The Princess Gown by Linda Leopold Strauss, illustrated by Malene Laugesen

Now in contrast to the simple beauty of Henry Cole, here's a picture book where everything depends on the tiniest of details.

Strauss' The Princess Gown is a princess story from another viewpoint - a little like Megan McDonald's The Hinky-Pink.

Hanna is the youngest child in the House of Abraham. She knows the wedding gown they are sewing and embroidering for the princess is vital to her family's future success and she really was very careful....but somehow it gets RUINED. But Hanna has an idea and Grandma has the skills to make it work! Will the princess choose their dress out of all the others?

This is a warm and loving story of family, cooperation, and creativity. The exquisite gowns and tiny "surprises" hidden on them in the final spread are gorgeous and worth spending time examining. And in the end....Hanna has clearly found her own role in the family business!

Verdict: A great story to hand to princess-obsessed girls - it has the beautiful details and royal elements, but a much deeper story with family and creativity interwoven. Recommended.


ISBN: 978-0618862597; Published September 2008 by Houghton Mifflin; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Added to my personal wishlist