Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-7
Awards: Texas Library Association's 2015-2016 Bluebonnet Award Master List

Read the entire book in about 3 hours. Hysterically funny! Just what I needed in 2020 ( )

Well at least some of them are.

See the bards got it wrong in all those heroic stories of Prince Charming saving this or that Princess. Really 'Prince Charming' was a whole bunch of guys named Liam, Frederic, Duncan and Gustav and honestly most of their heroic escapades were a matter of good luck and good timing. But what kind of story is that? So embellishments happened, expectations rose and well...that means folks were bound to be disappointed with the real thing.

I'm a real sucker when it comes to comedic fantasies. Add in the subversion and outright toss out the window nature of fairy tales and you've got a fan in me. All this means is that from the very first moment I heard about this book I wanted it. Didn't care it was for middle grade, didn't care that it was an author I never heard of--I just wanted the book.

Boy did it NOT let me down.

Healy takes a premise that sounds a bit hokey (the Princes Charming get rejected so they set out to save the world and prove everyone wrong) and crafts a hilarious, touching tale about being true to yourself (without being preachy). Almost as importantly I think this book will appeal to not just the middle grade audience, but to anyone who enjoys a light-hearted fantasy.

Admittedly the writing itself is simple and the narrative is obviously written to appeal to a young child's mind (one that is prone to being easily distracted), but its the characters who shine. Poor Prince Frederic, the 'Prince Charming' who saved Cinderella from a life of menial servitude, was raised to be such a milquetoast that he doesn't understand why Cinderella (aka just 'Ella' thank you) isn't perfectly content with a structured routine that doesn't change or surprise. Prince Gustav ('Prince Charming' from Rapunzel's story) is a failure at fighting despite being a fairly hulking guy and is only further humiliated when Rapunzel not only saves herself, but restores his vision and saves him as well.

Also the less said about poor Prince Duncan is probably the better.

These guys can't catch a break and it makes you feel REALLY bad for them because of it (also makes me want to smack a couple of their heads together but that's besides the point). When they band together to not only return their names to glorious heroic portions, but also to stop an evil plot no one believes exists I won't lie I was more than a little worried it would end badly.

Healy obviously enjoys himself as well. The Prologue for instance, which breaks the fourth wall so hard you'd think it never existed, spoils events the happen 19 chapters later and unashamedly admits that the Princes Charming are really anything but at times. You can tell that Healy really must have wanted to make this book as fun, amusing and exciting (in safe ways, Frederic assures you) and honestly I bet this will be a hoot read aloud.

So whether you are a ten year old seeking to defeat an evil witch and needing some pointers, or a 20something like me interested in hearing the 'true' story of Prince Charming, THE HERO'S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM is definitely worth checking out. ( )

I always enjoy it when my favorite fairy tales are given a new twist. Like princes that are not so charming, but rather clumsy. Or a princess who is not quite fair but a bit of a bully. This book is full of adventure and laughs. So sit back and enjoy while four princes charming and a few (fair) princesses try to save their kingdoms! ( )

Funny take on the Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White characters when the newly formed League of Princes (Charming) try to save the day! Lots of laughs, puns, and silliness. ( )