(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sue Hellard. This time, Lum's three princesses disagree egotistically about who's the prettiest; a beauty contest is to decide the matter. En route, each princess does a physically demanding good deed that ultimately earns her the title "yuckiest," "drippiest," or "muddiest." Lum ties up her fabulous story line too quickly: the reader misses the princesses' reactions. Loose-limbed illustrations depict them as lovable scamps.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sue Hellard. Three princesses are uniquely talented at what each loves to do: baking, building, and gardening, respectively. When they decide to swap jobs--because "Princesses are good at everything"--chaos ensues. The young damsels learn that being a princess doesn't mean they must be skilled in all matters. The playful, motion-filled watercolor illustrations against clean white space are chock-full of silly details.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sue Hellard. Three bored princesses trade places with their servants for a day and use what they learn to improve the lot of the castle staff. This silly, exaggerated, and fanciful look at class disparity focuses on the spunk of the heroines as they attack a list of chores that includes sheep shearing, making cheese, and dusting the castle. The lively illustrations contain plenty of humor.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. Sleeping over at Granny's for the first time, Patrick delays the inevitable, saying he can't go to bed because he doesn't even have a bed; or a blanket; or a teddy bear. In response to each legitimate complaint, Granny springs into action, chopping down a tree to build a bed, and so on. Lum's cumulating text is paced with panache, and Johnson's bold graphics join in the nonsensical fun.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 1999