ABOUT THIS BOOK
What’s a pampered cat to do now that she has to compete for attention with an ill-mannered puppy? Award-winning author Susin Nielsen delights in this laugh-a-minute twist on the classic sibling rivalry story.
Princess Puffybottom has the perfect life — her subjects serve her delicious meals, clean up her “delicate matters” and wait on her hand and foot. Life is good . . . until Darryl arrives. Princess Puffybottom thinks he’s disgusting, horrid and a true animal. Though she tries everything in her power to banish him (including hypnosis, trickery and even sabotage), it looks like this puppy is here to stay. Can Princess P. and Darryl find a way to co-exist? A hilarious picture book from acclaimed author Susin Nielsen, with adorable illustrations by Olivia Chin Mueller, Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl is perfect for not only warring siblings, but also anyone who loves cute pets (and some toilet humor).
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REVIEWS
“Nielsen’s tale and Mueller’s digitally created pooch and puss pair perfectly, the princess acting as a nice stand-in for a pampered first child. The light touch of humor and twist at the end make this a must for storytime collections. Princess and Darryl need a sequel.” Kirkus, Starred Review
“Beautifully illustrated with muted colors throughout, both Nielsen and Mueller have presented a delightful story of a pampered cat who learns to adapt to the changes within her family.” —School Library Connection
“Nielsen and Mueller have worked together to bring about a delightful twist on the rivalry and revenge trope, giving a nod to same-sex couples within the tale of drama between household pets. Parents and children will be able to see themselves within the antics of Princess Puffybottom and Darryl. If you need a good laugh and a fun read-aloud, then Princess Puffybottom…and Darryl would make a fantastic go-to!” CM Magazine – highly recommended.
“Mueller’s frisky digital cartoons flaunt the pets’ differing personalities, making their eventual coziness all the more tender.” Publisher’s Weekly
“The humorous, entrancing illustrations relay part of the story not explained in the text and act as a visual punch line to the humour … Children will love Princess Puffybottom’s antics.” Resource Links
INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BOOK
Emily Brontë aka Princess Puffybottom
Confession: I am not a dog person. (Wait! Don’t send angry messages quite yet!). I just mean, I never grew up with dogs. We always had cats, and I still have cats to this day. I like dogs; I’ve just never had the urge to own one.
Right now I have two cats. One is absolutely the model for Princess Puffybottom; her name is Emily Brontë.
Erwin Schrodinger aka Darryl
Her brother, even though he’s a cat, is the model for Darryl (he is the orange one, Erwin Schrodinger). Erwin is not the sharpest knife in the drawer (sorry Erwin). Emily is definitely the brightest of the two.
They are siblings. I was watching them play-fight one day, and from out of the blue, the idea came to me about a pampered only child, who is suddenly forced to share her people, and her space, with a new sibling.
From the get-go it was important to me that Princess P’s “subjects” be two women. I didn’t want to draw undue attention to the fact that they are a lesbian couple; I just wanted it to be a part of the story, because families come in all shapes and sizes and should be represented. The illustrator, the truly wonderful Olivia Chin Mueller, ran with this and so many other things, and built on them, making them better than I could have imagined. A picture book is a true collaboration, with author and illustrator playing equal parts in bringing the story to life.