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Princess School #1
If the Shoe Fits
Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rapunzel face friendship struggles, wacky families, their first ball, and Frog Identification class during their first year of Princess School.
With her feet bare (those glass slippers don't fit) and her second-hand gown splattered with mud (thanks, evil stepsisters), Ella's first day of Princess School is off to a lousy start. If she can only find her fairy godmother before the first class begins, Ella is sure she'll put things right. But her FG is off at a convention and Ella is on her own--she'll have to get through the first weeks of Princess School without any bobbity-boo. Ella is terrified--until she meets silly Snow, spunky Rapunzel, and beautiful, sheltered Rose. Ella's new friends make Princess School (continued)
With her feet bare (those glass slippers don't fit) and her second-hand gown splattered with mud (thanks, evil stepsisters), Ella's first day of Princess School is off to a lousy start. If she can only find her fairy godmother before the first class begins, Ella is sure she'll put things right. But her FG is off at a convention and Ella is on her own--she'll have to get through the first weeks of Princess School without any bobbity-boo. Ella is terrified--until she meets silly Snow, spunky Rapunzel, and beautiful, sheltered Rose. Ella's new friends make Princess School (continued)
144 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
21 people are currently reading
1677 people want to read
About the author
Jane B. Mason
123 books102 followers Jane B. Mason grew up in a large family in northern Minnesota. She has written books for kids of all ages under many names and on many subjects, among them ghosts, Jedi, detective duos, princesses, twins, mean girls, and slam books.
Jane has lived in the midwest and on both coasts, but appears to have settled in Oakland, California, and writes almost every day at either a friend's dining room table or a little studio in her back yard, where she has a purple loveseat, a whole lotta books, and an odd selection of trinkets she has unwittingly been collecting since she was a child.
Jane has lived in the midwest and on both coasts, but appears to have settled in Oakland, California, and writes almost every day at either a friend's dining room table or a little studio in her back yard, where she has a purple loveseat, a whole lotta books, and an odd selection of trinkets she has unwittingly been collecting since she was a child.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 5, 2011
Ugh. I just wrote a pretty long review and something made it disappear.
And of course I didn't save it first. Ugh. Anyway...
My 7 year old has been eating and loving these books. Her eyes light up when she reads them. She even has to put the book down sometimes because she gets so upset with some action a character did. She asked me to read these books along with her and I said yes, but it really did just go on the bottom of my own huge mental pile of books-to-read until I was trapped under a sleeping child and this book was the only thing I could reach.
I was very grateful and happy that Jane Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens are so good at telling a good story. By using the main princess characters that many of us know, with peeks at a few other fairy tale characters (Red Riding Hood), these authors weave the story of 'before they were famous.' This book is about Ella and how she not only has to deal with her horrible backstory (abusive family, yes a silent father is abusive in this situation), but also school, fitting in, figuring out who she is, clothes that don't fit and are rags, bone wearying chores, and dealing with other girls who bully.
Overall, I found the voice of this story easy to get into and easy to like. I found that what and how the authors were saying was a really great and powerful message for young girls to hear. Life is tough sometimes, but a magic wand will not solve your problems, however if you study hard, work hard and do the right thing (even when it is hard) and surround yourself with a strong support group of friends you can weather anything.
I will not worry about my daughter being so absorbed in these stories. They are well-written with a good message told by likable characters who don't get a wand and a fairy godmother to get them out of the difficult times, they have to use their brains and count on their friends. This was a good read.
And of course I didn't save it first. Ugh. Anyway...
My 7 year old has been eating and loving these books. Her eyes light up when she reads them. She even has to put the book down sometimes because she gets so upset with some action a character did. She asked me to read these books along with her and I said yes, but it really did just go on the bottom of my own huge mental pile of books-to-read until I was trapped under a sleeping child and this book was the only thing I could reach.
I was very grateful and happy that Jane Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens are so good at telling a good story. By using the main princess characters that many of us know, with peeks at a few other fairy tale characters (Red Riding Hood), these authors weave the story of 'before they were famous.' This book is about Ella and how she not only has to deal with her horrible backstory (abusive family, yes a silent father is abusive in this situation), but also school, fitting in, figuring out who she is, clothes that don't fit and are rags, bone wearying chores, and dealing with other girls who bully.
Overall, I found the voice of this story easy to get into and easy to like. I found that what and how the authors were saying was a really great and powerful message for young girls to hear. Life is tough sometimes, but a magic wand will not solve your problems, however if you study hard, work hard and do the right thing (even when it is hard) and surround yourself with a strong support group of friends you can weather anything.
I will not worry about my daughter being so absorbed in these stories. They are well-written with a good message told by likable characters who don't get a wand and a fairy godmother to get them out of the difficult times, they have to use their brains and count on their friends. This was a good read.
December 17, 2015
This was a cute little read. I liked that the princesses were all had the same recognizable story that everyone is used to. With this being a middle grade book, the familiarity of the character's backstories made it easier to read. This wasn't exactly my cup of tea, as I'm way out of the age range for the target audience of this book, but I have some nieces in elementary school that I"m sure would love this, so I'll be passing this along to them.
November 30, 2021
I Had Bought This Book When I Was In My 4th Standard. Today I Felt Like Reading It Again As It Has Become A Vintage Book. Firstly I Would Like To Say That The Cover Photo Is Beautiful. Though It Has Become A Little Bit Rusty But I Still Love It.
This Book Was A Cute Little Read. I Love The Fact That All The Four Princesses Have Almost The Same Kind Of Story. I Simply Loved This Book. It Is Funny, Sad, Cute, Light, And Whimsical, Basically All In One. I Like The Cuteness Of Rapunzel, The Sweetness Of Snow White, The Annoyance Of Sleeping Beauty, And Ella's Determination.
This Book Was A Cute Little Read. I Love The Fact That All The Four Princesses Have Almost The Same Kind Of Story. I Simply Loved This Book. It Is Funny, Sad, Cute, Light, And Whimsical, Basically All In One. I Like The Cuteness Of Rapunzel, The Sweetness Of Snow White, The Annoyance Of Sleeping Beauty, And Ella's Determination.
June 21, 2021
Princess school 1 was about a girl named Cinderella who has 3 friends called Rose, Rapunzel and Snow white. Cinderella and her friends go to princess school were you learn how to be a princess. My favorite part was when it was the ball. My favorite character is Cinderella because she works hard.
May 18, 2025
On a mission to finish all the book series I left incomplete as a kid — it’s a different kind of time travel. Not on my reading list, but a fun detour.
November 17, 2024
I picked this up again with the intent to get rid of it—I'm on a shelf-pruning mission, with particular focus on whittling down my collection of books left over from childhood to just classics and favorites—and started skimming with the expectation that it wouldn't be very good. With the hope it wouldn't be good, even, because I have a hard enough time getting rid of stuff as it is, especially books, so I just needed confirmation that yup, this is garbage, let's move on. I recently read a book aimed at the same age range (reading it for the first time as an adult, unlike with this one), and found it to be pretty awful.
This, though, was not awful. I guess I should have learned my lesson from rereading A Wrinkle in Time as an adult: however much I may think I've grown and changed and evolved, my taste seems to remain pretty constant! Books I didn't like as a kid I still don't like, and ones I did I still enjoy. Of course there are still hallmarks of books written for this age range, like Here Is Some Exposition and Make All Subtext Actual Text. But overall, this book is so much better than it has any right to be. All the Princess School stuff is fun and clever and doesn't take itself seriously. And the focus on female friendship? Rapunzel learning to get over her initial Not Like Other Girls attitude and making three princess BFFs? The way traditionally feminine things like embroidery and elaborate hairstyling aren't looked down upon or dismissed, but valued as impressive skills, while also celebrating girls who like to ride and climb and fight? Cinderella having a wonderful time dancing with all the boys at the ball, then deciding she'd like to enjoy the rest of the night with her friends, and politely but firmly turning down more offers to dance, and the guys respecting her choice? Sign me the fuck up.
The only thing that really disappointed me, especially for a book that makes so many other wonderfully feminist choices, was the portrayal of Cinderella's "ugly" stepsisters. They could have just been wicked, or had ugly attitudes, but instead we got descriptions of beady eyes and jokes about how they barely fit into their dresses. Gross, unnecessary, shallow, etc.
To end on a fittingly frivolous note: I'm pretty sure kid!me shipped Val and Rose, and while I'm not not into that...Rapunzel is def gay, right? And probably into Rose? I could definitely ship that. Although if I'm not careful I'll just end up shipping all four girls together, because who can say no to Sapphic polyamory, especially when it's this adorable?
Also, Rose is literally proto-Mirabella. No wonder I love and adore them both so much.
This, though, was not awful. I guess I should have learned my lesson from rereading A Wrinkle in Time as an adult: however much I may think I've grown and changed and evolved, my taste seems to remain pretty constant! Books I didn't like as a kid I still don't like, and ones I did I still enjoy. Of course there are still hallmarks of books written for this age range, like Here Is Some Exposition and Make All Subtext Actual Text. But overall, this book is so much better than it has any right to be. All the Princess School stuff is fun and clever and doesn't take itself seriously. And the focus on female friendship? Rapunzel learning to get over her initial Not Like Other Girls attitude and making three princess BFFs? The way traditionally feminine things like embroidery and elaborate hairstyling aren't looked down upon or dismissed, but valued as impressive skills, while also celebrating girls who like to ride and climb and fight? Cinderella having a wonderful time dancing with all the boys at the ball, then deciding she'd like to enjoy the rest of the night with her friends, and politely but firmly turning down more offers to dance, and the guys respecting her choice? Sign me the fuck up.
The only thing that really disappointed me, especially for a book that makes so many other wonderfully feminist choices, was the portrayal of Cinderella's "ugly" stepsisters. They could have just been wicked, or had ugly attitudes, but instead we got descriptions of beady eyes and jokes about how they barely fit into their dresses. Gross, unnecessary, shallow, etc.
To end on a fittingly frivolous note: I'm pretty sure kid!me shipped Val and Rose, and while I'm not not into that...Rapunzel is def gay, right? And probably into Rose? I could definitely ship that. Although if I'm not careful I'll just end up shipping all four girls together, because who can say no to Sapphic polyamory, especially when it's this adorable?
Also, Rose is literally proto-Mirabella. No wonder I love and adore them both so much.
January 13, 2016
this book is amazing i cant wait till i read the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 18, 2017
This was a super cute take on the famous classic fairytale princesses. I liked the spunk and cuteness of Rapunzel, the friendliness and sweetness of Snow white and the cute annoyance of "sleeping beauty" over her parents' constant worrying and ella's determination. I wasn't so thrilled about their desire to get a little revenge on the evil step-sisters, or teach them a lesson. But of course all the adults in their lives were useless or scaredy-cats or mean and evil too so they had no choice and not enough maturity to handle the situation themselves. Fortunately they didn't really end up pulling any truly evil tricks on the villians but they did stand up for themselves and rally together.
Why do so many children's books leave the children in charge without adults to guide them? Why do we tell our children stories about awful parents and useless teachers? Don't we want to encourage them to trust us and look up to us as role models? We're not perfect but I don't want my kids to assume that they're alone and need to take everything on their own shoulders. I guess in some ways it's always very exciting to see children heroes and enjoying incredible adventures but in some ways it's also so sad. I'm sure real children without loving parents and supportive teachers don't feel like their living some heroic adventure or fairytale. . ..
Why do so many children's books leave the children in charge without adults to guide them? Why do we tell our children stories about awful parents and useless teachers? Don't we want to encourage them to trust us and look up to us as role models? We're not perfect but I don't want my kids to assume that they're alone and need to take everything on their own shoulders. I guess in some ways it's always very exciting to see children heroes and enjoying incredible adventures but in some ways it's also so sad. I'm sure real children without loving parents and supportive teachers don't feel like their living some heroic adventure or fairytale. . ..
October 6, 2019
A quick read, but I would definitely recommend it for any children you know!
All the main characters are strong young girls who are independent in their own ways. Rapunzel is a Tom boy, Rose is pretty but fierce, Snow White is kind yet naive, and Ella is kind yet strong in her own way. It’s so amazing to see a diverse set of personalities for young girls! I can see why I wanted to reread this book the first time I read it in sixth grade. It’s a wonderful, well written read that isn’t too difficult for readers to understand. Plus, with the slight change in perspectives (this is a third person narrative, but the narrator tells all stories from the eyes of the main characters) it makes the story more compelling. The flow of the writing is excellent, the plot is good and the book is quite charming!
I’d definitely read again, not only is this the perfect book for children (mostly those in elementary and middle school) but it’s also a light hearted book for all ages! The characters are relatable, filled with personality and realistic. Their girls who joke around, have anxieties, and deal with day to day troubles. Definitely recommend if you like authors like Shannon Hale or Gale Carson Levine.
