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The Princess in Black #9
The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess
There’s trouble under the sea! Can the Princess in Black and her new mermaid friend put a stop to a big blue kraken’s shenanigans? The Princess in Black and her friends are enjoying a day of sun and sea on Princess Sneezewort’s royal boat when a real, live mermaid princess emerges from the waves! Eeeeeee! Princess Posy needs their help protecting her very cute sea goats from being eaten by a very greedy kraken. But the princesses and the Goat Avenger quickly realize that fighting underwater can be tough for land dwellers, and only the mermaid Princess Posy can save the day. Can the masked heroes help her learn that being a princess means more than just being nice—it means speaking up? An ode to using your voice (along with a kelp-tree swing or two), this newest installment in the New York Times best-selling series is a splish-splashing good time.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
54 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Hale
145 books14.1k followersShannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 30, 2022
The Princess in Black, the Princess in Blankets, and the Goat Avenger are sailing on the Lively Turnip when they spot a sad Mermaid Princess. She needs help with a Kraken problem under the sea. Her sea goats (capricorns) are in danger! When the big blue kraken shows his face, he gets a KELP-TREE SWING! A KRIMPLE-DANCE RAM! And a PATTY-CAKE PATTY CAKE BAKER SLAM! Love the colorful sea world that illustrator LeUyen Pham has created complete with a narwhal named Krimpledance, sponges who dislike being used to wash dishes by the merpeople, and Guff the capricorn boy. Princess in Black is better than ever!
February 6, 2024
If you need a great intro to chapter books for your kiddos, the Princess In Black series is it! My 6 year old twins have loved every book we’ve read in this series-it also helps that every page has illustrations that help keep them interested. Cute story overall about princesses who are not only adorable, but can also fight against evil monsters and save the day!!
July 5, 2022
Super cute. Hope to see Princess Posy in future books in the series. Loved that the book teaches girls to speak up for themselves.
January 1, 2023
My favorite character was princess Poy! She was a mermaid. my favorite thing that happened in the book was when they met the mermaid.
April 6, 2022
Our kids were excited to finally have another one from this series again. My 8yo was able to read it aloud to his little sister, which was sweet. They aren’t super deep stories but they’re colorful and had some spots where the kids laughed, especially because this one had comparisons with the earlier books but it all happened under the sea instead.
June 20, 2022
Definitely my favorite in the series thus far, and not just for the Goat Avenger fanboying over sea goats. The humor was just spot-on this time, and Princess Posy learning to speak up is just the icing on the cake.
And did I mention that there are sea goats?
And did I mention that there are sea goats?
February 2, 2022
The SQUEALING this one drew from me.
February 5, 2022
Yay for more Princess in Black! And a mermaid princess? This will make many readers happy!
February 21, 2022
This is my favorite in the series in quite a while. Plus, it’s extra fun that this time R read it aloud to me! It’s just at her level. Yay for mermaids!
February 21, 2022
A mermaid princess, much squealing from our regular heroine, and a bit of empowerment. Speaking up to help your friends (who may be eaten by a kraken) is always good.
March 11, 2022
This series is always so charming and cute! I especially loved seeing Princess Posey's journey into standing up for her kingdom and herself.
August 30, 2025
Cute and fun as usual.
February 21, 2022
After the monster needs a tubby one, this is probably my favorite for its lesson and art! 🤩
June 28, 2023
A story about mermaids, friendship, and standing up for yourself!
I was delighted to see this book over at Library #3! The Princess in Black series is quite fun to read and I was curious about her (and her friends) adventures under the sea~
In this book we see the Princess in Black and two of her friends go on a trip on sea. Sun, sea, water. What more do you want? Well our Princess in Black would love to see mermaids. XD Her wish is granted and so begins a fun adventure along with a fantastic (and hilarious) battles~
Posy was such a sweet character, but she really needs to learn to say no and speak up. Because this girl just let everyone walk over her. From someone who stores their crap in Posy’s room (yes, really), to people using sponges as cleaning appliances, to many more. I was just hoping that our Princess in Black, and her friends of course, would be able to tell Posy that being a princess is more than those rules and letting people walk over you. Being a princess is much more, and much more fun! I loved seeing Princess Posy change bit by bit, page by page. She saw her new friends do some fab things, and she helped them out as the story continued. I loved seeing her kick butt, not just with the monsters, but also pick up with saying no.
