Princess Sparkle-Heart Gets a Makeover

Schneider (Bedtime Monsters) continues to show a remarkable talent for bringing uncommon humor and psychological depth to ordinary situations. In this case, the treasured doll of the title meets with an "accident" at the hands (or rather jaws) of the family dog. Princess Sparkle-Heart belongs to Amelia, a girl with a shock of red hair and a fondness for staging elaborate tea parties and "royal weddings" (Princess Sparkle-Heart marries a stuffed penguin early on). But amid all this playtime merriment, doom closes in with a low and steady "GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR." Schneider doesn't hold back one iota in the climactic scene when Princess Sparkle-Heart is shaken to bits by the dog, disintegrating in a fountain of stuffing and pink scraps (her penguin spouse looks away in horror). Amelia is devastated, but her mother sweeps in to give the doll the Six Million Dollar Man treatment, resulting in Princess Sparkle-Heart 2.0, which is built as much for vengeance as for cuddles. With deadpan writing and subtle details that let each spread tell a story of its own, Schneider delivers another winner. Ages 4-8. Agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. (Apr.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--With simple, strategically placed text, friendship outlasts jealousy in a tale of rescue. Amelia and her dog are best friends until she becomes an inseparable pal to her doll. Her faithful pup paces with a "GRRRRRRRRR" of frustration across each page as the child and Princess Sparkle-Heart keep secrets, go to "royal weddings," or have tea parties together. In anger, Amelia's dog chews up the doll, scattering bits of pink and sparkle across two pages and necessitating the arrival of an understanding mom and her sewing box. It's not beauty but love and imagination that create a bond with the new "Super" Princess Sparkle-Heart, fully capable of frightening away all threats. Ink and watercolor illustrations on a simple white backdrop frame red-haired Amelia and her pouting, princess-chewing pooch from all angles. The sparkly pink cover will instantly attract readers to this heartwarming tale of friendship and creative resiliency.--Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

* With deadpan writing and subtle details that let each spread tell a story of its own, Schneider delivers another winner.
—Publisher's Weekly, starred review

* Schneider's playful take on the beauty makeover upends expectations with comedic—and powerful—results.
—Kirkus, starred review

Pink-glitter bubble type on the cover belies the edgy, slightly bizarre, and all-the-more-fun-for-it story about a twosome stretching to become a threesome...Lessons taught and learned, this is tail-wagging fun for all but the most sensitive.
—Booklist

The sparkly pink cover will instantly attract readers to this heartwarming tale of friendship and creative resiliency.
—School Library Journal

Schneider's clear, concise writing is punctuated by amusing understatement.
—Bulletin