Little Princesses: The Desert Princess

Sep 20, 2024 4:26 PM

Author:Katie Chase

While she's getting ready for an Egyptian-themed party at her friend's house, Rosie spots a papyrus painting on a wall in Great-aunt Rosamund's castle. It's of a young girl in a beautiful white dress, wearing lots of gold jewellery - it must be another little princess!

As soon as she says hello, Rosie is whisked away in a warm breeze heavy with the smell of perfume and sparkling with grains of fine gold sand. Rosie meets Princess Aisha, who is very sad because her elder sister Nafretiri is ill. The priests say that an evil spirit is trying to take Nafretiri to the Underworld.

There's only one way that she might be saved - an ancient legend says that a magic potion lies hidden in a secret cavern but only the mighty Sphinx knows where it is. And the Sphinx itself may not even exist!

But Rosie and Aisha are determind to do something to help so they set off up the Nile in search of the potion that could save Nafretiri's life.

Reviews

Storytelling about courage at its best

—— Amanda Craig , The Times

One of the most exciting books I've read for a long while

—— Daily Telegraph

This book is touched with greatness

—— Junior Bookshelf

One of the most remarkable children's books since 1945

—— Oxford Companion to Children's Literature

A mind-blowing and emotional read

—— Sally Bailey , Essex Chronicle Series

Switching between Chuck and Danielle's viewpoints and with knowing asides to his child readers, Dickinson produces great comedy . . . An approachable book that will also read aloud well and provide a lot of amusement (and some food for thought)

—— Books for Keeps

Brims with elegant prose, enchantment, comedy and mischief . . . It's the perfect gift but also a book to squirrel away for yourself and enjoy on a rainy afternoon

—— Independent

Smartly written, the tales can be enjoyed afresh, imbued with a love of words that will no doubt excite and delight your child. The new hardback collection is printed in large type so should be a good first read. It would also make a lovely gift

—— Junior

Each of the stories in this anthology is a magic bean: a wondrous take that will capture your imagination. Lovingly crafted by some of the finest authors and illustrators in the business . . . these 'magic beans' will delight and thoroughly entertain

—— Anne Whelton , Maternity Magazine

All the stories give a fresh and immediate version of the often cruel but funny originals where the darkest sides of human nature are contrasted against innocent honesty; magic intervening first on one side, then the other, until virtue triumphs. Skilful writing from modern storytellers

—— Tina Massey , Carousel

A bright cover and good sized print are attractive but the irresistible factor is the list of 14 authors . . . Amazing, brilliant and a comparative bargain

—— The School Librarian

Stephens' top-notch time-travel thriller has a quirky mixed bag of heroes and villains, a clever and compelling plotline and graphic action sequences that just cry out for the big screen treatment

—— Pam Norfolk , Lytham St Annes Express

A wonderful story you can easily lose yourself in

—— Notes of Life

First-rate fantasy

—— Armadillo

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