Review: The First Adventures of Princess Peony

The First Adventures of Princess Peony. (In which she could meet a bear. But doesn’t. But she still could.) is an energetic and fun story with a feisty main character, named Peony. That’s P.E.O.N.Y. - Princess Peony, in fact, and she is not your average princess.

The eye-catching illustrations, in black, white and vibrant pink, show us that Peony is actually an enthusiastic young girl playing in her garden, but her vivid imagination brings every scene to life.

Princess Peony is accompanied at all times by her loyal and steadfast dragon (her dog), must outwit a tricky troll (a boy), and loves to practise ‘being obeyed’ in true royal tradition, until things don’t quite work out the way she intends them too.

The writing is lively and playful, with the use of imaginative metaphors and symbolism. The illustrations are bright and humorous, adding significant story elements to reveal the contrasts with the text.

This hardback book would appeal to independent early readers, reluctant readers, and those who enjoy picture books, as the text and illustrations complement each other to tell a complete visual and narrative tale. I am sure The First Adventures of Princess Peony will definitely not be her last.

Title: The First Adventures of Princess Peony
Author: Nette Hilton
Illustrator: Lucinda Gifford
Publisher:  Walker Books Australia, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 November 2018
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781760650445
For ages: 5 - 8
Type: Junior Fiction Younger