet comes to visit.
Uh oh! What happened to the Actress's earring? Can Princess Charming save the day?
A cute story about self, the illustrations gave me (animated cartoon hero? vibes-Dora, Sofia, Fancy Nancy vibes...very glittery colorful vibes), but something about the book lacked...I can't put my finger on it. I respect the empowerment and diversity and the nod to fairytales at the end that shows off Princess Charming's abilities for finding things.
Fun little Picture Book!
She wants so desperately to help when a starlet comes to visit.
Uh oh! What happened to the Actress's earring? Can Princess Charming save the day?
A cute story about self, the illustrations gave me (animated cartoon hero? vibes-Dora, Sofia, Fancy Nancy vibes...very glittery colorful vibes), but something about the book lacked...I can't put my finger on it. I respect the empowerment and diversity and the nod to fairytales at the end that shows off Princess Charming's abilities for finding things.
Fun little Picture Book!
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December 20, 2022"it's not easy being a princess" me when i'm asked to do one simple task
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May 22, 2022See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/prince...
PRINCESS CHARMING is a sweet picture book read about finding your special thing and kindness. Princess Charming is always trying to find her special thing, but it feels like she is often failing. However, she is super-excited because Stella Sparkle, her favorite movie star, is coming to visit. Although she is not able to help with the preparations, when Stella loses her earring, Princess Charming is on the case, and she won't give up until she finds it. When she finally does, she realizes that keeping trying is her special thing, and her kindness means a lot to Stella, whose earring had special meaning for her.
What I loved: This is a sweet book about being kind and going the extra mile. Princess Charming's story will resonate with young readers who may still be trying to find their place in the world. The messages of kindness and doing your best are really important and show children that there is power in the little things - they may even impress a movie star! The cartoonish illustrations and fun characters are great for picture book readers.
The text is clear and easy to read, and although it may be a bit lengthy on some pages, it tells an intriguing story that is great for preschool and elementary school aged readers. The connection at the end that reveals that her brother is Prince Charming of Cinderella fame is a really cute touch.
Final verdict: A sweet book about kindness and going the extra mile, PRINCESS CHARMING is a picture book that is sure to delight young readers.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
PRINCESS CHARMING is a sweet picture book read about finding your special thing and kindness. Princess Charming is always trying to find her special thing, but it feels like she is often failing. However, she is super-excited because Stella Sparkle, her favorite movie star, is coming to visit. Although she is not able to help with the preparations, when Stella loses her earring, Princess Charming is on the case, and she won't give up until she finds it. When she finally does, she realizes that keeping trying is her special thing, and her kindness means a lot to Stella, whose earring had special meaning for her.
What I loved: This is a sweet book about being kind and going the extra mile. Princess Charming's story will resonate with young readers who may still be trying to find their place in the world. The messages of kindness and doing your best are really important and show children that there is power in the little things - they may even impress a movie star! The cartoonish illustrations and fun characters are great for picture book readers.
The text is clear and easy to read, and although it may be a bit lengthy on some pages, it tells an intriguing story that is great for preschool and elementary school aged readers. The connection at the end that reveals that her brother is Prince Charming of Cinderella fame is a really cute touch.
Final verdict: A sweet book about kindness and going the extra mile, PRINCESS CHARMING is a picture book that is sure to delight young readers.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
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May 19, 2022The pictures for this book are largely group scenes, catching Princess Charming in the middle of catastrophic attempts to find her special ability, and showing the reactions of others.The illustrator also works in animation, and this is definitely evident in her style.
The first-person point of view makes this feel like a natural read-aloud. The story dragged a bit for me in the middle, but readers who love princess books probably won't mind a few extra pages about this character, so that's unlikely to be a problem for kids. There is also a really fun twist at the end for kids who know their fairy tales. In terms of themes, this could work for fairy tales, princesses, castles, trying new things, and perseverance.
The author of this book is the host of the podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books, and this is her first picture book. I wouldn't quite put it in the category of a celebrity-authored picture book, but it does seem to lack something in the same way that kids' books by celebrities often do. It just doesn't feel quite polished. I will probably go ahead and let my kids read it because there certainly isn't anything objectionable in it, but it's not one we will be keeping for the long haul.
I received a review copy of Princess Charming from Flamingo Books in exchange for an honest review.
