Miranda and Maude

Miranda and Maude: The Princess and the Absolutely NOT a Princess
Emma Wunsch
Jessika Von Innerebner, Illustrator
Amulet, 2018 132 pages
Grades 2-5
Realistic Fiction/Friendship
Miranda and Maude series #1

Miranda has lived her whole sheltered life as an only-child princess in a castle, raised by two doting parents and educated privately by an aging governess. Maude is being raised by her hippie father and attends public school even though she could be home-schooled, as is her brilliant little brother. Miranda begins her first public school experience with great trepidation. She is not use to other children and discovers that she is grossly behind in many subjects. Meanwhile, her seatmate, Maude, brings smelly hard-boiled eggs to school and seems to be disruptive and dirty. Even though they are both loners and in need of a friend, the two become immediate enemies and a war ensues as hurt feelings escalate. After Miranda conveniently "forgets" to give Maude the invitation to her splashy birthday party, Maude organizes a protest, encouraging the whole class to ban the party to make-up for her own wounded feelings. Both girls feel miserable for their deceitful and mean-spirited actions by the day of the party. Will the new classmates overcome their differences and pave the road to friendship?

Teen author, Wunsch, tries her hand at chapter books in this new series opener. Readers will enjoy the unlikely friendship between the princess and the tomboy who eventually learn to appreciate their differences and to benefit from the talents of the other. Kids will possibly be encouraged to give their classmates a chance that they may have preconceived notions about thanks to the lessons learned from this story. Generously illustrated, there are some pages with only text, making this book a step-up from beginner chapter books, yet perfect for kids who aren't quite ready to dive in deep. The story goes a bit over-the-top, yet readers won't mind. They will enjoy the humor, hijinks, and brushes with royalty. The characters are drawn distinctly and are wonderfully eccentric, making for an entertaining read. Even though the cover is pink and features a princess, the story will be enjoyed by boys who give it a chance. Miranda and Maude continue to embrace their own special qualities, yet learn to appreciate the uniqueness in each other as well, all while compromising and taking turns. Good lessons for all! The next series installment, Banana Pants! is set for a February 2019 release.