Sir Princess Petra’s Talent. (The Pen Pieyu Adventures). Diane Mae Robinson. Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing (www.dragonsbook.com), 2013. 87 pp., pbk., $11.25. ISBN 978-1-67510-682-7. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Natalie Schembri. *** /4

excerpt:

“What is a story?” somebody finally asked.
…
“Some stories are happy or sad or funny. Stories tell a tale worth remembering. They’re creative and interesting. Stories have all kinds of characters doing all kinds of things, and sometimes, they have kings and queens and princesses, witches, dragons, magicians and midget knights, pink knights, and even furry creatures.”

In Diane Mae Robinson’s Sir Princess Petra’s Talent, the second book in “The Pen Pieyu Adventures”, Petra the Princess Knight is required to follow the Royal Rule Book and obtain a talent certificate suitable for a princess or be turned into a frog for five years (even though she has already proven to be an honourable royal knight). Petra unwillingly accepts the challenge, and makes her way to Talent School with her dragon friend—the royal barbeque master—Snarls.

     When she arrives at King Asterman’s Talent School, Petra chooses to complete her talent certificate in writing. She dismisses the idea of achieving a certificate in etiquette, knitting, jewelry budgeting, or preparing to be engaged school, and she excels in creative writing. Using her imagination, Petra writes a rhyming poem that awards her a talent certificate. Petra’s new talent in writing empowers her to share the world of storytelling with the Kingdom of Pen Pieyu. In the epilogue, Petra feels overwhelming “pride that the story she told had left an impression on her listeners. Happiness that the king and queen were beaming at her with admiration” (p. 87). Much to the royal family’s initial dismay, the Princess Knight obtains a talent that is adored by everyone in Pen Pieyu.

     Robinson’s story is humorous and entertaining. The reader follows Petra on her journey to new friendships and self-discovery and witnesses the young Princess Knight as she hones a newfound talent in storytelling. Though a sequel to <\i>Sir Princess Petra, Sir Princess Petra’s Talent works as a stand-alone read, and Robinson’s narrative is both imaginative and delightful. I would recommend the second adventure of “Pen Pieyu” for school and public library collections. Petra’s dedication and passion will inspire young readers to discover their own talents.