The first-person point of view makes this feel like a natural read-aloud. The story dragged a bit for me in the middle, but readers who love princess books probably won't mind a few extra pages about this character, so that's unlikely to be a problem for kids. There is also a really fun twist at the end for kids who know their fairy tales. In terms of themes, this could work for fairy tales, princesses, castles, trying new things, and perseverance.
The author of this book is the host of the podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books, and this is her first picture book. I wouldn't quite put it in the category of a celebrity-authored picture book, but it does seem to lack something in the same way that kids' books by celebrities often do. It just doesn't feel quite polished. I will probably go ahead and let my kids read it because there certainly isn't anything objectionable in it, but it's not one we will be keeping for the long haul.
I received a review copy of Princess Charming from Flamingo Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2026
Zibby Owens’s debut, Princess Charming, is an absolute delight, a fresh, funny, and heartwarming picture book that redefines what it means to wear a crown. Illustrated with vibrant, playful energy by Holly Hatam, this story introduces a princess whose greatest strength isn’t perfection, but her endearing, unstoppable spirit.
The titular Princess Charming is a wonderfully relatable heroine. She isn’t magically gifted at everything she tries; her cartwheels are wobbly, her hip-hop is off-beat, and her cooking... well, it’s best not to ask. Owens captures the universal childhood experience of searching for one’s “thing” with humor and empathy, validating the feeling of trying and not quite succeeding. This makes Princess Charming’s journey deeply engaging, readers will cheer for her as she experiments, fails, and gets back up with a smile.
The plot takes a charming turn with the arrival of a castle superstar, creating the perfect opportunity for our princess to shine in her own unique, unexpected way. The resolution is clever and satisfying, emphasizing that sometimes our talent isn’t about being the best at something, but about being exactly what a situation needs. The message is one of quiet confidence and resourcefulness over innate, fairy-tale perfection.
Hatam’s illustrations are the perfect companion, bursting with color, expression, and a modern, quirky style that makes every page a joy to explore. Princess Charming’s determination and eventual triumph are visible in every line.
Princess Charming is a celebration of grit, kindness, and self-belief. It’s the perfect antidote to “princess pressure,” teaching young readers that true charm comes from perseverance, a positive attitude, and the courage to be yourself. An empowering and utterly charming addition to any child’s bookshelf.
The titular Princess Charming is a wonderfully relatable heroine. She isn’t magically gifted at everything she tries; her cartwheels are wobbly, her hip-hop is off-beat, and her cooking... well, it’s best not to ask. Owens captures the universal childhood experience of searching for one’s “thing” with humor and empathy, validating the feeling of trying and not quite succeeding. This makes Princess Charming’s journey deeply engaging, readers will cheer for her as she experiments, fails, and gets back up with a smile.
The plot takes a charming turn with the arrival of a castle superstar, creating the perfect opportunity for our princess to shine in her own unique, unexpected way. The resolution is clever and satisfying, emphasizing that sometimes our talent isn’t about being the best at something, but about being exactly what a situation needs. The message is one of quiet confidence and resourcefulness over innate, fairy-tale perfection.
Hatam’s illustrations are the perfect companion, bursting with color, expression, and a modern, quirky style that makes every page a joy to explore. Princess Charming’s determination and eventual triumph are visible in every line.
Princess Charming is a celebration of grit, kindness, and self-belief. It’s the perfect antidote to “princess pressure,” teaching young readers that true charm comes from perseverance, a positive attitude, and the courage to be yourself. An empowering and utterly charming addition to any child’s bookshelf.
April 25, 2022
What a delightful and inspiring book from debut author Zibby Owens! Princess Charming is a young, adorable, determined character that never gives up.
She tries hard to find her passion and "thing" in life but nothing seems to fit. She tries baking, hip-hop, cartwheels and discovers that they are not for her but the key in the story is that she "tries" again and again and again to find what she is good at and loves!
The palace agrees to host a Superstar's event where Princess Charming becomes a superstar herself and discovers the one thing she is excellent at. Her "thing" has finally been found and she excels at it!
The illustrations are truly wonderful. They are colourful, expressive, full of action, humour and fun! This book teaches that you don't have to be perfect or be like anyone else just be who you are created to be... YOU! The book offers readers a positive message of hope and celebration! I highly recommend it and look forward to more books from this talented author.
She tries hard to find her passion and "thing" in life but nothing seems to fit. She tries baking, hip-hop, cartwheels and discovers that they are not for her but the key in the story is that she "tries" again and again and again to find what she is good at and loves!
