Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-5

This, the fifth book in the pragmatic fairy-tale based Harriet Hamsterbone series, delights as much (or more) as the previous four. Harriet bring her experience with dealing with fairy magic to bear when the mysterious Whiskerella turns up at a royal ball. Harriet continues to be a no nonsense hero for our times. ( )

This is a super cute Cinderella retelling featuring our favorite hamster princess, Harriet. As with the fairy tales in the rest of the series, it turns the regular Cinderella story on its head, while still keeping the heart of the story. The art is fun, the story is written for kids but appropriate for all ages, and the text is immensely quotable. I love the hamster princess series! ( )

Out of hand in a splendid hurry, and a lovely read. ( )

When Harriet's parents throw a ball, a mystery guest attends - a stunningly beautiful hamster, who leaves just before the unmasking at midnight. Harriet is on the case to figure out the mystery guest's identity. It turns out "Whiskerella" has a meddling fairy godmother, who is sticking to the traditional Cinderella narrative, even though Whiskerella doesn't want to be swept off her feet by a prince, and her stepsister is actually a kind person who shares chores equally (and who has a pet lizard, Stinky, who "widdles" when he's nervous). Harriet, of course, decides she will help break the fairy godmother's curse/blessing. Wilbur, Ratpunzel, and Mumfrey are included in the cast, as well as a stablehand called Ralph.

Another clever and hilarious subversion of a classic fairytale. ( )