Saturday 10 August 2013

Sir Princess Petra - Diane Mae Robinson

Sir Princess Petra (The Pen Pieyu Adventures)Sir Princess Petra by Diane Mae Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


‘I have thought hard and for many passing moons. Jewels, frocks of lace, and princess games have become boring. The thing I want the most…’ Petra hesitated and bit on her lip. ‘I want to be a royal knight.’ 
Princess Petra’s unusual birthday request sends the court into a frenzy, but when she agrees to undertake a knight’s quest they can’t stop her. Armed with a cake knife and outfitted in the best royal pots and pans, Petra sets off to face a dragon and win her real armor before encountering a bog witch, and an army of the kingdom’s worst enemies.

Will Petra’s kindness and acceptance prove to be more valuable than weapons and armor?'



This was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is quite a short story with chapters, and is perfect for young independent readers. This will appeal to a range of children young to older.

This is a story about Princess Petra and it is her birthday, her father, the King has told her she can have anything she likes. Princess Petra tells the King she wants to become a Royal Knight. After some resistance (as girls aren't Knights!) the King tells the Princess that in order to become a Knight she has to choose a challenge to complete.

The Princess decided that she will hush the howling dragon as she doesn't fancy any other the other challenges and takes a bag of onions with her. This is a story of journey and forming unlikely friendships with others. The Princess sees the dragon and witch as genuine people and not as others look upon them. She helps them and forms friendships with them.

This also is a story of achievement and belief in yourself. Just because Petra is a girl this does not stop her from doing what is seen as a boy’s job. This is a powerful message to children and encourages them to follow what they believe in.

The illustrations are nice, however I feel it would have been nice for these to be in colour for children who’s imagination is not as vivid as others.

There are many words in the story that stimulate discussion for younger readers, which helps them to develop their vocabulary.

I would like to thank the author for sending me this and look forward to reading her next.

4 comments:

  1. Hi Sam.

    I really appreciate your kind words in reviewing my book, Sir Princess Petra. I'm glad you liked Petra and her adventure.

    Yes, I agree, the illustrations would have been wonderful in color, but the publisher only does black and white illustrations in chapter books.

    I hope Petra's adventures continue to entertain in book two.

    Thanks again.
    Diane Mae Robinson
    http://www.dragonsbook.com

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  2. Hi Diane,

    Oh that is a shame about the illustrations. They are still lovely though.

    I am sure I will love the next in the series, thanks again for sending it.

    Sam

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  3. Sam, this is a nice, thorough and insightful review. I think you totally understand Petra and her desires and her relationships with others.

    Thank you for being a part of the upcoming tour.

    Sue @ Kid Lit Reviews http://kid-lit-reviews.com

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