This is no ordinary fairy tale princess story. I cannot remember last when a children's book touched me so deeply. I read this at the same time as my precocious 7 year-old daughter, who read independently at night while I read ahead during the day.. We read the last 3 chapters together out loud except for in places where my own emotional response made it too difficult to read it aloud... To her, and then she read it to me. My tears elicited a heartfelt showing of sympathy from my daughter, an exchange not too often seen at this age even from the sweetest kids, that ended in the best ever hug.I'm not going to post spoilers. It's a story of a girl and a found doll who comes to life, and they share a short tumultuous relationship until the two girl and doll find common ground and common need for love, security, and belonging.This is not a book to set a sensitive child on to read alone without offering a discussion. I believe that my daughter could read it again next year with a new layer of understanding, and every year thereafter with equal new insight. It's an incredible vehicle to open hard to start discussions about bravery, trust, loss, and healing through living each day for the most simple and pleasing elements: delight, discovery, love. Unanswered questions I had while reading the book:What makes the doll come to life?Why would Hazel give the doll to Sam?What ever happened between Sam and his friend?Why wouldn’t Regina wake up again for Sam or Rose? Was it because she had fulfilled her purpose of making them friends?Did Hazel have an adventure with this doll? How many generations has Ragina been around for? Is the author foreshadowing an up and coming book about Zoey’s adventures with Regina?
What do You think about The Very Little Princess (2010)?
A small doll comes alive, decides she is a princess, and bosses around the human girl who owns her.
—shelby917
It was short but it was really good. Also I loved the doll's personality!
—DuDe
it is a great book for young girls that enjoy magic and fantasy.
—books4ever
A great book --fun but also deals with some difficult issues.
—nishap
