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The Princess in Black #10
The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink
When plans for a ball run a-fowl, Princess Magnolia accepts the help of a valiant new hero to save her secret decorations—and the entire evening!
Princess Magnolia is at the Flower Festival prepping for the evening ball when suddenly she hears a commotion. Oh no! She isn’t prepared to fight a monster or . . . a grumpy emu! To her surprise, a knight in shining armor comes to the rescue, but not before the princess’s prized decorations are stomped on and destroyed. Luckily, the gallant Prince Valerian has his own secret identity—the Prince in Pink—and has been yearning for a chance to show off his special skills, with the help of some twinkle-twinkle and major glam. Glitter has been restored, but then the angry emu returns—with friends! Can the party heroes step up to save the day again? Expect the unexpected as this sparkling new entry in the New York Times best-selling series takes the floor with a flourish.
Princess Magnolia is at the Flower Festival prepping for the evening ball when suddenly she hears a commotion. Oh no! She isn’t prepared to fight a monster or . . . a grumpy emu! To her surprise, a knight in shining armor comes to the rescue, but not before the princess’s prized decorations are stomped on and destroyed. Luckily, the gallant Prince Valerian has his own secret identity—the Prince in Pink—and has been yearning for a chance to show off his special skills, with the help of some twinkle-twinkle and major glam. Glitter has been restored, but then the angry emu returns—with friends! Can the party heroes step up to save the day again? Expect the unexpected as this sparkling new entry in the New York Times best-selling series takes the floor with a flourish.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2023
57 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Hale
141 books14.2k followersShannon 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 23, 2023
Might be my favorite in the series yet??? YES!
Shannon Hale continues to casually rock everyone's world with her inclusivity.
Shannon Hale continues to casually rock everyone's world with her inclusivity.
May 8, 2023
My son fell in love with The Princess in Black when he was in first grade. He’s now in seventh, but my whole family still keeps up with the books as they release because they’re so delightful and charming (and *terrific* read-alouds)!
Just as Princess Magnolia is a girl who enjoys tea parties and also likes dressing up in black to fight monsters, Prince Valerian is a boy who enjoys being a knight (yes, in shining armor!) and also likes dressing in a fancy pink outfit and helping with parties. Both aspects of his persona are kind, helpful, and yes, delightful and charming! The only thing I wanted that I missed was a page with a comparison chart saying “The Prince in Pink looked a lot like Prince Valerian… but no, he couldn’t be,” as we got with Princess Magnolia, Duff the Goat Boy, and other characters earlier in the series.
My son’s favorite color was pink when he first started this series. It’s not anymore, but I love that this series shows unapologetically that colors and activities are not gendered and that every person should be able to express every aspect of their personality. Well done, Hales! We’ll be looking forward to the next installment.
Just as Princess Magnolia is a girl who enjoys tea parties and also likes dressing up in black to fight monsters, Prince Valerian is a boy who enjoys being a knight (yes, in shining armor!) and also likes dressing in a fancy pink outfit and helping with parties. Both aspects of his persona are kind, helpful, and yes, delightful and charming! The only thing I wanted that I missed was a page with a comparison chart saying “The Prince in Pink looked a lot like Prince Valerian… but no, he couldn’t be,” as we got with Princess Magnolia, Duff the Goat Boy, and other characters earlier in the series.
My son’s favorite color was pink when he first started this series. It’s not anymore, but I love that this series shows unapologetically that colors and activities are not gendered and that every person should be able to express every aspect of their personality. Well done, Hales! We’ll be looking forward to the next installment.
April 23, 2023
Another absolutely adorable entry in this fantastic series. Me and my kids were cracking up ("Flourish!"), and I love the creativity and originality that is in this series. One of my favorites. When's the next one??
Read
April 15, 2023Colors do not belong to genders and boys can enjoy event planning. Shannon Hale knocks it out of the park again!
May 29, 2023
The storyline and plot fell flat compared to her others in this series. We missed the Goat Avenger and other typical characters/elements of her book that seemed left out to fit with the message she was trying to convey.
April 6, 2023
Arguably the best in the series due to the fantastic entrance of the Prince in Pink, and an emu.