I had such a big laugh at how our Princess in Black was when she met Posy, the mermaid princess. Haha, I would have been the same. Mermaids are just so fantastic!
I loved how many similarities there were with the land-side. We got goats, just even more adorable and with fins and tails and such. We got monsters, but really more water-like monsters. There is a princess who has big responsibilities but who just wants to have a bit more fun.
The ending was just so happy and I was just smiling. I wish I could be part of this group of friends! They have such fun adventures~
I am also glad it wasn’t about climate change. I know this sounds weird, but I have read or seen one too many books about climate change and going to the beach. I get that climate change is important to talk about but I am already being thrown to death on Twitter, newspaper sites and newspapers themselves, news, TV, other stuff about the topic and I am just getting depressed and feeling crappy about it. Books are, at least fiction, for me a way to escape from everything doom. But lately we are getting more and more climate change in books. So yeah, happy that this one was just a fun book about standing up for yourself, water fun, friendship, and superhero stuff!
All in all, this was a fun book in the series and I am happy that the library had it in stock~ I would recommend it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was delighted to see this book over at Library #3! The Princess in Black series is quite fun to read and I was curious about her (and her friends) adventures under the sea~
In this book we see the Princess in Black and two of her friends go on a trip on sea. Sun, sea, water. What more do you want? Well our Princess in Black would love to see mermaids. XD Her wish is granted and so begins a fun adventure along with a fantastic (and hilarious) battles~
Posy was such a sweet character, but she really needs to learn to say no and speak up. Because this girl just let everyone walk over her. From someone who stores their crap in Posy’s room (yes, really), to people using sponges as cleaning appliances, to many more. I was just hoping that our Princess in Black, and her friends of course, would be able to tell Posy that being a princess is more than those rules and letting people walk over you. Being a princess is much more, and much more fun! I loved seeing Princess Posy change bit by bit, page by page. She saw her new friends do some fab things, and she helped them out as the story continued. I loved seeing her kick butt, not just with the monsters, but also pick up with saying no.
I had such a big laugh at how our Princess in Black was when she met Posy, the mermaid princess. Haha, I would have been the same. Mermaids are just so fantastic!
I loved how many similarities there were with the land-side. We got goats, just even more adorable and with fins and tails and such. We got monsters, but really more water-like monsters. There is a princess who has big responsibilities but who just wants to have a bit more fun.
The ending was just so happy and I was just smiling. I wish I could be part of this group of friends! They have such fun adventures~
I am also glad it wasn’t about climate change. I know this sounds weird, but I have read or seen one too many books about climate change and going to the beach. I get that climate change is important to talk about but I am already being thrown to death on Twitter, newspaper sites and newspapers themselves, news, TV, other stuff about the topic and I am just getting depressed and feeling crappy about it. Books are, at least fiction, for me a way to escape from everything doom. But lately we are getting more and more climate change in books. So yeah, happy that this one was just a fun book about standing up for yourself, water fun, friendship, and superhero stuff!
All in all, this was a fun book in the series and I am happy that the library had it in stock~ I would recommend it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 9, 2021
The Princess in Black has set sail on the seas! Along with her friends the Princess in Blankets and the Goat Avenger, the young heroes are looking forward to a day of adventure. It's the Princess in Blacks greatest wish to see a mermaid and this voyage turns out to be her lucky day when they see one swimming by. Upon hearing of a problem in the mermaid kingdom, they eagerly accept an invitation to help. There's many similarities between the kingdoms but being out of their element will the heroes be able to save the day?
I absolutely loved this novel! I'm a fan of The Princess in Black series and this might be my favourite instalment yet. The story itself was so fun and the illustrations definitely added and elaborated on the humourous elements of the story. Seeing The Princess in Black freak out excitedly about mermaids was a treat, as was the Goat Avengers reactions to Capricorns (Sea goats!). I loved how together they helped Princess Posy realize the importance of speaking up and finding her own strength. A brilliant engaging tale that will leave readers with a smile on their faces.
