KID LIT BOOK REVIEW: PRINCESS BIANCA SHINES AS A TWEEN ROLE MODEL FOR GIRLS

Kid Lit Book Review: Princess Bianca Shines as a Tween Role Model for girls

12/12/2017

Author Meg Welch Dendler and I connected on social media some time back, so I am super-excited to feature Meg and her new middle-grade tale on my last post of 2017, Bianca: the Brave Frail and Delicate Princess. Please read on to meet Meg, learn more about her new tale, and find my review.

Princess Bianca has never set foot outside the castle walls. Not once in her over-protected, pink, fluffy young life. But when a dragon is spotted in the land and fear spreads that the monster conquered the king and his brave knights,

Bianca realizes it is her duty to protect her kingdom.

 But the threat to her people coming from beyond her safe castle tower is more dangerous and magical than she ever imagined possible, except in a fairy tale.

Bianca must prove she can be braver and stronger than anyone believes in order to find her father and save her kingdom.

Meet the Author

Meg Welch Dendler

Meg Dendler has considered herself to be a writer since she won a picture book contest in 5th grade and entertained classmates with ongoing sequels for the rest of the year.

Beginning serious work as a freelancer in the 1990s while teaching elementary and middle school, Meg has over 100 articles in print, including interviews with Kirk Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. She has won contests with her short stories and poetry, along with multiple international awards for her best-selling “Cats in the Mirror” alien rescue cat children’s book series. At the Corner of Magnetic and Main is her first adult novel, but it won’t be her last.

Meg also works as an editor for Pen-L Publishing and gives talks around her area about writing, publishing, and editing. She’s a member of Cat Writers' Association, SCBWI, and the Ozark Writers League.

Meg and her family (including four cats and dog, Max) live in Arkansas.

My Review

Meg Welch Dendler‘s fractured fairy tale for middle graders follows an unlikely hero on her journey to save a kingdom and eventually discover her authentic self.

Along the way, she bumps into fairy tale characters who play against type, and that’s where the fun begins.

For instance, kindly witch Barb gives Bianca a gift of sardines instead of hexing the child. Fairies offer an atypical magic potion that Bianca graciously accepts but doesn’t understand its power until much later. And that dragon! I don't want to give away what it does, but this misunderstood critter warms my heart. The showdown between Bianca and the dragon is precious.

What parents will like
Dendler has a crisp writing style and dry humor. She uses fresh devices to move the plot forward. For instance, her narrative goes beyond internal thoughts when Bianca is alone. Dendler injects dialogue with her animal traveling companions, a memorable mule and cat, for narrative motion and humor.

Gracious me,” Nanny said. “What did you find on your journey?”
Bianca leaned over and whispered into her dear lifelong friend’s ear.
“Me, Nanny. I found me.

My favorite aspect of this tale is Bianca's stature as a strong role model for girls. She’s a princess who goes against type: Bianca doesn’t need rescuing, and she’s not pining away for her prince. Hers is a journey of self discovery you'll want every young girl in your life to emulate.

My Recommendation

Meg Welch Dendler's Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess is a delightful read for upper-elementary boys and girls, who enjoy their adventure spiced with wink-wink humor. However, Bianca shines especially for girls when as the book encourages them to go beyond expectations and be unafraid of finding who they truly are.

Five Meows

Before You Go:

Thanks for keeping me company on Cat's Corner. This is my last post of the year. I'm taking time off to be with family and friends from 13 December – 12 January. Stay sweet, travel safe, and have an amazing holiday with your special peeps. Catch you in 2018!