What do you think?
Rate this book
Dean's Magical Mix Up: The Principal's Pin
Dean has had enough of school and wishes he could escape, but little does he know that his wish is about to be granted in a most unexpected way.
In "Dean's Magical Mix Up: The Principal's Pin," Dean, a young middle-grade student, hates going to school. After enduring a particularly awful school day, Dean stumbles upon the Principal's Pin, a peculiar, shimmering object lying on the floor. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he pockets the mysterious pin.
That night, he goes to bed wishing he were an adult, never suspecting that he will wake up the next day transformed into the school principal! Suddenly thrust into the responsibilities and challenges of adulthood, Dean learns valuable lessons about growing up that he never expected.
Through a series of comical and heartwarming situations, Dean discovers that being an adult comes with its own set of struggles and responsibilities. If you enjoyed “The Magic Treehouse,” series you'll also enjoy "Dean's Magical Mix Up: The Principal's Pin." Buy now before the price changes!
In "Dean's Magical Mix Up: The Principal's Pin," Dean, a young middle-grade student, hates going to school. After enduring a particularly awful school day, Dean stumbles upon the Principal's Pin, a peculiar, shimmering object lying on the floor. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he pockets the mysterious pin.
That night, he goes to bed wishing he were an adult, never suspecting that he will wake up the next day transformed into the school principal! Suddenly thrust into the responsibilities and challenges of adulthood, Dean learns valuable lessons about growing up that he never expected.
Through a series of comical and heartwarming situations, Dean discovers that being an adult comes with its own set of struggles and responsibilities. If you enjoyed “The Magic Treehouse,” series you'll also enjoy "Dean's Magical Mix Up: The Principal's Pin." Buy now before the price changes!
72 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2023
About the author
Kathleen Davis
4 books1 followerKathleen Davis, the creative mind behind "BRAVE," "Feathers From Above," and "Dean's Magical Mix Up: The Principal's Pin," embarked on her literary journey after a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher. Her passion for storytelling ignited during her time reading to her students, a cherished memory that laid the foundation for her writing pursuits.
Now residing in the vibrant city of Nashville, TN, alongside her husband and three wonderful children, Kathleen draws inspiration from her family for all her books. Through her writing, she endeavors to impart a message of love and optimism to her readers, a reminder that they are cherished and that life holds boundless goodness.
For more of Kathleen's captivating storytelling and insights into her literary world, visit her website at www.kathleendavisbooks.com. Explore her other works and delve deeper into the enchanting narratives she crafts with heartfelt dedication.
Now residing in the vibrant city of Nashville, TN, alongside her husband and three wonderful children, Kathleen draws inspiration from her family for all her books. Through her writing, she endeavors to impart a message of love and optimism to her readers, a reminder that they are cherished and that life holds boundless goodness.
For more of Kathleen's captivating storytelling and insights into her literary world, visit her website at www.kathleendavisbooks.com. Explore her other works and delve deeper into the enchanting narratives she crafts with heartfelt dedication.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 4, 2024
It's not easy being a kid. Everyone gets to decide on your behalf what's best for you. You are on a schedule that you can't control and you have to eat what you don't want. That's how it is for Dean. After a bad day at school, Dean is upset with his mother. He didn't want to go in the first place, and once he got there, everything went downhill. He forgot his homework, and then at recess, he hurt his ankle playing soccer. Worst yet, it is PE's parachute day, (his favorite!) but because of his ankle, he has to sit out and watch all the other kids have fun.
While sitting in the gym watching his classmates play, Dean finds his Principal's pin and laments about how his day would have gone had he been an adult – an adult with authority like a principal. He takes the pin home that evening, and the next morning, he wakes up as his principal! Dean promises to use this as an opportunity to give the kids at school freedom from adults. But "adulting" isn't as easy as Dean thinks.
Every kid can relate to Dean and his terrible day. It is times like these where a kid thinks, "If I was an adult and could make my own choices, things would have been different." The second half of the story shows that being an adult isn't easy either. Dean tries to create a fun day at school with recess for everyone, a pizza party, and a school-wide game of hide and seek. All of these activities yield a result Dean never thought of. Kids get hurt, pizzas cost money, and being held accountable for your actions as an adult is just as bad as being accountable for them as a kid.
How often do adults catch themselves saying, "Being a kid is easy." Or kids think, "Adults get to do whatever they want." The story responds to both of these using extreme examples. I like how this concept opens the story up for additional conversation for adults to have with kids. Adults and kids can share their own experiences and talk through emotions. Especially when it comes to one party blaming the other for any poor experiences or bad days they may have had.
Each of the illustrations in the book justifies Dean's emotions. I felt more connected to Dean with the expressions on his face throughout the book especially when he looks at himself in the mirror to see his Principal's face staring back at him! As Dean navigated his day through Principal Daniel's body, I laughed at his kid-like expressions and clothes that didn't fit him.
