Rereading The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

From the prologue: Prince Charming is afraid of old ladies. Didn't know that, did you? Don't worry. There's a lot you don't know about Prince Charming: Prince Charming has no idea how to use a sword; Prince Charming has no patience for dwarfs; Prince Charming has an irrational hatred of capes. Some of you may not even realize that there's more than one Prince Charming. And that none of them are actually named Charming. No one is. Charming isn't a name; it's an adjective.

I first read The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom in the summer (how I remember those days with fondness), and really liked it. Here is what I said in my original review: The New York Times Book Review reviewed this one (you can find it here), and while their review wasn't exactly favorable, I for one thought it sounded interesting enough to merit a try. And I found it quite amusing. "Everyone knows the fairy tale stories of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rapunzel.  But what about Prince Charming?  The untold and definitely inaccurate stories of the so-called charming princes is finally about to be revealed - Prince Liam, Prince Frederic, Prince Gustav, and Prince Duncan will get their share of the spotlight.  Whether they want it or not." 

'I was entertained throughout the whole book. All the quirky characteristics of the various princes (and princesses) were amusing. What I enjoyed also was that the princesses are included too. Cinderella is one of the hero(ines), and Briar Rose, a really horrible spoiled brat, who always gets her own way. If not, she's going to throw a TANTRUM! The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom is a great book for fans of light fairy tale retellings (or fairy tale after-stories.) Fractured fairy tales, really. And it has good illustrations. On the cover from left to right are Briar Rose, Prince Gustav, Cinderella, and Prince Liam. I liked the cover too. You can see all the characters on the front and back. You can read Melissa's review here. (One critical review and one praising review)." 

I think I loved this one even more the second time around. It really is a funny book, reminiscent of Bullwinkle and Rocky's fractured fairy tales. Yes, it can be a bit cheesy, but for the most part it's an entertaining and enjoyable read. The characters of the four princes are really funny. The illustrations are amazing, and the plot is light and funny.

Read The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom:

• if you like light fantasy
• if you like fractured fairy tales

436 pages. 

 

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf For Rereading (jf I own it)!