Synopsis: Tales of the Frog Princess binds together the first three novels about Princess Esmerelda: The Frog Princess, Dragon's Breath and Once Upon a Curse. These stories are based on a witty retelling of a classic fairy story, with a twist.

Review: The Frog Princess introduces Princess Esmerelda, a feisty and unconventional member of the royal family. She is loud, clumsy and uninterested in the prince her mother wants her to marry. She meets a frog who eventually persuades her to kiss him, but instead of turning him into a prince, she turns into a frog. The rest of the first book follows the characters through riotous adventures in their quest to become human again. The princess learns to see the world from an entirely different point of view as she adapts to life as a frog. It's a fun story with lots of interesting characters and entertaining adventures to keep the reader involved.

 In Dragon's Breath, the sequel, Emma and Eadric are no longer frogs. Emma (short for Esmerelda) is a witch in training, helping Aunt Grassina figure out how to turn her beloved back into a human and help them save Emma's father's kingdom. Again there follows a series of adventures and encounters with magical creatures. Occasionally the suspense is lacking in this novel, as it seems to lurch from one sticky situation to another with no real doubt that the heroes will be saved from a grisly end. The characters are charming enough to keep the story engaging, though, and there is plenty of witty and enjoyable dialogue too.

Once Upon a Curse, the third book, is the story of a curse placed by a slighted fairy on all her female descendants - after the age of sixteen, they will turn into ugly witches if they touch a flower. Princess Emma is about to turn sixteen herself and she's determined to break the spell by travelling back in time and preventing it being cast in the first place. Nothing goes quite according to plan for her, of course, but she does find a solution, and this book reaches a sweet and satisfying fairytale conclusion. Again, there are various encounters with mystical forces and fascinating creatures on the way.

This large book provides three entertaining, fast-paced fantasy adventures that would appeal to independent readers aged around 10 and older.

2008-01-30