Dean's Magical Mixup is well-thought-out and expertly written. I loved the descriptions and would recommend this book for kids and middle schoolers alike!
While sitting in the gym watching his classmates play, Dean finds his Principal's pin and laments about how his day would have gone had he been an adult – an adult with authority like a principal. He takes the pin home that evening, and the next morning, he wakes up as his principal! Dean promises to use this as an opportunity to give the kids at school freedom from adults. But "adulting" isn't as easy as Dean thinks.
Every kid can relate to Dean and his terrible day. It is times like these where a kid thinks, "If I was an adult and could make my own choices, things would have been different." The second half of the story shows that being an adult isn't easy either. Dean tries to create a fun day at school with recess for everyone, a pizza party, and a school-wide game of hide and seek. All of these activities yield a result Dean never thought of. Kids get hurt, pizzas cost money, and being held accountable for your actions as an adult is just as bad as being accountable for them as a kid.
How often do adults catch themselves saying, "Being a kid is easy." Or kids think, "Adults get to do whatever they want." The story responds to both of these using extreme examples. I like how this concept opens the story up for additional conversation for adults to have with kids. Adults and kids can share their own experiences and talk through emotions. Especially when it comes to one party blaming the other for any poor experiences or bad days they may have had.
Each of the illustrations in the book justifies Dean's emotions. I felt more connected to Dean with the expressions on his face throughout the book especially when he looks at himself in the mirror to see his Principal's face staring back at him! As Dean navigated his day through Principal Daniel's body, I laughed at his kid-like expressions and clothes that didn't fit him.
Dean's Magical Mixup is well-thought-out and expertly written. I loved the descriptions and would recommend this book for kids and middle schoolers alike!
December 10, 2023
Dean's Magical Mixup: The Principal's Pin is a wonderful, captivating, magical, hysterical and lesson filled chapter book. This chapter book is recommended for 5-12 year olds, however, this is a book everyone can enjoy! I genuinely believe this is one of the best chapter books I have ever read!! It rivals my childhood favorites which says a lot since I like to hold on/put them on a pedestal. This story brought me so much joy! It is truly a must read book! A story full of humor and heart you do not want to miss!
Dean has had a terrible awful school day. At the end of the day he sees the princpals pin laying on the ground. Instead of returning it, Dean decides to steal it. This choice will change his life. Dean believes that being an adult is easy and wishes he could finally be an adult. The principal's pin grants his wish and the next morning he wakes up the principal. Dean is thrilled......until his own adult series of unfortunate awful challenges begin. He quickly learns that being an adult is not easy. Each time he tries to make things more fun it back fires on him. The adult struggles Dean faces are presented in the most humorous way. Despite all the laugher, this book is full of lessons, values, and a whole lot of heart. It is the full package!
Dean has had a terrible awful school day. At the end of the day he sees the princpals pin laying on the ground. Instead of returning it, Dean decides to steal it. This choice will change his life. Dean believes that being an adult is easy and wishes he could finally be an adult. The principal's pin grants his wish and the next morning he wakes up the principal. Dean is thrilled......until his own adult series of unfortunate awful challenges begin. He quickly learns that being an adult is not easy. Each time he tries to make things more fun it back fires on him. The adult struggles Dean faces are presented in the most humorous way. Despite all the laugher, this book is full of lessons, values, and a whole lot of heart. It is the full package!
December 17, 2023
Dean is in 3rd grade and frustrated by all the adults telling him what to do. He just wishes he was an adult. But you've gotta be careful what you wish for!
The story is a pretty fast read and would be great for young readers. My son is 6 and will be reading it next and I think it's well in his abilities to read independently. Dean is super relatable for kids, and I think the story provides an important lesson that rules and structure are there for a reason and keep kids safe and healthy. The mom says things I would say to my kids, which I loved. The illustrations are fun to look at and provide a lot to the story. Overall, such a cute and relatable read and I definitely recommend it for any elementary school kiddos, or really anyone!
The story is a pretty fast read and would be great for young readers. My son is 6 and will be reading it next and I think it's well in his abilities to read independently. Dean is super relatable for kids, and I think the story provides an important lesson that rules and structure are there for a reason and keep kids safe and healthy. The mom says things I would say to my kids, which I loved. The illustrations are fun to look at and provide a lot to the story. Overall, such a cute and relatable read and I definitely recommend it for any elementary school kiddos, or really anyone!
