Princess Grace
After several chapter books, Hoffman returns to the original picture-book format for the series that started with Amazing Grace (1991). Grace’s teacher announces that two girls will ride on the school’s float as princesses. Initially excited about wearing a fairy-tale costume, Grace realizes that world folklore and history offer more varied and dynamic interpretations of the princess theme. On parade day, Grace and her classmates dress as royalty from different cultures; Grace wears West African Kente robes. Studded with questions worth discussing, the story rolls along smoothly, illustrated with bright paintings that picture events and Grace’s thoughts. Information about Cinderella variants, historical princesses, and Kente cloth appended. Grades K-3. --Carolyn Phelan