Princesses Are Not Quitters!

A moral tale, with quite a bit of fun attached, this is the story of Princesses Allie, Mellie and Libby, who despite having all a reasonable sort of princess might wish for, are bored by palace life. Changing places with three servant girls seems like a good idea, but they discover that the life of a maidservant is a lot tougher than anticipated. It doesn’t quite make republicans out of the three young women, but they do, on reverting to the life of princesses, decree that servants should have an easier time. Democracy even seems possible as on the closing spread we see them mucking in with the chores.

There are many entertaining visual asides in Hellard’s busy line and watercolour illustrations which are a good balance for Lum’s sparky narrative. An engaging and lively story, which despite the rather feminine title and cover should be enjoyed by boys as well as girls.