Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula by Andi Watson

In Andi Watson’s new graphic novel, Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula, readers are introduced to a young princess who has too much on her plate. Between running the Underworld and catering to her hypochondriac father, who is too weak to get out of bed, Princess Decomposia barely has time to take care of herself. Throw in warring werewolves and other demanding monsters and Princess Decomposia has complete chaos on her hands. Now she is tasked with finding a new chef to satisfy her father’s picky palette and please ornery dignitaries. When Count Spatula, a vampire who has lost his fangs due to his sweet tooth, accepts the position he dreams of creating grand meals, but he begins to realize that the one person he wants to share his creations with is too overworked and underappreciated to notice. Will Count Spatula be able to shake things up in the Underworld and show Princess Decomposia what is right in front of her?

This sweet graphic novel was refreshing and I'm glad that I added to my YA collection. I hope that Watson decides to continue with Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula's story, because it is definitely not over. 

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healey

Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, Snow White, Briar Rose, and Rapunzel. That’s grade school stuff. What about about the Prince Charmings? Yes, there is more than one and they are tired of being overlooked. The Princesses are getting all the attention and it is time for them to claim their rightful place as the famous heroes. Thus begins the tale of Frederic, Duncan, Liam, and Gustav in Christopher Healey's The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. What starts as a simple enough journey after Ella (aka Cinderella), leads Prince Frederic on an adventure that will change his life. Along his way he befriends several other Prince Charmings, who are all looking for something different. They battle a bandit king, tame a dragon, and hopefully foil an evil witch’s plot.

This “charming” tale is a wonderful and humorous companion to the traditional classics. All the characters are full of spunk and wit. They are each completely different and wonderful in their own way...except Briar Rose. Plenty of laugh out loud lines and I caught myself smiling plenty of time. If you have the opportunity, try the audio book out. The reader, Bronson Pinchot, does a wonderful job with all the characters. Though a little lengthy, this middle grade novel will be a big hit with kids and their parents.