The Peculiar Thing with the Pea; Kaye Umansky, illustrated by Claire Powell

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, The Princess and the Pea, gets a twenty-first century makeover from the fabulous Kaye Umansky.

Pushy parents are nothing new right? But what about having a pushy parent who is determined to find you the perfect princess to get married to when you’re only eleven years old!

Pete would much rather be playing football, reading comics or throwing stones in the moat. The last thing he has on his mind is finding his perfect princess. Despite his protests, his mother is set on finding him the most fabulous of princesses’ who dances, rides a pony, is smart and most important of all…rich. 

Princess Patricia of Plethora, the daughter of the King who tops the Royal Rich List, doesn’t exactly look royal dressed in her trousers, boots and cap but she could just be the perfect mate for Pete, the perfect playmate that is. And she might just prove a little too smart for the Queen and her weird family vegetable custom…

I love a good fairy-tale retelling and this one is a rollickingly good read. Pete and Patricia (Patsy) have no interest in getting married to one another but they do have plenty of plans to have all sorts of fun. Climbing battlements, dressing up in armour, riding horses, dancing, building tree houses, exploring dungeons, archery practice and knightly battles are all on the agenda for these two.

Princess Patricia is awesome. She challenges gender stereotypes and is a thoroughly modern twenty-first century princess. Boxing is preferred over dancing and you won’t find her in a dress or a tiara.

In true Barrington Stoke style, this book is produced in dyslexia friendly font and on cream paper ensuring the book can be accessed by every child and is particularly suited to reluctant or struggling readers. Umansky’s story is accompanied by brilliant illustrations by Claire Powell that bring the action to life.

Loads of laughs, loads of fun and a clever and witty child getting the better of an adult. I loved it!

Recommended for 8+.