Unicorns? Get Real! by Kathryn Lasky is the second in the Camp Princess series. The Unicorn Round-Up is coming to camp but Princess Gundersnap is heartsick on the news that her mother has taken her beloved pony Menschmik to be her next war horse.

Gundersnap is certain that the task will mean her stead's untimely death. So she and her tower mates must find a way to use the events of the Unicorn Round-up to rescue Menschmik. Although Gundersnap doesn't believe in unicorns, the magical tapestry seems to imply that unicorns are going to be part of her future.

So often with a set up like this, the ending would entail a tomboy princess learning to be more feminine to win over the beautiful and magical unicorn. Not here. Though Gundersnap does learn that unicorns are real, she does not stop being herself. The unicorns, rather, embrace her uniqueness instead of expecting her to conform to some crazy feminine ideal.

The third book is called Dragonbusters? Give me a break!. The book is listed as having been published July 2014 but I haven't found any evidence yet that it actually was. ( )

Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com

Camp Princess is in session again, and Princesses Alicia, Gundersnap, and Kristen have returned to the South Turret, with the addition of tiny Princess Myrella. This session it's Gundersnap's turn to be in the spotlight, in the midst of rumors of a dance with real Princes and a unicorn round-up! Gundersnap has much greater concerns than Princes and unicorns, though.

First, there's Gortle, a dwarf from Gundersnap's castle, who has come to keep Gundersnap company. In other kingdoms, dwarves are used as entertainment and are commanded to do tricks that Gundersnap considers rude and demeaning. To her, Gortle is a friend, and she is determined that he will be treated with respect. This is hardly a problem in the South Turret, but the rest of Camp Princess is a different story.

Additionally, Gortle brings with him the news that Gundersnap's Queen mother has taken her own, personal, favorite horse into battle! Aside from being a dear friend, Menschmik, the pony, is hardly battle ready. How dare her mother take her pony!

Who could even think about Princes and unicorns at a time like this? Suddenly, it's starting to look like things are more connected than they appear. Gundersnap may have to hope that the rumors are not only true, but that both Princes and unicorns are more dependable than she expects.

Not as lighthearted as the first story in the series, BORN TO RULE, and almost more lovable because of it, the latest romp through Camp Princess is as sweet as the last. With another part of the tapestry complete, it appears that Princess Kristen is up next. ( )