The Mammoth Adventure (The Princess Rules #3)

Princess Florizella is back for more adventure in this third installment of the series. The royal family is in a bit of an uproar because a Mammoth, who speaks like a baby, and a Sea Serpent, who used to eat princesses, are causing quite the disturbance at the castle. The unlikely pair are having a rollicking good time playing "Grandmother's Footsteps" under the royal drawbridge, causing a horrific racket and making the King and Queen most irritable. Florizella, her younger brother Prince Courier, and their good friend Prince Bennett are tasked with fixing this untenable situation. As luck would have it, Countess N'Asty, the worst witch in Fairytale land, shows up looking to collect specimens for her "Rare and Disagreeables" show. When she offers the Sea Serpent a spot, it seems as if everyone's prayers have been answered. As time passes, word reaches the children that the serpent is acutely homesick and is being held against his will. A rescue plan is set in motion, and it is ultimately up to the cowardly Mammoth to find his courage and "wescue" his best friend from the odious witch. Princess Florizella, the sometimes dress-wearing Prince Courier, and the charming Prince Bennett make a lovely team and each one shines with their own strengths. This mischievous and delightful tale by the acclaimed Gregory would be a shoe-in for a classroom read aloud. VERDICT Suggest to readers who have graduated from Nancy E. Krulik's "Princess Pulverizer" series and are looking for similarly empowering stories.—Amy Nolan