All the main characters are strong young girls who are independent in their own ways. Rapunzel is a Tom boy, Rose is pretty but fierce, Snow White is kind yet naive, and Ella is kind yet strong in her own way. It’s so amazing to see a diverse set of personalities for young girls! I can see why I wanted to reread this book the first time I read it in sixth grade. It’s a wonderful, well written read that isn’t too difficult for readers to understand. Plus, with the slight change in perspectives (this is a third person narrative, but the narrator tells all stories from the eyes of the main characters) it makes the story more compelling. The flow of the writing is excellent, the plot is good and the book is quite charming!
I’d definitely read again, not only is this the perfect book for children (mostly those in elementary and middle school) but it’s also a light hearted book for all ages! The characters are relatable, filled with personality and realistic. Their girls who joke around, have anxieties, and deal with day to day troubles. Definitely recommend if you like authors like Shannon Hale or Gale Carson Levine.
September 25, 2024
“’Really? Does being mean keep you from being hurt?’ Snow asked.
‘Well, not exactly,’ Ella admitted.”
-
This is admittedly not as good as it was when I read it for the first time, but that was over ten years ago, and I feel old. I recently remembered the existence of this series, which I was quite fond of. These books are hard to find, but I snagged three books from the series for a couple of bucks each at my bookstore. While I don’t remember much, I do remember the four main characters: Rapunzel is an impulsive tomboy, Snow is a naïve and silly animal lover, Rose is pretty + overprotected but actually strong, and Ella is shy. I also remember Val, Rapunzel’s friend, having a crush on Rose. I enjoy how this book pieces together Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rapunzel, and other fairytale aspects into an academy setting. In this first book, Ella has just started her first year at the Princess School, where her stepsisters already attend and are now sabotaging her at school. With the help of her friends, Ella makes it to the ball.
‘Well, not exactly,’ Ella admitted.”
-
This is admittedly not as good as it was when I read it for the first time, but that was over ten years ago, and I feel old. I recently remembered the existence of this series, which I was quite fond of. These books are hard to find, but I snagged three books from the series for a couple of bucks each at my bookstore. While I don’t remember much, I do remember the four main characters: Rapunzel is an impulsive tomboy, Snow is a naïve and silly animal lover, Rose is pretty + overprotected but actually strong, and Ella is shy. I also remember Val, Rapunzel’s friend, having a crush on Rose. I enjoy how this book pieces together Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rapunzel, and other fairytale aspects into an academy setting. In this first book, Ella has just started her first year at the Princess School, where her stepsisters already attend and are now sabotaging her at school. With the help of her friends, Ella makes it to the ball.
July 6, 2021
I’m an adult, but I loved this book as a kid and I still love it as I’ve gotten older. It has all the cliché (but let’s be honest, fantastic) princess story themes: frogs, peas, wolves, skipping through the forest, and all the things. But it puts them all together. You get to see spins on some classic characters like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Briar Rose, and Snow White. It’s light-hearted, fun, and still deals with some harder parts of life for kids - overbearing parents, underbearing parents, school life, and bullying. But then it also showcases bright points in one’s life such as building friendships, finding your strengths, and learning fun things. It’s an enjoyable read for preteen girls who enjoy the princess stories but can enjoy meeting the familiar characters in a slightly different setting.
July 20, 2018
The story is told from the point of views of the familiar fairytale characters Snow White, Rose (Sleeping Beauty), Cinderella, and Rapunzel as they navigate their first days of Princess School. They become close friends and overcome obstacles. Near the end of the book, they unite to help Cinderella prepare for the Coronation Ball. Of course Cinderella is the belle of the ball, but this time, she doesn't have to leave when the clock strikes Midnight.
A short, friendly Cinderella story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
A short, friendly Cinderella story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.
February 2, 2021
A feel-good book, at least for me. Partly.
Well, let's start with the negative. This happens to me with all books, where whenever the sisters are being cruel and just straight-up rude, I get very mad and irritated. There's no need to be so nasty!
Now for the positive. I loved the ending when Rapunzel, Rose, and Snow (is there someone I'm forgetting?) all helped Ella look her best for the Coronation Ball. It physically made me smile, which is rare with me.
I would not recommend this to my middle-school friends, but I would recommend it to younger readers.
Well, let's start with the negative. This happens to me with all books, where whenever the sisters are being cruel and just straight-up rude, I get very mad and irritated. There's no need to be so nasty!
Now for the positive. I loved the ending when Rapunzel, Rose, and Snow (is there someone I'm forgetting?) all helped Ella look her best for the Coronation Ball. It physically made me smile, which is rare with me.
I would not recommend this to my middle-school friends, but I would recommend it to younger readers.
March 5, 2020
When I was in the 4th grade, I was obsessed with this series...so obsessed that my parents got me the entire set for Christmas. I was so excited.
To this day...I'm 24 this month, I still have the set and I like to go back and read it with my niece. The stories are still as fun and as magical as they were back when I was a little girl. It was one of my favourite gifts I've ever gotten.
To this day...I'm 24 this month, I still have the set and I like to go back and read it with my niece. The stories are still as fun and as magical as they were back when I was a little girl. It was one of my favourite gifts I've ever gotten.
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January 28, 2021i really miss middle grade books. the low stakes, the earnest characters, the peace that comes with the fact that you KNOW it's going to be a happy ending. i wish there were more YA and adult books like this
July 3, 2021
Came in a boxed set with other books and honestly, the only thing I am super angry about is the fact that no teacher at the school seems to even acknowledge the abuse faced by Cinderella, a literal 10 year old girl??? Bruh.
March 8, 2022
A decent book for elementary school readers. The characters are likable and learning how to make choices for themselves. The details and plot will keep young minds interested. I really liked certain aspects of the books in this series when I was 8-10.
December 13, 2024
Yes I know I'm way too old to read Princess books but I saw it on my shelf and legitimately hovered out of my body and watched myself reach out and grab it and then start at Chapter 1 flipping flipping until suddenly I'd reread the whole thing.. so yeah! Loved it 😋
March 9, 2017
Quick, fun read
May 21, 2017
Really cute high-school princess AU sorta thing
September 9, 2017
This is so cute! But I feel like I will be pleased with the whole 1-3 books omnibus as a united story instead of the single books.
February 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. While focusing on the story of Cinderella, other fairy tales were woven in for a scene or two.
April 2, 2018
Childhood Fav :)
September 27, 2021
Read this book a long time ago when was 8, and I read it like 50 times. Great book!
September 22, 2022
Mi primer libro
November 22, 2022
A cute take on the princesses before they became true princesses. A little silly, but pretty well written for the age range.
December 11, 2022
I read this in the 5th grade and it is the first chapter I sat down and read all the way through. I loved this book.
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October 9, 2025Just wanted to say I was struck with the memory of this book series and how obsessed I was with it as a child 😩
December 3, 2013
Title: The Princess School – If the Shoe Fits
Author: Jason B. Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens
Edition: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Date of Publication: 2004
Place of Publication: New York
A twist on the old fairytales, Cinderella (Ella), Sleeping Beauty (Rose), Snow White (Snow) and Rapunzel face friendship struggles, wacky families, their first ball, and Frog Identification class during their first year of Princess School. In the first novel, Cinderella, or Ella, as she likes to be called, first day of school is off to a rotten start. The glass slippers didn’t fit, leaving her bare footed, and her second-hand gown is splattered with mud thanks to her evil stepsisters. With her FG (fairy godmother) off at a convention, Ella must get through the first weeks of Princess School without any magic. Ella is terrified, that is until she meets silly Snow, Spunky Rapunzel, and beautiful, sheltered Rose. With these three friends, Ella soon realizes that Princess school could be a lot of fun.
This series turns the old fairy tales upside-down on their heads. Taking into account the background of these stories, the author tweaks the personalities and backgrounds of these fairytale princesses and turns them into believable characters that have day to day struggles with school, friendships, crushes and other relatable experiences. The theme of the story fits the age range which it is intended for, and the characters are in their early teens, helping the readers relate to the characters more. The story is a bit stretched with some aspects being changed into more modern terms. The school is more modern style with homerooms instead of hearth rooms and lockers instead of trunks, which clashes a little with the overall theme of the fairytale characters. Other than this, I believe this is an entertaining read for children who grew up loving princesses who are now growing into the pre-teen/early teen years.
