Book review by Aarene Storms: The Prince and the Dressmaker

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang (graphic novel)

Prince Sebastian has a secret.

Some days I look in the mirror and think, "That's me, Prince Sebastian! I wear boy clothes and look like my father. Other days it doesn't feel right at all. Those days I feel like I'm actually... a princess."

Although Sebastian is sure that his family would be ruined and his parents would disown him if the secret ever got out, he does share it -- and his dreams of being known in public as the glamorous Lady Crystallia -- with his dressmaker. Frances not only encourages Sebastian, she creates fabulous gowns for Lady Crystallia that are soon the talk of all Paris.

And then, things go wrong.

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is a quick and compelling read with a sweet, satisfying ending. Reading it restored my faith in humans (and who doesn't need a bit of that?) and I plan to share it enthusiastically with teens, tweens... and parents.

Highly recommended, ages 10 to adult.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS