Cursed Princess Club: A Most Unusual Princess

Gr 7 Up–Knudsen’s novel adaptation of the graphic novel by LambCat beautifully keeps the original spark but also adds new, fresh details that give breadth to the story. Gwendolyn, Princess of the Pastel Kingdom, has just learned the most nerve-wracking news: her father has found three young princes from the Plaid Kingdom who he believes would make good suitors for her and her two sisters. Gwen is eager but apprehensive. When they all meet the princes, her sisters and two of the princes hit it off right away, joking, laughing, and making connections. Prince Frederick, on the other hand, doesn’t seem approachable. That night Gwen overhears Frederick tell one of his brothers that she is “really ugly.” Gwen is distraught. She runs outside to get some air and finds herself in the middle of the Haunted Forest where five figures, who at first look like shadows in the night, turn out to be princesses (and one prince) who invite Gwen to be a part of the Cursed Princess Club. Knudsen explores self-worth, healing from trauma, and the importance of support systems through endearing and hilarious scenes. The story is lighthearted and often tender, without taking away from the seriousness of the fractures both Gwen and Frederick have in themselves. Each character is given time to unravel their inner thoughts about themselves and explore the flow of their interest and feelings about each other in ways that feel authentic in the mix of chaos that is the Pastel Kingdom.