Gag me. Another ginormous-eyed white princess story by Disney? As if that's not enough, the girl she worries is the "better princess" is blonde, the children of color are all exoticized in "traditional clothing", and there's no greater conflict in this new princess' heart than that she might make a fool of herself at the ball because she doesn't know how to waltz! Horrors. Oh, and then get this: Disney rips its own self off, and instead of creating new characters to love and respect, Sofia's tutors are Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, and her "fairy godmother"/princess mentor is Cinderella. At least there is a non-traditional family (though one that is no longer looked on as all that non-traditional: girl's mom marries new guy of the same race, he has two kids from a previous marriage, kids all feel like they might not fit into their new family).Disney, you're wasting paper. I love reading a child a princess story that emulates kindness and "real life" challenges. Sofia the First is just such a story. This fairytale has a hint of Cinderella in it and the famous Flora, Fauna and Merryweather are the perfect tutors. There are some misunderstandings between stepsisters but kindness prevails and the happily ever after ending is intact.This is a darling book and the perfect succession in "Princess" books!