Fans of the series and those who love mermaids will absolutely adore The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess. With a nice large font, numerous full colour illustrations, and a great sense of fun it's sure to become a favourite for families. An excellent beginner chapter book that won't intimidate and will teach readers the value of using their voice.
Thank you to Candlewick Press for a digital copy to review.
I absolutely loved this novel! I'm a fan of The Princess in Black series and this might be my favourite instalment yet. The story itself was so fun and the illustrations definitely added and elaborated on the humourous elements of the story. Seeing The Princess in Black freak out excitedly about mermaids was a treat, as was the Goat Avengers reactions to Capricorns (Sea goats!). I loved how together they helped Princess Posy realize the importance of speaking up and finding her own strength. A brilliant engaging tale that will leave readers with a smile on their faces.
Fans of the series and those who love mermaids will absolutely adore The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess. With a nice large font, numerous full colour illustrations, and a great sense of fun it's sure to become a favourite for families. An excellent beginner chapter book that won't intimidate and will teach readers the value of using their voice.
Thank you to Candlewick Press for a digital copy to review.
February 22, 2022
The ninth in this series.
The princess and two good friends - The Princess in Blankets and The Goat Avenger, set off on a sea adventure. They do meet the Mermaid Princess and help her take care of her kingdom and save it from a monster. In the end, all is well and the Princesses head off for the next adventure.
The Hales continue to develop these characters so readers identify with them and their lives. In this one, the Mermaid Princess learns to be bolder and speak up for herself and others. Pham's illustrations bring the scenes to life and make readers feel like they are standing in them too.
The princess and two good friends - The Princess in Blankets and The Goat Avenger, set off on a sea adventure. They do meet the Mermaid Princess and help her take care of her kingdom and save it from a monster. In the end, all is well and the Princesses head off for the next adventure.
The Hales continue to develop these characters so readers identify with them and their lives. In this one, the Mermaid Princess learns to be bolder and speak up for herself and others. Pham's illustrations bring the scenes to life and make readers feel like they are standing in them too.
June 7, 2022
The Princess in Black and her friends meet a Mermaid Princess. The Mermaid Princess has problems which sound very similar to their own, but can they deal with monsters underwater like they deal with them on land?
I like that the heroes and heroines in this make a mess of things (with good intent) and provide the inspiration for the Mermaid Princess to fix things herself. Sometimes we just need a boost of moral and sometimes the problems are best dealt with by the locals. Without diving too deep into messages that we could get out of this, the kids will love it for the underwater adventure and new world to explore.
Notes on content: Monsters are battled with, but no one is seriously hurt.
I like that the heroes and heroines in this make a mess of things (with good intent) and provide the inspiration for the Mermaid Princess to fix things herself. Sometimes we just need a boost of moral and sometimes the problems are best dealt with by the locals. Without diving too deep into messages that we could get out of this, the kids will love it for the underwater adventure and new world to explore.
Notes on content: Monsters are battled with, but no one is seriously hurt.
January 13, 2023
Delightful - I loved the Princess in Black, Goat Avenger, and the Princess in Blankets having adventures underwater in the (almost just like the terrestrial world) kingdom Princess Posy. My kids loved the sponges and the sea goats and the fact that the underwater goat boy was basically the same as duff, and of course the sea monster.
I loved the way the book tried to push back on what it means to be a nice person and how that doesn't mean that you let everyone walk all over you or defer to what they want. I think that's a really, really important message and I thought it as handled really well here.
I loved the way the book tried to push back on what it means to be a nice person and how that doesn't mean that you let everyone walk all over you or defer to what they want. I think that's a really, really important message and I thought it as handled really well here.
April 3, 2022
My granddaughter and I loved this new Princess in Black book.
While out on a friend's boat, the Princess in Black and a few friends meet Princess Posy, a real live mermaid. Princess Posy have problems with kraken who terrorize her cute sea goats. The friends try to help her, but fighting under water is very different from fighting on land. Still, they inspired Princess Posy to take on and battle the kraken on her own.
I love that this book in the series encourages children (especially girls) to speak up and use their voice on behalf of themselves and others.
While out on a friend's boat, the Princess in Black and a few friends meet Princess Posy, a real live mermaid. Princess Posy have problems with kraken who terrorize her cute sea goats. The friends try to help her, but fighting under water is very different from fighting on land. Still, they inspired Princess Posy to take on and battle the kraken on her own.
I love that this book in the series encourages children (especially girls) to speak up and use their voice on behalf of themselves and others.
April 7, 2022
The Princess in Black and her trusty sidekicks, Princess in Blankets and Goat Avenger, set out to find a mermaid. Sure enough, they meet and team up with Princess Posy to protect her colorful underwater kingdom from the Kracken monsters. The Princess in Black shares an important tip for managing her kingdom, “Speak up!” This series is a favorite with beginning readers for good reason. It has fast-paced action, snappy dialog, humor, smart characters, vile monsters, and colorful illustrations. This installment will not disappoint.
June 22, 2022
Another fun book in the Princess in Black series! The focus in this one is about encouraging one to speak up, and that speaking up doesn't mean that one isn't nice. The idea of women and girls needing to be silent to be seen as nice is something that is challenged here, and it was quite refreshing. Very cute.
For: fans of princesses and superheroes; readers wanting a good starter chapter book; readers looking for a funny, entertaining, compelling read.
Possible red flags: monster fighting; discussions and then subversions of traditional gender and class roles.
For: fans of princesses and superheroes; readers wanting a good starter chapter book; readers looking for a funny, entertaining, compelling read.
Possible red flags: monster fighting; discussions and then subversions of traditional gender and class roles.
February 14, 2022
Yay for an attentive son who works at a library! I got to read this so promptly because he spotted it and brought it home for me!
Anyway, yay for the Hales, too. Ninth in the series... the idea must be exhausted now, after this one. This one, though, this was great. If you like SF, consider the ocean a new world. If you like travel, consider it a new country. Best playdate ever! And don't miss the very last wordless page....
Anyway, yay for the Hales, too. Ninth in the series... the idea must be exhausted now, after this one. This one, though, this was great. If you like SF, consider the ocean a new world. If you like travel, consider it a new country. Best playdate ever! And don't miss the very last wordless page....
January 31, 2022
The mermaid needs help because the Kraken is eating animals, called capricorns (sea goats). It is a serious problem. The Princess in Black and her friends get to see the underwater kingdom and animals. They try to fight the Kraken, but they have never fought in water so it is very hard. The mermaid gets brave and helps save the day. I like this book. (review by Devyn, 4th grade)
February 15, 2022
That was so fun! I loved the addition of the underwater world (plus some of the heroes introduced in the last book weren't included so it was a bit more manageable to keep track of everyone). There is a very clear message about speaking up for yourself but I think it was done in a way that doesn't come off as too preachy.
July 14, 2022
Accidentally our first Princess in Black read; but we jumped right into the action and adventure of going underwater to help a mermaid princess save her subjects from a kraken and another mermaid who isn't being kind. The book has more substance than just princesses and mermaids as we see the characters speak up for others who can't advocate for themselves.
April 29, 2023
perfect for a shy 1st grader!!
Teaches so many things: confidence, to speak up, making friends is fun, be brave!! Love this series. You can always be assured that the language in this series is age appropriate and the story is fun, which takes away the guess work of what your child is reading. Definitely recommend!
Teaches so many things: confidence, to speak up, making friends is fun, be brave!! Love this series. You can always be assured that the language in this series is age appropriate and the story is fun, which takes away the guess work of what your child is reading. Definitely recommend!
June 18, 2024
Fun, easy chapter book. Even though it was book #9, it was easy to follow with a new adventure and only a few old characters to keep track of. The illustrations were vibrant and really well done. Wording was easy and flowed nicely. A little bit of a message 'be nice, speak up/stand up for your friends...' but not super preachy.
September 6, 2024
These are the perfect chapter books to read to kids who want something more advanced than picture books, but still want those beautiful bright illustrations. The chapters are short so perfect for a bedtime story. The stories are fun, empowering, inclusive, and just a good time. My 5 year old thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
October 19, 2025
Princess in Black is fan girling when she meets a mermaid, Princess Posy who needs help keeping the sea goats safe from the Kraken. Fun story with great pictures. Princess Posy's new friends help her find her protective stance against the blue kraken to protect the sea goats and make some changes to her kingdom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews