Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks (Macmillan Children's Books)

The Princess Mirror-Belle series makes its transition from early reader to picture book with this stunning and sparkly book from the dream team of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks.

Poor Ellen has chickenpox and really really want to scratch them. But while mum steps out of the bathroom for a moment, Ellen meets Princess Mirror-Belle who springs out of the mirror and tells Ellen that it's not chickenpox she has, it's Dragonpox! Eeks!

Princess Mirror-Belle is a bit of a know-it-all (Charlotte's description!) and knows exactly how to stop Ellen scratching her spots. A cure is required, with a nice warm bath and anything else that may be to hand! In goes the bubble bath, in goes the toothpaste and even daddy's shaving foam (I really hope Charlotte doesn't get any ideas from this!)

The Princess tells Ellen stories of the land beyond the mirror, where brave knights rescue princesses from dragons and children are allowed to make as much mess in the bathroom as they like!

But what will happen when mum comes back in? Will Ellen's excuse that Princess Mirror-belle caused all the mess hold any water with mum?

With lots of brilliant texture and glitter on each page, and a fairytale feel to the story, this is a great addition to the Princess Mirror-Belle series for younger children who want to see what all the fuss is about. They'll never look at the mirror in quite the same way again!


Charlotte's best bit: Ellen being wrapped up in loo roll. Part of the cure for Dragon Pox apparently!

Daddy's Favourite bit: Rather nice to see Julia Donaldson coming up with a non-rhyming story, and always a pleasure to see Lydia's gorgeous artwork

(Kindly sent to us for review by Macmillan Children's Books)