With all the book reviews I do, it just isn’t fair to not share with the kids! Buggy loves getting book reviews to do because it means she can read a new book and Buddy likes it because (a) he gets a new book to look at and (b) he gets a new book read to him at least twice – once by sister and once by mommy!
A modern day fairytale inspired by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Young lady Katy delights in blowing bubblegum bubbles, a decidedly unladylike habit. Despite opposition, she teaches the kingdom to love bubblegum bubbles as much as she does.
Bubblegum Princess follows the life of our bubblegum bubble blowing heroine Katy; before and after her invitation to meet the Queen and Prince Will. While at the palace bubblegum blowing hijinks ensue that get Katy and her family banned from the kingdom. However, Katy’s no pushover and she gets to the bottom of the bubblegum bubble blowing mystery. Who caused the bubble trouble?
In the end Katy solves the mystery, and teaches her parents, the Queen and entire kingdom a lesson in fun!
Our Thoughts:
Buddy:
(Mind you, he didn’t read it, just looked at it.) “Huh, nice.” No joke. That’s what he said. When I asked if that was all he said yep. And then added “and kinda girly”. (Have I mentioned how much I love this kid!)
Buggy:
She took the book, read it, and then brought it back saying nothing. I asked her if she liked it to which she replied “yeah”. (My kids make great reviewers, right?) I had her recap the book for me, and she did, but again, all I got was that she liked it.
Me:
I loved the pictures. It was greatly illustrated.
The story itself is cute. It really is. BUT, I have a hard time saying I like the book for one simple reason – the vocabulary is “singularly silly” and “stupendously bad” – to quote the book itself.
I’m fairly certain at this point that Buggy did not read this book. If she did, I have to brag – she’s a genius. I’m pretty good at reading and writing and I struggle with some of the words (and Daddy is pretty certain he wouldn’t have made it past page 2).
Not to mention that even if I were to read it to them (and my 2nd grader not read it herself), I have a hard time thinking they would know what these words even mean! I for one can say that I have never even heard of the word “communique” none the less expected to read it in a children’s book.
Don’t get me wrong, the story itself is super cute and the illustration is fabulous, but the vocabulary is not meant for children.
Website
About the Author:
Julie Gribble is a 2013 Southampton Children’s Literature Fellow dedicated to mastering the art of visual storytelling. During her tenure, she will be mentored by best selling author, Emma Walton Hamilton.
Bubblegum Princess is Julie’s first picture book, however, she’s had practice: as a child, she would re-imagine classic children’s stories and add new text and illustrations into her picture books.
Julie lives in TriBeCa, NYC with Prince Husband and their two kitties, Blinkey and Buddy. And like Katy, she no longer gets into trouble for blowing bubblegum bubbles.
Buy the Book:
Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using
. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.