New York Times Review
| In this graphic novel, Prince Sebastian of France has a secret life: He likes to wear dresses, the more dramatic the better,as a way to escape "other people deciding what's acceptable." Elsewhere in Paris, a young seamstress named Frances dreams of becoming a famous designer. She's fulfilled the request of one customer to (hilariously) "make her look like the devil's wench" at a ball. While the gown horrified the ladies of the court, it caught the eye of Sebastian, who, keeping his own identity hidden, hires Frances to make dresses for him. The two realize they are kindred spirits, and soon enough, Frances figures out she's working for the prince, not a princess. "You're not weirded out?" he asks her. "What difference does it make?" she responds. "This is my dream job." But as Sebastian and Frances introduce their fantastical new looks to the public (he appears as the ever-fashionable, increasingly popular Lady Crystallia), secrets get harder to keep. And then there's the issue of Sebastian needing to find a bride. There is so much love in Wang's illustrations, which are perfectly suited to the fairy tale nature of the book - colorful, whimsical, adorable. Her characters' expressions tell stories of joy and heartbreak, of finally getting what you want - only to have it taken away, or threatened. Prince Sebastian and Frances are on a journey together, and while their course isn't entirely surprising (after all, it is a love story, not just about loving others, but about loving yourself), it's completely satisfying. In modern fairy tales, there really are happy endings. |
Publishers Weekly Review
| A talented seamstress and a prince with a secret will win readers' hearts in Wang's utterly charming graphic novel, which is set in a playfully tweaked version of 19th-century Paris and highlights identity, acceptance, and fashion. After creating a scandalous dress for an attendee of Prince Sebastian's 16th birthday party, Frances-an overlooked seamstress with big dreams-accepts a position as personal seamstress for a mystery client. She soon discovers that her employer is none other than Prince Sebastian, who wants her to create dazzling gowns for Lady Crystallia, Sebastian's alter ego, who quickly becomes a fashion icon. Despite Frances's connection with Sebastian, she worries that being part of the prince's secret is limiting her dreams of finding success as a designer. The relationship between Frances and Sebastian-both as a conflicted prince and the glamorous Crystallia-glows; Frances understands that Sebastian and Crystallia are two halves of a brilliant whole. "It's weird, I don't feel like Prince Sebastian could lead a nation into battle, but Lady Crystallia could," admits the prince, inspiring Frances to create an armor-themed dress for their next midnight escapade. Frances's daring designs shine in Wang's elegantly drafted and gorgeously colored illustrations, and the irreverently anachronistic approach to the setting provides a lovely and humorous counterbalance to the seriousness of the prince's situation ("Prepare to get your lady groove on," insists the burly, bearded king, who is eager for Sebastian to be betrothed). It's all but certain to deliver grins, gasps, and some happy tears. Ages 12-up. Agent: Judith Hansen, Hansen Literary. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. |
School Library Journal Review
| Gr 6 Up-Set in France, this work of historical fiction centers on Frances, a lowly dressmaker in a shop. A wayward teenager commissions Frances to fashion a dress that will make her "look like the devil's wench." She complies, and her creation catches the eye of a mysterious wealthy benefactor, for whom she is hired to work exclusively. Her patron is Prince Sebastian, who is mortified by his predilection for occasionally wearing dresses. Frances encourages Sebastian to be himself, and together the two create Lady Crystallia, the most fabulous fashion icon Paris has ever seen. In this well-crafted coming-of-age story, both Frances and Sebastian struggle to understand themselves and to embrace their identities. There's a hint of romance between Frances and Sebastian, but the emphasis is on their friendship. Wang doesn't dive deeply into Sebastian's sexual or gender identity, instead focusing on the message of self-acceptance. As Sebastian puts it, "This is who I am. I'm a prince who likes to wear dresses." The full-color artwork is gorgeous, featuring a variety of over-the-top dresses that fashionistas will envy. Facial expressions and the overall movement of the art enhance the enticing narrative; fans beginning to age out of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson will find a new favorite in Wang. VERDICT With inviting illustrations and a relatable story line, this tender tale of friendship and identity is sure to delight even readers who aren't fans of the graphic novel format.-Ellen Conlin, Naperville Public Library, IL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
