Holiday Princess: A Princess Diaries Book

This book talks about various holiday customs in countries around the world, with perspectives from all your favorite Princess Diaries characters. A must have for any fan of the Princess Diaries series.

Back again with another addition to the Princess Diaries series, Princess Mia invites us to share the holidays with her and the family in her witty rendition of what happens during the holidays. Loaded with advice from everyone closely associated with her, each chapter is also laden with her own views and excerpts on how things really are. From holiday etiquette on everything from addressing cards to purchasing gifts for others, to what's fashionable to eat, there's something for everyone in this little book (that is, if you're into being a princess and all). Mia is hilariously objective in her comments about her family's take on things, and Meg Cabot cleverly does this by putting all of Mia's comments in red, so you can't mistake her thoughts. One of the highlights of the book is Mia's chapter on Christmas around the world. Throughout the chapter, there are dozens of countries, complete with folklore, tradition, and how this particular culture spends their holiday season --- a very useful and informative tool for the student who has to do a book report (hint, hint). It's all there. There might even be some countries listed that no one has ever heard of, or ever thought of, that celebrate their own version of Christmas. Additionally, there are explanations on which movies are best to watch during Christmas, recipes to make, and the real story of truths and myths of what Christmas really means. Finally, it's a wrap with an in-depth guide to Kwanzaa and, of course, the symbolization of Happy New Year, complete with a listing of how to say it in 60 different languages! Although we won't be in Genovia with the royal princess, she made sure we knew enough to have lasting memories, as if we were. Happy Holidays everyone! --- Reviewed by Belinda Williams

I have all of Meg Cabot's Princess Diary books, I even have the release dates marked on my calendar, so I was first in line at my bookstore this morning to buy this book. In this book, Princess Mia, her family and friends share their Christmas memories and customs. There is even a section on Christmas cards, and how to say, "Happy New Year" in a lot of languages. Great book to learn about Christmas customs and such. ``Katrina

To be a good Princess, one must be diplomatic, and educated in everything regarding the countries and principalities surrounding one's own charge. This includes knowing how to celebrate every winter holiday, from the well-known Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, to the often unspoken about Yule, Chinese New Year, and Saturnalia - just to name a few. But this is not all that a good Princess must know. A good Princess must also be up on gift giving - what exactly is the right present to give to a guy you're not dating, but hope to be dating soon? Then there's those fabulous holiday movies - including some very unconventional holiday tales; and all of this is rounded off with a nice hot chocolate with marshmallows. This year, spend the holiday with Princess Mia, and her band of closest friends, from Lilly to Michael, and Tina to Paolo, as they give you the lowdown on all things Christmas, from how teenagers in other countries celebrate the holidays, and how to say "Happy New Year" in every language known-to-man. I have purchased and read every PRINCESS DIARIES HOW-TO BOOK, but HOLIDAY PRINCESS instantly took the prize as my favorite installment in the series. Perhaps it's my love of Christmas that made it my favorite; or maybe it's the fact that I love reading about how the PRINCESS DIARIES gang is spending their holiday season. Either way, HOLIDAY PRINCESS is a fun-filled book that will keep everyone on their toes for the holiday season. Cabot has created an informative guide that features style tips, shopping solutions, and much, much more that will get everyone through the Christmas rush; and each tip is accompanied by a marvelous illustration by Chesley McLaren. Overall, this is a must have book for all PRINCESS DIARIES fans, as it will quickly win a place in everyone's heart this holiday season. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper