Princess Pearl (Picture Puffins) - Softcover

PreSchool-Grade 2 There is little unique or inspired here, but young children are sure to respond to this lively demonstration of sibling rivalry and sibling affection. It is not always easy being the younger sister of bossy Rosemary. She scoffs at Pearl's night fears, reads her diary and gets her in trouble with Mama. Worst of all, whenever the two play dress-up, Rosemary is always the princess, while Pearl is usually delegated the role of wicked stepmother. "Just remember Rosemary, she is the only sister you've got" comes the all-too-familar maternal warning. But Rosemary remains unmoved, at least until the day that little Janie Sachs comes to visit. Tyrannizing her younger sister is all well and good in Rosemary's mind, but watching another dominate Pearl is totally out of the question. Motivated by loyalty and love, Rosemary rushes to the rescue and with Janie forced to play fair, Pearl is at last allowed to be the princess. Cheerful and amusing muted watercolor illustrations combine with a varied layout to lend this true-to-life picture book an overall pleasing quality. Sure to be a favored choice among those in the lap set. Xenda Casavant, Worcester Public Library, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

After Weekend at Muskrat Lake, Weiss's endearing Pearl and Rosemary are back home, where little sister Pearl begins to rebel against bossy Rosemary. Pearl is always ordered to play the wicked fairy while Rosemary flaunts herself as the noble princess, in their let's pretend dramas. Pearl's mutiny creates squabbles and alienation, particularly when she triumphantly welcomes a substitute playmate, Janie Sachs. Janie, however, is a snob; she belittles Pearl and is even more officious than Rosemary. But Rosemary puts Janie firmly in her place, relegating her to the role of servant and dressing Pearl splendidly as the princess. The delicately tinted tones in Weiss's paintings heighten the comedy, featuring the girls' silly games and Rosemary's antic, fuzzy slippers.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.