
Book Review Summary: Dangerously Ever After
Introduction
"Dangerously Ever After" by Dashka Slater is a delightful and imaginative children's book that challenges traditional princess stereotypes. The story follows Princess Amanita, a princess who loves dangerous things, from her pet scorpion to her garden full of prickly plants. When she receives roses from a prince, she becomes enamored with their thorns and seeks rose seeds of her own. However, she ends up with a peculiar gift - flowers that resemble noses. This twisted tale of love and adventure explores the idea of beauty and princesses in a unique and unconventional way.
About Dashka Slater
Dashka Slater, the author of "Dangerously Ever After," is a talented writer known for her imaginative and quirky children's books. She has written several acclaimed children's books, including "The Wishing Box," "Baby Shoes," "Firefighters in the Dark," and "The Sea Serpent and Me." Slater's writing style is characterized by her ability to create engaging stories that challenge conventional ideas and spark the imagination of young readers. Her diverse body of work showcases her talent for crafting stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Analysis of Views
- Unique and imaginative: Readers praise the book for its unique and imaginative storyline, which deviates from traditional princess tales. The fanciful artwork and the princess's love for dangerous things add an element of whimsy to the story.
- Engaging illustrations: The beautiful illustrations by Valeria Docampo are a standout feature of the book. The vibrant colors and intricate details in the illustrations enhance the reading experience and bring the story to life.
- Empowerment of girls: The book is appreciated for its portrayal of a strong-willed and independent princess who defies gender stereotypes. The princess's love for dangerous things encourages readers to embrace their individuality and not conform to societal expectations.
- Twisted fairytale: Readers enjoy the twisted fairytale elements in the story, which add a touch of darkness and mystery to the tale. The unexpected plot twists and turns keep readers engaged and create a sense of anticipation.
- Girl power: The book celebrates girl power by showcasing a princess who is not afraid to take risks and explore new things. The love story between the nose flowers and the roses adds a touch of humor and lightheartedness to the story.
Reasons for Recommendation
- Unique storyline: The book stands out for its unconventional storyline, which offers a fresh perspective on princess tales. Readers appreciate the creativity and imagination displayed in the narrative.
- Empowering message: The book encourages readers, particularly young girls, to embrace their individuality and not conform to societal expectations. The portrayal of a strong-willed princess inspires readers to be confident in their choices and pursue their passions.
- Engaging illustrations: The beautiful illustrations by Valeria Docampo complement the storyline and enhance the reading experience. The vibrant colors and intricate details add depth and visual interest to the book.
Reasons for Not Recommendation
- Lack of humor: Some readers found the humor in the book lacking or not consistently present throughout the story. They felt that certain parts were not as funny as others, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the book.
- Unconventional storytelling: The unconventional storytelling style may not appeal to readers who prefer more traditional fairytales or those who find the twisted elements confusing or difficult to follow. Some readers found the plot twists and turns confusing or disorienting.
Conclusion
"Dangerously Ever After" by Dashka Slater is a delightful children's book that challenges traditional princess stereotypes with its imaginative storyline and strong-willed protagonist. The engaging illustrations by Valeria Docampo complement the narrative, adding visual interest and enhancing the reading experience. While some readers found the humor lacking or the unconventional storytelling style confusing, others appreciated the empowering message and the unique twist on fairytales. Overall, "Dangerously Ever After" offers a refreshing take on princess stories that encourages readers to embrace their individuality and explore new possibilities.