Pirate Princess: Poppy

Here’s another spirited adventure in which feisty princesses opt for independence. Pirate Portia receives a letter of distress from Princess Poppy, in which she begs to be rescued from impending marriage to Prince Englebert. Even though Portia and her crew of rebel princesses are puzzled by the request – they remember Poppy from their school days as being the marrying sort – they oblige by turning up at the wedding and kidnapping the Royal Procession Chair with Poppy inside. But, back on board ship, and to their dismay, they discover that they have also kidnapped Poppy’s uncooperative twin brother, Derek. And, even worse, Poppy is furious with them, claiming that she never wrote such a letter. Somehow, Portia has to resolve the situation, and quickly.

The book is refreshing in its outlook, and funny too. There’s a warmth and directness about the characters that is appealing, and the way the characters Poppy and Derek develop is hugely satisfying. Aimed at a young age group, the writing style is lively, though vocabulary and syntax may be difficult for some readers.