A Royal Little Pest. Anita Reynolds MacArthur. Illustrated by Karen Roy. Pickering, ON: Pollywog Bog Books (Distributed by Fitzhenry & Whiteside), 2008. 32 pp., hardcover, $17.95. ISBN 978-0-9810575-0-7. Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 3-6. Review by Reesa Cohen. *** /4 Reviewed from f&g's.

Prince Hayden MacCheeky is not an endearing or loveable character. In fact, he embodies the book's title of being "a royal little pest." He has the nasty habit of imitating his older brother, Prince Campbell, who is exasperated by his behaviour, and he also irritates his older sister, Ava, who finds him obnoxious because he constantly "bugs" her.

     When Hayden's royal siblings exclude him from their playing together, he ends up sulking and being jealous. However, thanks to the Queen mother, Hayden rethinks his actions and a life's lesson is taught.

     Young readers will enjoy how the designers of this book have capitalized several words throughout the story for emphasis, even incorporating several phrases of the text into the bizarre and very colourful illustrations. Digitally created via Adobe illustrator, these pictures take centre stage in this story. They are comical and vibrant, featuring the peculiar royal dog, Goober, in an assortment of hilarious poses.

Recommended.

Reesa Cohen is a retired instructor of Children's Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba.

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