I see this story as delivering a message that pranks can get out of hand resulting in disastrous situations. True. I see the characterization of Kaylee as a precocious little girl whose behavior is simply out-of-hand and who has not been taught that pranking to the level in which she engages is wrong.
Then the Tooth Fairy being another prankster with magical properties combating or warring with Kaylee to go prank-to-prank up against each other simply demonstrates competitive meanness on the part of both characters.
The positive side of the story is that it can be a teaching tool for parents, teachers, and librarians to show how pranking one another is simply not to be done. I can see placing the book in school and public libraries. I do not recommend it be part of a child's home library because too frequent reading or ogling of the book could encourage a child's desire to engage in similar behavior.
About the book: From the coauthor of Dork Diaries comes a witty and engaging picture book about a prankster who wants to pull off the best prank of all—pranking the Tooth Fairy! Kaylee loves pulling pranks: from dropping water balloons on passers by to even tricking Santa Claus, she’s a prize-winning prankster!
But is she the Princess of Pranks? No! That title is held by none other than the Tooth Fairy. But when Kaylee loses a tooth and the Tooth Fairy goes about her usual tooth-taking business, Kaylee pranks her with a fake frog. As Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy try to out-prank one another, things get way out of hand, until the two finally see eye and eye and decide to share the crown!
About the Author: Erin Danielle Russell has been writing stories since she learned how to spell. When she grew up, she became coauthor of the New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series with her mom, Rachel Renee Russell. She currently lives in Virginia with her husband, Jacob, and her spunky teddy bear, Stanley. When Erin’s not writing or daydreaming, she likes to cook, travel, play video games, and watch cartoons.
About the Illustrator: Jennifer Hansen Rolli grew up with lots of siblings who were waiting around corners with a trick or two up their sleeves. Today she lives with her own pranking family in Newtown, Pennsylvania (which is really a very old town). She is the author/illustrator of the picture books Just One More and Claudia and Moth. You can find more of her work at jenniferhansenrolli.com.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy provided by MMPublicity on behalf of publisher and author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and are freely given.
This one's probably not for us for several of the reasons you've given. It sure is cute though! Thanks for linking up at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
ReplyDeleteTina