December 4, 2024
Every other book in this series is a 5 ⭐️, this one for obvious reasons is a flop
May 8, 2023
When Princess Magnolia heads to the Flower Festival at Princess Snapdragon's castle. She is surprised when an Emu arrives causing all sorts of trouble. It's aggressively kicking boxes and manages to break a special decoration brought by Princess Magnolia! Luckily, the Emu is vanquished by a Knight in Shining Armor. Princess Magnolia isn't used to being rescued, but she's very grateful to the knight. The Knight is Prince Valerian who was so excited to finally use his special talents, and as the Prince in Pink, he can help save the Flower Festival's ball!
Hale and Pham have the most wonderful ideas! I love this series, and AJ is just now the perfect age to love it too. We like that the stories are unpredictable and the heroes are clever. The illustrations are so fun, we loved that the Prince in Pink wore a tiara and his catchword was flourish. It’s OK for boys to like sparkles, wear pink and be great at putting the finishing touches on things. Delightful!
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Hale and Pham have the most wonderful ideas! I love this series, and AJ is just now the perfect age to love it too. We like that the stories are unpredictable and the heroes are clever. The illustrations are so fun, we loved that the Prince in Pink wore a tiara and his catchword was flourish. It’s OK for boys to like sparkles, wear pink and be great at putting the finishing touches on things. Delightful!
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
May 1, 2023
This is my favorite book in the series yet! The Princess in Black is preparing for a party, but things go wrong and she needs some crafty help- enter the Prince in Pink! This prince likes the color pink and has a talent for crafts. Soon he helps the princess put everything right.
It’s a good thing they’ve formed a bond because when an emu and ostriches show up to ruin the party Magnolia needs all the help she can get!
With the powers combined of Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham this series remains stellar. In this book especially though, Pham’s emu and ostriches are pure comedy gold.
It’s a good thing they’ve formed a bond because when an emu and ostriches show up to ruin the party Magnolia needs all the help she can get!
With the powers combined of Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham this series remains stellar. In this book especially though, Pham’s emu and ostriches are pure comedy gold.
April 20, 2023
I love these books. And the illustrations are the best.
September 23, 2025
Confusing LGTBQ message about gender. I don't recommend.
July 24, 2023
Bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad bad. Do not read again. I believe girls are girls and boys are boys. I do not hate you. It is confusing for children like me. 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺😢😢😭😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺🥺
February 8, 2025
So cute. Read it to Joan to show her that boys can wear pink too! She was locked in.
April 15, 2023
my daughter loved this one and so did i :)
January 20, 2023
The biggest event of the season is here! Princess Magnolia is honoured to be in charge of the ball for the Flower Festival. Excited and feeling prepared to make the ball look lovely, an emu attack threatens to ruin her plans. Luckily a knight is there to ward off the attack but not before a special secret decoration is destroyed. What Princess Magnolia needs is someone who can fix her dream decor, can the mysterious Prince in Pink be that hero?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a huge fan of The Princess In Black. I had thought The Mermaid Princess was a new high for the series but The Prince in Pink has doubled every wonderful thing I love about these books. The Prince is such a joy, meeting him filled me with such glee. It's so wonderful for children to see that they don't have to live a certain way but can enjoy both things considered feminine and masculine regardless of their gender.
A wonderful 10th instalment to the series, The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink is a great book for any beginner or reader who wants to smile. The gorgeous full colour illustrations and large font make them a great step between picture and chapter books, I can't recommend this series enough.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a huge fan of The Princess In Black. I had thought The Mermaid Princess was a new high for the series but The Prince in Pink has doubled every wonderful thing I love about these books. The Prince is such a joy, meeting him filled me with such glee. It's so wonderful for children to see that they don't have to live a certain way but can enjoy both things considered feminine and masculine regardless of their gender.
A wonderful 10th instalment to the series, The Princess in Black and the Prince in Pink is a great book for any beginner or reader who wants to smile. The gorgeous full colour illustrations and large font make them a great step between picture and chapter books, I can't recommend this series enough.
