November 2009, Good Manners Kids Stuff Press
180 pages, Paperback
Review copy
Themes:
an adventure, captured kingdom, laid back royals, quick thinking
children, loss of valuable skills, learning to do things the hard way,
practice makes perfect, never underestimate children, hapless army,
arrogant enemy, a princess with attitude, deception, lots of humour,
some peril, lots of smiling parts
Summary from Amazon (I don't get anything for mentioning them - theirs was the most comprehensive book blurb)
In the Kingdom of Zephram, everyone is magical - everyone except for the
Royal Quadruplets: Tom, Lizzie, Ned and Nell. It's tough to be
different, even if you are a prince or a princess. And Tom, Lizzie,
Ned and Nell are treated differently by everyone in the kingdom! But
when evil Prince Persius takes over the kingdom, it's the non-magical
Tom, Lizzie, Ned and Nell who are the only ones left to try and save the
day. Through their funny and challenging adventures they and those
around them come to a better appreciation of the children's skills - and
the big difference you can make by being different!
Nayuleska's thoughts
This
is a heart raising story showing the resourcefulness ofthe royal
children. It's their difference which saves the day. There are clear
messages that working hard for a long time eventually achieves results. I
loved seeing how each of the siblings used their skills to aid them on
their quest. Tbe different obstacles they faced weren't always
terrifying - I mean, getting an army to believe them took a little
doing.
Those captured provided great entertainment at the very
end in how they acted. I wish that the quadraplets's older sister could
have had more of an appearance as her antics were genius. I like it that
although there is peril, it doesn't feel too dark, perfect for the
intended age group. There were a few places where the phrasing took me
out of the stoey's magic, but overall I was delighted by this 9/10
adventure.
You can find out more on Leslie's website.
Suggested read
If
it's humour and adventure you're after with a spunky protagonist, check
out Jessica Day George's Dragonskin Slippers
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