Grilled Cheese and Dragons (Princess Pulverizer #1)

Born Serena, the rowdy princess of Empiria prefers a name that better suits her temperament: Princess Pulverizer. In this very funny series kickoff, Krulik tackles sexist double standards and plays with fantasy tropes as the princess attempts to become one of her father's Knights of the Skround Table ("perfectly square, but with carefully rounded corners. Skround"). Before she can enter Knight School, she must complete eight good deeds as part of a Quest of Kindness--easier said than done. Princess Pulverizer only succeeds in achieving one good deed in this outing (though she does befriend a timid knight and burp-prone dragon while trying to escape an ogre), giving readers plenty to look forward to in future installments. Exuberant cartoons from newcomer Balistreri, an animation veteran, add to the story's big sense of fun. Ages 6-8. Author's agent: Kenneth Weinrib, Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo. (Jan.)

Gr 1-4—Princess Serena wants to quit attending the Royal School of Ladylike Manners, change her name to "Princess Pulverizer," and become a knight. Her father, King Alexander, is willing to entertain this bold move but insists that she first go on a Quest of Kindness. This task should involve acts of bravery and generally being unselfish and self-sacrificing, which are not this pint-sized dynamo's strong suits. The princess quickly finds the perfect opportunity to make her mark; a smelly, dull-witted troll has stolen the Queen's jewels, and the princess decides to steal them back. She cleverly finds her way into the troll's lair but her plan soon goes horribly awry. A very ineffectual and weepy young knight (along with his embarrassingly gassy dragon, Dribble) attempts to rescue the princess and instead causes them all to end up prisoners. Despite the odds, this unlikely team eventually triumphs and is soon on to the next adventure. Krulik ("Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo") has introduced a spitfire new heroine with plenty of humor and outrageous shenanigans. Balistreri's illustrations display his animation background and enhance the absurdity factor admirably. VERDICT A strong series opener and a solid choice for those looking to increase their early chapter book holdings.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI