The Princess and the Pony

Starred review from March 23, 2015
Beaton, whose “Hark, a Vagrant!” webcomic has won her a devoted audience, makes her picture-book debut with a story starring Pinecone, a Viking princess, and the dumpy, walleyed pony sometimes seen in her comics. The pony functions as a (very) blank canvas onto which other characters project their expectations; here, it’s what Pinecone’s parents give her when she asks for a “real warrior’s horse” for her birthday. She’s appalled, “but you can’t say no to a birthday present, so she took the little pony to her room, where it ate things it shouldn’t have, and farted too much.” When it’s time for the great battle, Princess Pinecone fears the pony will humiliate her. Instead, it melts the heart of Otto the Awful, the meanest warrior of all. “Awww, what a cute little pony!” he murmurs. Beaton champions a bouquet of affirming themes: strong girls, acceptance of difference, and battling with nothing more violent than dodgeballs, spitballs, and other related objects. It’s a smart, brisk story that tosses aside conventional ideas of what princesses (and ponies) are “supposed” to be. Ages 4–8. Agent: Seth Fishman, Gernert Company.

Starred review from April 1, 2015
A half-pint warrior princess wants a battle-ready horse for her birthday but instead receives a little farting pony-who brilliantly defies all expectation. Pinecone is small and young, and normally she receives cozy sweaters for presents, but she has a warrior's determination. With this, she attempts to train her sweet, round pony-but to no avail. They are clearly outmatched at the big battle, yet Pinecone shows her mettle, and under the pony's innocent gaze, hardened warriors melt into sweater-wearing softies. The artist's digital illustrations, done in an earthy palette, have a warm, handcrafted feel. As majestic horses, iconic warriors (from Genghis Khan to Robin Hood), and cool tools are juxtaposed with Pinecone and her vacant-eyed pony, differences in stature, weaponry, and achievement are cleverly emphasized. Cinematic in layout and perfectly set-dressed, each page will elicit a new round of giggles. Beaton blurs the boundaries of traditional storytelling, marrying fantasy elements to pop culture with a free-associative swagger. This emerging genre, with its zinelike irreverence and joyful comedy, is hip, modern, and absolutely refreshing. Where else can readers find hipster warriors, anime influences, perfectly placed fart jokes, a hidden ugly-sweater contest, and a skirmish packed with delightful nonsense (llamas! knights! hot dogs! turtle costumes!)-and have it all make such wonderful sense? Instead of breaking bones, this warrior princess breaks the mold-and Beaton is in a class of her own. (Picture book. 3-8)

Starred review from April 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-Rambunctious Princess Pinecone is the smallest warrior in her kingdom, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in enthusiasm. Tired of receiving novelty sweaters for her birthday, Pinecone asks her parents for a big, strong battle horse-and receives a chubby little pony with a vacant expression, and incurable flatulence, instead. Though he doesn't fit the standard requirements of the typical trusty steed-"It's too small! It's too round! And I think its eyes are looking in different directions...(This was true, but only sometimes.)"-the little pony proves to be a surprising asset on the day of her great battle. Chunky, colorful digital illustrations provide plenty of detail to keep readers entertained; older children will enjoy exploring all of the different posters marking Pinecone's walls, or some of the sillier warriors in the battle fray, including one sneakily eating a hot dog. The text contains a healthy dose of alliteration and buzzwords that will boost vocabulary ("Pinecone was flabbergasted, flummoxed, floored!") while making for a fun read-aloud. VERDICT A highly recommended, charmingly illustrated tale of teamwork and tenderness.-Ashleigh Williams, School Library Journal

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 1, 2015
Grades K-2 *Starred Review* Princess Pinecone may be the smallest warrior, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to be a champion! Her birthday is approaching, and this year she wants a horse perfect for riding into the upcoming battle. What she gets instead of a stately steed, however, is a short, fat, cross-eyed pony that farts too much. Pinecone tries to train the daffy little thing in time for the great battle, but it doesn't go wellcheck out the fat pony cheerily on his back while a majestic knight fist-bumps his stallion in the background. But Pinecone perseveres, and despite her pony's shortcomings, they join in the great battle anyway. When they leap (or, rather, toddle) into the fray, Pinecone gets ready to be a fearsome fighter only to discover that her dopey ride melts even the fiercest warriors' hearts. Beaton's offbeat, colorful cartoon style makes great use of expressive brows, exaggerated figures, and huge eyeballs for maximum cuteness, and she stuffs each spread with hilarious details. Little ones will surely empathize with Pinecone's aspirations to be big and powerful, but it's Beaton's expert comedic timing that will rein them in for the long haul. The perfect combination of heartwarming and hilarious.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)