BOOK REVIEW: Mirrors and Pearls by Lea Doué (Lizzie)

Once upon a time in a land of magic and dragons …

There was a delightful, imaginative Snow White retelling complete with dragons and hair of feathers.

Mirrors and Pearls by (Fairy Tale Dragon Riders) by Lea Doué tells the story of Snow White but in a unique world of dragon riders, fairies, a talking squirrel, and other magical creatures. Here's the blurb from amazon.com:

Forced to flee for her life on the morning of her eighteenth birthday, Princess Snow hides from her cruel stepmother, wielder of the mysterious magic mirror, and dreams of the day she can free her people.

But dreams never come true that easily.

Among those by her side are a huntsman who is more than he seems, an enthusiastic talking squirrel, and a handful of dragons who are not as helpful as Snow would like. If she is to reclaim her throne, she must come up with a bold plan to stop the Queen before it's too late.

I loved Snow and the prince (and their sweet relationship) and all the creatures. Snow's fairy "blessing" (skin white as snow and all that) is reminiscent of the type of dubious fairy blessings found in Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted. I particularly enjoyed Lea Doué's application of the blessing, but, sadly, I can't talk about it without spoiling the surprises for you. Just know it's really cool. The only disappointment (and I knew this going in) is that Mirrors and Pearls is only a novella. So not nearly long enough for such a cute story.

Top 3 Reasons To Read The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (Julie)

While I was in the states over the summer, I went to a book store to browse around for some interesting looking fantasy books to bring back with me. One I chose was The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. It promised action, adventure, comedy, and a slightly different version of the fairy tales we all know and love.

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to continuing the adventure with the characters in their next two books.

So here's my top 3 guide as to why you should read this book:

1) Expect the unexpected. We have four Princes Charming and the four princesses that go with those stories: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. No one is truly who you imagine from the stories/Disney versions. Which gives a fresh slant. The one thing I didn't like about these characters was Sleeping Beauty's portrayal. She's one of my favorites, but here she is a spoiled BRAT. However, having read book one, I'm of the opinion that she may go through a personality change as the series continues.

2) Only one of the four princes is an actual hero. Rapunzel ended up saving her "hero" after he got tossed out of the tower by the witch. Cinderella's "hero" never even left the castle to find her, just sent his servants. Snow White's "hero" had gotten lost in the woods when he came upon the dwarves who insisted he kiss Snow White. Then there's Sleeping Beauty's hero. He did battle the witch and save the day, only to discover Sleeping Beauty wasn't the charming princess he thought she'd be.

3) Improbability at its finest. This is truly a fairy tale, by which I mean, it in no way resembles real life. For example, Gustav, one of the princes, gets in the way of a fire-breathing dragon. Does he get burned to a crisp? Nope. He just loses his hair. Another is a ten year-old bandit king who is the terror of the kingdoms. His favorite punishment is his spitball wars, which his men are deathly afraid of. All these improbabilities add to the charm and humor of

the story.

Lastly, being an incurable romantic, I'm curious to see how the romance plays out among the princes and princesses. It's possible that all the princesses get a Prince Charming, but which one?

Top 3 Live Action Movie Remakes (Erin)

Have you noticed the recent spate of live-action remakes of Disney's most popular animated films? Have you had a chance to see any of them? Here are my favorite three modern, live action remakes of old, animated films.

3. Pete's Dragon (2016/1977): This was the first movie in a real theater (not a drive-in) that I remember going to with my dad. I had the most wonderful time. I think this movie can be credited with beginning my love of movie theaters, fantasy and imaginary friends. (Thanks, Dad) I must have had the record of movie songs (can you guess my age?) because last week, when I watched this again with my kids, I remembered most of the lyrics.

The new version of Pete's Dragon is nothing like the old one, but it is equally enchanting. A big, green, furry dragon who doesn't talk befriends a lonely, scared boy, and together, they make their way in the world. I think the new soundtrack is just as lovely as the old one (although it is a movie score as opposed to a musical score), and Pete is just as well played. Some of the scenes in the new movie are probably scarier for younger viewers, but the ending is happier, so that is a plus.



2. The Jungle Book (2016/1967): Imagine taking a fun romp through Disney's Jungle River Cruise. Then, imagine adding a LOT of suspense and subtracting most of the silly songs. Now you have this year's The Jungle Book. This movie made me startle and gasp in the theater more than once. My youngest daughter can't wait to have her older brother watch the new movie. . . it was actually scary in places! And, the scenery is absolutely amazing. We can't wait to watch this again on DVD!

1. Mirror, Mirror (2012/1937): Okay, this was one of the first remakes to come out four years ago, but I can't help mentioning it. A retelling of Snow White, this is definitely a go-to movie at our house. When we want something funny, happy, pretty and clever all at the same time, this fits the bill.
Action + Humor + a Princess who learns to hold her own =  Enjoyment.
If we want to watch something like The Princess Bride but already watched it last week, Mirror, Mirror is a great choice.

Have you seen any of these movies? What is your favorite live action remake?

Attributions:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete%27s_Dragon_(1977_film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete%27s_Dragon_(2016_film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jungle_Book_(1967_film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jungle_Book_(2016_film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_White_(Disney)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_Mirror_(film)