February 18, 2024
My 9-year-old daughter loved this book! Overall, she stayed engaged and wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next, related to the character, and enjoyed the storyline, she also liked the illustration sketches in the back of the story. In her words: “Dean is a nice kid but he became the principal because he got upset, which is how I’ve felt before, but he took it too far by taking the principal’s pin and wished to be a grown-up; and at first he liked becoming the principal, but he tries to do cool things as an adult that end in chaos, and he starts to feel overwhelmed; by the end of the story he learns to not want to grow up too fast since you’re only a kid once, and being an adult is hard with a lot of responsibilities!”
December 18, 2023
Bad days can happen to anyone, especially in middle-grade school. This story captured the ups and downs of growing up and all life lessons we learn along the day. Our young protagonist, Dean, is fed up with school, and after a particularly bad day, his life will change forever.
Before the day is over, Dean finds a very familiar object on the floor. It's a very shiny and very important object, the principal's pin. He takes it home knowing this, and after a bad argument with his mom, he wishes he was an adult. Well, like the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for. I loved this story not only because it taught young readers the importance of hard work, honesty, and patience. This book may be only 72 pages, but the illustrations were so much fun, and it should be added to any school library and young readers hands.
Before the day is over, Dean finds a very familiar object on the floor. It's a very shiny and very important object, the principal's pin. He takes it home knowing this, and after a bad argument with his mom, he wishes he was an adult. Well, like the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for. I loved this story not only because it taught young readers the importance of hard work, honesty, and patience. This book may be only 72 pages, but the illustrations were so much fun, and it should be added to any school library and young readers hands.
May 22, 2025
This book is such a relatable story with a magical element that kids will love!
Dean is tired of being a kid and all that it entails. When he finds a magical pin belonging to the principal, he is surprised to wake up AS the principal! As often happens in these stories, what starts out as fun and games has its flip side. With each decision that Dean makes, hoping to make life at school more kid-friendly, consequences follow. Maybe being an adult isn't as easy as Dean thought.
The fun, full-color illustrations add a fun element to this fast-moving story for elementary-aged kids who would love to grow up too soon.
Dean is tired of being a kid and all that it entails. When he finds a magical pin belonging to the principal, he is surprised to wake up AS the principal! As often happens in these stories, what starts out as fun and games has its flip side. With each decision that Dean makes, hoping to make life at school more kid-friendly, consequences follow. Maybe being an adult isn't as easy as Dean thought.
The fun, full-color illustrations add a fun element to this fast-moving story for elementary-aged kids who would love to grow up too soon.
December 13, 2023
Ever dream of becoming an adult - only to find it’s all wrong? Ya, me too! This story highlights that very wish with funny twists and adorable illustrations. We especially liked the inclusion of his sketches in the back of the book. The early middle-grade reader will definitely keep the child’s attention and encourage them to keep the pages turning. It’s a good read-aloud for younger children too. Questions at the end of the story will help children with comprehension and to open any needed discussion. Recommended.
December 21, 2023
Dean's Magical Mix Up: The Principal's Pin was a fun, quick read with cute drawings!
It included an interesting look into the way children idealise being adults only to find out that it's not always all it's cracked up to be and the subsequent longing for the simpler days of childhood.
I also liked how it showed that people sometimes disregard others' opinions and advice because they are 'in charge' and how the MC learnt that his decisions weren't automatically the best.
It included an interesting look into the way children idealise being adults only to find out that it's not always all it's cracked up to be and the subsequent longing for the simpler days of childhood.
I also liked how it showed that people sometimes disregard others' opinions and advice because they are 'in charge' and how the MC learnt that his decisions weren't automatically the best.
November 25, 2023
This is such a cute story about a child who wish of becoming an adult is granted and goes very wrong. The theme is very relatable because, lets face it, most kids wish to be an adult at one point or another when they don't get their way. This book is silly and has cute illustrations. It's definitely worth checking out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
This book would make an excellent summer reading book. It is the perfect reminder that the grass is not always greener in life! Your kids will love it!
December 15, 2023
✨This was a super cute MG read about a boy who has one of the worst days ever and wishes he could just be a grown up and do whatever he wants. Of course, he gets his wish in the most surprising of ways and hilarity, reality, and a good does of discovery ensues.
✨This book was really sweet. It read super quickly, but the story was packed full of interest and meaning, and (to my surprise), full color illustrations. It’s the kind of book that my own MG readers kept asking me about while I read it, and then one of them snagged it as soon as I finished it and began reading it for himself. The book is a treat, big on heart, self discovery, and the joy of being a kid. I highly recommend it for the young readers in your life!
✨This book was really sweet. It read super quickly, but the story was packed full of interest and meaning, and (to my surprise), full color illustrations. It’s the kind of book that my own MG readers kept asking me about while I read it, and then one of them snagged it as soon as I finished it and began reading it for himself. The book is a treat, big on heart, self discovery, and the joy of being a kid. I highly recommend it for the young readers in your life!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews