The Princess Imposter

August 1, 2017

Gr 3-6-Princess Gabriella of Fairhaven's life is turned upside down when one morning she wakes up surrounded by ill-mannered fairy children instead of in her bed at the palace. One of the fairy children, Parf (a name meant to combine pee and barf), explains that the fairy children were bored, so Gabriella is now a changeling for Parf's sister Phleg (short for Renphlegena) for the next three days. Gabriella struggles with some of Phleg's chores such as laundry and cooking, while Phleg inadvertently creates conflict with the parents of Prince Frederic of Ostermark, Gabriella's betrothed. Eventually, the two find their place in the other's world: Gabriella uses her diplomacy to help Parf's father Benlos resolve a conflict with another fairy, and Phleg uses the skills she learned helping animals to tend to Frederic when he injures his leg. The story alternates between Gabriella and Phleg's points of view as both protagonists find their happily ever after with a twist. In addition to a dash of magic, Velde's story is full of humor, whether it's oriented in bodily functions or Parf's tendency to misunderstand situations. Frederic and Benlos share an interest in storytelling, although this isn't explored in depth. The cast of characters is large, but each character is distinct and well developed. While the plot maintains a steady pace, Gabriella's problems seem trivial compared to those that Phleg's family has, making the resolution of her troubles feel slightly less significant. VERDICT Purchase where fairy books are in high demand.-Liz Anderson, DC Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2017
Gabriella and Renphlegena (Phleg for short) are two very different girls from vastly different worlds.Gabriella is an only child, Phleg is one of 12; Gabriella is quiet and well-mannered, Phleg is loud and uncouth; Gabriella has excellent diplomacy skills and Phleg can communicate with animals; Gabriella has long dark hair, Phleg's hair is short and iridescent silver; Gabriella is a human princess and Phleg is a fairy commoner. Their two worlds collide when Phleg makes a bet with her siblings that she can last three days as a changeling in the human world. As the story opens she's already used her magic to trade places with the unsuspecting Princess Gabriella of Fairhaven. For the first time, Phleg doesn't have to do chores or supervise her 11 noisy siblings, while Gabriella must do Phleg's work. As high jinks ensue on both sides, each girl learns something valuable about herself. Among the fairies, Gabriella is not required to be a weak princess; she's expected to speak up for herself. Meanwhile, Phleg allows her tough exterior to soften. Phleg provides readers with a fresh perspective on the absurdities of human propriety, while Gabriella is the frame through which readers become acquainted with fairy life and customs. The humorous third-person narration alternates between Phleg and Gabriella. Neither the human nor the fairy world appears to be racially diverse, and Phleg is depicted with a peach complexion on the cover. Certain to give readers the warm fuzzies. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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July 1, 2018
In this frothy fairy tale, high jinks ensue when fairy commoner Phleg switches places with unsuspecting human princess Gabriella for three days. Vande Velde's funny third-person narrative alternates focus between the two characters' story lines--from hilarious lows (Phleg practically causing an inter-kingdom incident) to laudable high points (Gabriella using logic to solve a fairy conflict)--and culminates in an unexpected resolution.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)