Author: Jason B. Mason and Sarah Hines Stephens
Edition: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Date of Publication: 2004
Place of Publication: New York
A twist on the old fairytales, Cinderella (Ella), Sleeping Beauty (Rose), Snow White (Snow) and Rapunzel face friendship struggles, wacky families, their first ball, and Frog Identification class during their first year of Princess School. In the first novel, Cinderella, or Ella, as she likes to be called, first day of school is off to a rotten start. The glass slippers didn’t fit, leaving her bare footed, and her second-hand gown is splattered with mud thanks to her evil stepsisters. With her FG (fairy godmother) off at a convention, Ella must get through the first weeks of Princess School without any magic. Ella is terrified, that is until she meets silly Snow, Spunky Rapunzel, and beautiful, sheltered Rose. With these three friends, Ella soon realizes that Princess school could be a lot of fun.
This series turns the old fairy tales upside-down on their heads. Taking into account the background of these stories, the author tweaks the personalities and backgrounds of these fairytale princesses and turns them into believable characters that have day to day struggles with school, friendships, crushes and other relatable experiences. The theme of the story fits the age range which it is intended for, and the characters are in their early teens, helping the readers relate to the characters more. The story is a bit stretched with some aspects being changed into more modern terms. The school is more modern style with homerooms instead of hearth rooms and lockers instead of trunks, which clashes a little with the overall theme of the fairytale characters. Other than this, I believe this is an entertaining read for children who grew up loving princesses who are now growing into the pre-teen/early teen years.
October 6, 2010
I liked this better than I thought I would. I have a thing against princesses. But I love school stories.
Main premise is that Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel are all going to Princess School. They meet for the first time there. I'm not sure how old they are. Tweenage, I would guess. Their stories aren't quite the same as in the fairy tale. Cinderella is living with her evil stepmother, stepsisters, and ineffectual dad. Rapunzel, however, has escaped her tower with the encouragement (if not actual help) of a boy prince.
When you're taking a fairy tale, messing with it, and turning it into a children's book, there's a real risk of being cutesy and funny to the point of being unfunny and uncute and just plain annoying. Martial arts moves in case you're attacked by a wolf on your way through the woods? I wasn't so keen on that bit. But then when a teacher explains that many frogs have acquired adaptive camouflage of spots in the shape of a crown on their head to fool unsuspecting princesses into thinking they're princes and therefore being nice to them.. well, that was pretty cool. And scientific! Yea, froggy evolution totally would do that!
And I couldn't really hate any of the princesses, even if there was a lot of niceness and friendship and looking pretty in pretty dresses going on.
What I disliked was that the princess school isn't a boarding school. There are some real-world American analogs that I would've preferred not be there. Hearthroom instead of homeroom. Trunks instead of lockers. I think an older style of school would've fit better in this fairy tale world.
I will be reading the next one though, because this book ended with the tantalizing promise of a competition between the Princess School and the Grimm School, which is the school of witches. Games, along with school, is another weak point of mine! Curses!
Main premise is that Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel are all going to Princess School. They meet for the first time there. I'm not sure how old they are. Tweenage, I would guess. Their stories aren't quite the same as in the fairy tale. Cinderella is living with her evil stepmother, stepsisters, and ineffectual dad. Rapunzel, however, has escaped her tower with the encouragement (if not actual help) of a boy prince.
When you're taking a fairy tale, messing with it, and turning it into a children's book, there's a real risk of being cutesy and funny to the point of being unfunny and uncute and just plain annoying. Martial arts moves in case you're attacked by a wolf on your way through the woods? I wasn't so keen on that bit. But then when a teacher explains that many frogs have acquired adaptive camouflage of spots in the shape of a crown on their head to fool unsuspecting princesses into thinking they're princes and therefore being nice to them.. well, that was pretty cool. And scientific! Yea, froggy evolution totally would do that!
And I couldn't really hate any of the princesses, even if there was a lot of niceness and friendship and looking pretty in pretty dresses going on.
What I disliked was that the princess school isn't a boarding school. There are some real-world American analogs that I would've preferred not be there. Hearthroom instead of homeroom. Trunks instead of lockers. I think an older style of school would've fit better in this fairy tale world.
I will be reading the next one though, because this book ended with the tantalizing promise of a competition between the Princess School and the Grimm School, which is the school of witches. Games, along with school, is another weak point of mine! Curses!
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