January 15, 2023
Another sweet installation of the "Princess in Black" series which is very popular in my elementary school library. As Princess Magnolia prepares for the flower festival, the big angry birds seem set on destroying it. The Prince in Pink saves the day a couple of times before mysteriously disappearing before anyone can figure out his identify. This title is a good selection for adding diverse and non-gender stereotypical characters to the collection
May 30, 2023
2.5⭐️ i still like this series of strong female superheroes and 1 new hero. Any book with pink I will try and this one was good not my favorite but still good. Images beautiful !!
December 25, 2023
Not even close to the other books in the series. Too bad.
September 22, 2023
Princess Magnolia has a super special decoration for the Flower Festival ball and everyone is eager and excited to unveil their own special plans when an angry emu comes charging into the festival! What's a princess superhero to do? Princess Magnolia doesn't have time to change into her black superhero outfit and fight the emu but luck is on her side when a knight and shining armor appears to save the day. Princess Magnolia is grateful to Prince Valerian but her secret decoration is all smashed! If only she had a special decorating, party planning helper! Prince in Pink to the rescue! The Prince in Pink has been waiting his whole life to show off his decorating and party planning skills. FLOURISH! Will the Flower Festival be a success or will the broken decoration ruin the ball? Will the Emu return for revenge? (You bet!) The Princess in Black and her new friend have to figure out how to save the day!
This was my niece's favorite series when she was younger. She passed them on to her friend's little sister. When I heard about this new one and the pushback Shannon Hale has gotten from hypocrites who praise her for the crime fighting princess and malign her for a prince who likes pink, I knew I had to read it. I love that there are no limits on color. Emus can be purple and multi-colored in this world so why can't a prince wear pink? The prince is a fun character, a fairy godfather type who helps Princess Magnolia decorate for her party. He shows her how to use her broken decorations anyway and his idea is even better than the original.
I did miss the crime fighting princess and didn't like that a knight had to come save the day. The illustrations were a little too pink for my personal preference. I liked the first book so much but this one a little less because of the pink and party setting. I did like the message about the Emus. It's a reminder to not exclude anyone from the guest list even if they enjoy kicking things! Emus just wanna have fun!
This was my niece's favorite series when she was younger. She passed them on to her friend's little sister. When I heard about this new one and the pushback Shannon Hale has gotten from hypocrites who praise her for the crime fighting princess and malign her for a prince who likes pink, I knew I had to read it. I love that there are no limits on color. Emus can be purple and multi-colored in this world so why can't a prince wear pink? The prince is a fun character, a fairy godfather type who helps Princess Magnolia decorate for her party. He shows her how to use her broken decorations anyway and his idea is even better than the original.
I did miss the crime fighting princess and didn't like that a knight had to come save the day. The illustrations were a little too pink for my personal preference. I liked the first book so much but this one a little less because of the pink and party setting. I did like the message about the Emus. It's a reminder to not exclude anyone from the guest list even if they enjoy kicking things! Emus just wanna have fun!
March 1, 2025
Who is the perfect companion to fight crime with when you're a Princess in Black? A Prince in Pink obviously! This is the ultimate perfect story about who gets to be a hero and how to be true to yourself. Probably my favorite book in the entire series!
January 27, 2025
I like the prince in pink and the princess in black and the emu too. And the goat pasture and snapdragon.
May 8, 2023
Adorable
May 2, 2023
The fact that the latest superhero isn't much of a fighter, but rather works to make the world more beautiful is just lovely.
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September 10, 2023I enjoy these books almost as much as my kids enjoy these books. What I appreciate most about this Princess in Black book is that it allows my son to feel like it is okay for him to like the color pink. The new hero in this book is the Prince in Pink and his special power is decorating. My son loves to play soccer, get dirty, and play with Pokemon, but he also loves things that sparkle and shine. I swear he is part magpie with the amount of shiny things he runs off with and stows away in his treasure box. This book helps him to feel like it is ok for him to enjoy the things that are more stereotypically for girls.
June 20, 2024
I loved this book. I love all of The Princess in Black books. Some of the series books rise to the top. This particular book was a joy to read with my six and eight year-old children of opposite sexes.
Like any other books in this series, you have a royal event with a bunch of royal figures (save Goat Boy/the Goat Avenger) that all have alter egos. The villains in this book, though, are not your typical monsters, they are angry birds (not to be confused with the franchise Angry Birds), an emu and two ostriches. However, in this book, the climactic confrontation doesn't result in a traditional epic battle, but a more modern, entertainment-focused battle that leaves all involved the better for it.
There were giggles all around. Both my son and my daughter appreciated this book, both as a stand alone story and as a part of the larger series. Comparisons were made. Fun was had. Reenacting took place.
I love that this story has a Prince in Pink. The prince's disguise doesn't turn him into a traditional superhero. He doesn't become more violent, he becomes more creative. The problem-solving in this story reminds us that not all conflict has to end badly. The outcome of the climactic confrontation leaves all parties happier as problems are resolved by thinking creatively and working together to create a positive solution. I highly recommend this as your next read if you have, work with, or enjoy stories intended for children ages three to nine...or adults that never really feel like they need to grow up.
Like any other books in this series, you have a royal event with a bunch of royal figures (save Goat Boy/the Goat Avenger) that all have alter egos. The villains in this book, though, are not your typical monsters, they are angry birds (not to be confused with the franchise Angry Birds), an emu and two ostriches. However, in this book, the climactic confrontation doesn't result in a traditional epic battle, but a more modern, entertainment-focused battle that leaves all involved the better for it.
There were giggles all around. Both my son and my daughter appreciated this book, both as a stand alone story and as a part of the larger series. Comparisons were made. Fun was had. Reenacting took place.
I love that this story has a Prince in Pink. The prince's disguise doesn't turn him into a traditional superhero. He doesn't become more violent, he becomes more creative. The problem-solving in this story reminds us that not all conflict has to end badly. The outcome of the climactic confrontation leaves all parties happier as problems are resolved by thinking creatively and working together to create a positive solution. I highly recommend this as your next read if you have, work with, or enjoy stories intended for children ages three to nine...or adults that never really feel like they need to grow up.
April 30, 2023
Princess in Black is an absolute hit at our house. Once again, the Hales have expertly added new characters and situations that keep the series fresh while maintaining the familiar structure the kids recognize and love.
We love Prince Valerian/Prince in Pink. It's such a fun mirrored twist on Princess Magnolia/Princess in Black. Book one was all about how Princesses don't run, don't wear black, don't battle monsters, but Princess Magnolia had a SECRET so she could do these things that she loved and was good at, in addition to her Pink frills and parties. In this book, Prince Valerian is the same but opposite. He seems to enjoy his role as Prince Valerian the Knight, but although not explicit, it seems he uses the Prince in Pink persona to engage in parties and decorations in a way that may not align with the expectations of a Prince/knight, but he clearly loves.
These characters and stories are so well thought out. You can tell how much love and care the Hales put into them. I think the series, and this book in particular are a perfect balance of fun, whimsey, and subversion of tropes and expectations in a way that is exiting and delightful for kids and the adults reading to them.
We love Prince Valerian/Prince in Pink. It's such a fun mirrored twist on Princess Magnolia/Princess in Black. Book one was all about how Princesses don't run, don't wear black, don't battle monsters, but Princess Magnolia had a SECRET so she could do these things that she loved and was good at, in addition to her Pink frills and parties. In this book, Prince Valerian is the same but opposite. He seems to enjoy his role as Prince Valerian the Knight, but although not explicit, it seems he uses the Prince in Pink persona to engage in parties and decorations in a way that may not align with the expectations of a Prince/knight, but he clearly loves.
These characters and stories are so well thought out. You can tell how much love and care the Hales put into them. I think the series, and this book in particular are a perfect balance of fun, whimsey, and subversion of tropes and expectations in a way that is exiting and delightful for kids and the adults reading to them.
June 9, 2023
I started reading this series to my kids a few years ago and now that they are about to be 4th and 5th graders, I still read this series to my kids. It's just a special series that we read together, no matter how old they are. The stories are fun and/or inspirational. We always enjoy the story and really like the illustrations. Because of Hale and Pham and this princess in black series, we have picked up many more books from this author and illustrator.
We personally loved the new character Prince in Pink and we hope he comes back in other stories. I will always love stories that show female/girl characters can do it all or do something different. I think these characters are an inspiration for my girls and an example to my son that women are strong and capable. But I am loving these male/boy characters that are now doing the same thing. These male characters can either juggle it all, or try new things, be who they really are or reach for what they want and I think those are the best fictional role models for my son. And a wonderful reinforcement for my daughters that anyone can be anything.
We personally loved the new character Prince in Pink and we hope he comes back in other stories. I will always love stories that show female/girl characters can do it all or do something different. I think these characters are an inspiration for my girls and an example to my son that women are strong and capable. But I am loving these male/boy characters that are now doing the same thing. These male characters can either juggle it all, or try new things, be who they really are or reach for what they want and I think those are the best fictional role models for my son. And a wonderful reinforcement for my daughters that anyone can be anything.
September 17, 2024
Me: Aw, nice! There's a second book out!
*checks cover*
It's book TEN?! :O I guess I missed a few...
That said, I ADORE this book for putting out a great role model for heroic masculinity: Boys can absolutely be boys while still doing things like wearing pink (like they did long ago without any stigma!) and making fancy crafts and things commonly associated with girls! It's also always lovely when there's a happy ending for EVERYONE, including the "villains"!
(Oh, gee, whoever could that Prince in Pink be, though... it's a secret to everybody, haha...)
Recommended for readers who don't believe in gender norms!
*checks cover*
It's book TEN?! :O I guess I missed a few...
That said, I ADORE this book for putting out a great role model for heroic masculinity: Boys can absolutely be boys while still doing things like wearing pink (like they did long ago without any stigma!) and making fancy crafts and things commonly associated with girls! It's also always lovely when there's a happy ending for EVERYONE, including the "villains"!
(Oh, gee, whoever could that Prince in Pink be, though... it's a secret to everybody, haha...)
Recommended for readers who don't believe in gender norms!
October 25, 2024
Princess Magnolia is taken by surprise when a grumpy emu comes to spoil a party, but a new character, Prince Valerian, Knight in shining armor (hooray!!!) comes to save the day. Later, when Princess Magnolia's party decorations need salvaging, the mysterious Prince in Pink also comes to save the day. Light-hearted and fun. (The mermaid one is still my favorite, I've become a sucker for a good adventure story.)
I read some other reviews because I wondered if anyone had any objections, and as a conservative Lutheran, I was disappointed to read some reviews that said there was another agenda in this book. Because honestly there wasn't. It's okay for boys to wear and like pink. It doesn't mean they're gay or transgender. It's okay for boys to like decorating. It's okay for boys to have interests that maybe our society considers feminine, and we have to stop the stereotype that all boys who like "girly" things are gay. The author wasn't saying that at all. I'll probably incur wrath from conservatives and liberals who bother to read my review (so like 2 people 😆), but so be it.
I read some other reviews because I wondered if anyone had any objections, and as a conservative Lutheran, I was disappointed to read some reviews that said there was another agenda in this book. Because honestly there wasn't. It's okay for boys to wear and like pink. It doesn't mean they're gay or transgender. It's okay for boys to like decorating. It's okay for boys to have interests that maybe our society considers feminine, and we have to stop the stereotype that all boys who like "girly" things are gay. The author wasn't saying that at all. I'll probably incur wrath from conservatives and liberals who bother to read my review (so like 2 people 😆), but so be it.
August 9, 2024
In this tenth title in the Princess in Black series, Magnolia is decorating for the Flower Festival Ball when a commotion occurs. A grumpy emu was not behaving as it stomped through the festival. Magnolia did not have enough time to protect her decorations before they were destroyed, but a new hero, Prince Valerian a knight was able to expel the emu from the festival before it could do more damage. After the emu was gone, Prince Valerian changed into his secret identity of the Prince in Pink to help Magnolia create new decorations for the festival. As they completed their task, the grumpy emu returned with friends. Magnolia and Prince Valerian were able to channel their skills in their secret identities to save the festival along with their friends. This is a cute addition to the Princess in Black Series, continuing on the path of changing gender norms. This would be a good title to add to library collections that have interest in the series. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews