Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill was not, my favorite book I read during a picture book marathon. However, it was a book that I enjoyed because it took a familiar theme of, “Don’t judge a book by its cover or an ogre by the crusty toenails” and switched it up a bit.
Maureen Fergus’s story is simple, Princess Pru has a great life. She has two overprotective dads, three tarantulas and an ostrich named Orville. But when the ogre moves in next door, she does not care about the goop in his eyes, or crusty toes, she does worry that he ruins her rock band practices, causes some trouble and “attacks” the castle. The last of which makes her think the ogre might be lonely. And she wants to have a party for him. But believing the rumors, her dads and the kingdom do not want that. Yet, in a shocking turn of events, the ogre buys balloons, cupcakes and more fun things. But what are his dastardly plans? Of course, our gal Pru knows, and she goes off and does what a princes should do best. Be a friend and join a humdinger of a party.
Okay, that really isn’t a spoiler, as things are obvious, even Danesh Mohiuddin’s illustrations. They are not “new” but not “stale” either. They have a mixture of modern, classic and are diverse. Our two fathers have a India Indian look, also there are hints of Spanish influences (which makes sense as Mohiuddin is from India and lived in Spain). They are cartoon/animated like, I could see this as a short cartoon for at least ages seven and up, but the reader/listener could be a bit younger.