The palace agrees to host a Superstar's event where Princess Charming becomes a superstar herself and discovers the one thing she is excellent at. Her "thing" has finally been found and she excels at it!
The illustrations are truly wonderful. They are colourful, expressive, full of action, humour and fun! This book teaches that you don't have to be perfect or be like anyone else just be who you are created to be... YOU! The book offers readers a positive message of hope and celebration! I highly recommend it and look forward to more books from this talented author.
June 28, 2022
Princess Charming is a sweet story of a little princess who is trying to figure out what she is “good” at. She doesn’t give up easily and isn’t afraid to try new things. She wants find out what she is “good” doing. She just seems to think she isn’t very good at things. She tries out baking, hip-hop, and even cartwheels. None of these things work out well for her.
An exciting thing is about to happen at the palace when they have a superstar come to the palace. Stella Sparkle loses something special to her. No one can find it but Princess Charming is determined to locate the lost item. She finds the lost item and returns it to her new friend. She also discovers that she doesn’t give up on anything and that is her special gift.
The illustrations are delightful and capture the young reader’s imagination.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product in exchange for my honest thoughts.
An exciting thing is about to happen at the palace when they have a superstar come to the palace. Stella Sparkle loses something special to her. No one can find it but Princess Charming is determined to locate the lost item. She finds the lost item and returns it to her new friend. She also discovers that she doesn’t give up on anything and that is her special gift.
The illustrations are delightful and capture the young reader’s imagination.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product in exchange for my honest thoughts.
February 3, 2023
I love Zibby's platforms and she is a wonderful podcast interviewer. I had super high hopes for this book. I bought it for my niece , sight unseen. It has a great message... for not giving up. The illustrations are pretty good but the story just was ok... to me as an adult the best part was the end ... the little twist.
March 30, 2023
In a world full of kids specializing in this sport and that activity, Princess Charming is a dabbler trying to find her thing, and that’s okay! From book blogger extraordinaire Zibby Owens and Dear Girl illustrator Holly Hatam comes a debut picture book about a girl who never gives up, and reveals a fun, familiar twist at the end.
April 16, 2022
A very wonderful and beautifully illustrated book. You do not have to be perfect….just never give up…..all you need to do is be yourself…… and when you least expect it you will shine. Every page a delight!
April 29, 2022
This book is so cute with an important message to never give up! My daughter loved it, especially when the superstar showed up. The illustrations are gorgeous.
July 15, 2022
2.5 stars.
June 1, 2024
My granddaughter Loved this book
May 30, 2022
This book was cute - I especially liked that the main character figures out that her ‘thing’ is her perseverance - proving that princesses can be more than just pretty.
February 11, 2024
When Miss Wendell suggests that the best way to save their family home is to start a school in it, the four Barron sisters have to agree. But dreamy Pen and scholarly Cassandra dread the thought of a bunch of other girls, while Pandora stresses over whether the school is successful and Rory is determined not to be just the school baby. Then Jill comes along, utterly charming but full of ideas that always seem to lead to trouble…
This must be one of the earliest books about an ‘open air, self-government’ school, and it sets a template which Mabel Esther Allan and Josephine Elder would follow with less quaintness on Elder’s part and more structure on Allan’s. There is a real sense of the local landscape, and of course all right thinking pupils shun cinema and cheap sweets in favour of Greek dancing and herbals. There is something charming about this book and the simple idyll it makes of school life, even though Oldmeadow ruthlessly condemns the vulgar and boring, and lacks Elinor M. Brent-Dyer’s generous inclusivity. I forgive a lot of the problems for the sake of the good bits, which really are as delightful as Oldmeadow thinks Jill is.
This must be one of the earliest books about an ‘open air, self-government’ school, and it sets a template which Mabel Esther Allan and Josephine Elder would follow with less quaintness on Elder’s part and more structure on Allan’s. There is a real sense of the local landscape, and of course all right thinking pupils shun cinema and cheap sweets in favour of Greek dancing and herbals. There is something charming about this book and the simple idyll it makes of school life, even though Oldmeadow ruthlessly condemns the vulgar and boring, and lacks Elinor M. Brent-Dyer’s generous inclusivity. I forgive a lot of the problems for the sake of the good bits, which really are as delightful as Oldmeadow thinks Jill is.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews