If you’ve heard of it, you’ve likely heard The Prince and the Dressmaker compared to a fairy tale. There are a bunch of reasons for that — the royal premise, the Cinderella-like experiences of the lead — but mostly, I find it accurate because of the unexpected happy ending.

There’s nothing wrong with that! I don’t believe Jen Wang (In Real Life) intended to create a realistic portrayal, but a lovely fable of what things could look like if everyone’s able to do what they want without fear of discovery.

Frances is a lowly seamstress who listens to the young lady she’s selected to make a dress for at the last minute instead of her overbearing mama. The lady doesn’t like the whole social fuss, so she requests a “ghastly” outfit that makes her “look like the devil’s wench.” Frances creates a proto-goth gown in see-through black with an abundance of feathers that brings her to the attention of a customer who will change her life.

Prince Sebastian is in Paris for his parents to select a bride for him. He likes to wear dresses, going out in the evening in dramatic, beautiful gowns made for him by Frances. (It’s the only thing in his life he can control.) She agrees to keep his secret in return for the ability to advance in her career — designing fabulous dresses is her dream job. She accepts him, and he gives her all kinds of opportunities. With caveats.

Wang’s art is perfectly suited for a story with such fanciful elements. (It’s set in the modern age a while ago, combining both royalty and the birth of the department store.) The gowns are gorgeous, the settings dreamy, and the characters expressive and emotional. Particularly interesting is the way the dresses are drawn without black lines, making them seem more unreal and magical. The whole book is welcoming and comfortable, a pleasant change from more realistic stories about what it means to be a young man who doesn’t fit in.

Although many will love it, that part of the story didn’t speak to me as much as Frances’ struggles as a creative artist. She’s offered the chance to sell out but does she want to make the changes her potential patron demands for commercial reasons? Is the work enough if she doesn’t get the recognition for it she deserves?

The Prince and the Dressmaker is an involving work where the reader cares about the characters and the choices they make. Would that we all could find our way with loved ones as supportive as those shown here. (The publisher provided a digital review copy.)

I love that this book turned the traditional "prince looking for a bride" story upside down. The prince isn't your typical prince, which means that finding the right girl to marry is even more complicated. I wouldn't recommend this to elementary students but definitely for middle school students and older. There isn't anything inappropriate but there are concepts that I think are better discussed when readers are more mature (ie. that you should marry someone who loves you as you are.)

THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER is one of the most charming books I've read. Certainly the most charming graphic novel. It's just so fun, cute, and creative. I think the strongest aspect of the book is how Wang discusses gender issues and norms. This book is alllll about inclusiveness and just being who you are. I think it provides some excellent messages for people of any age. Highly recommend this one.

What a great concept. It is cute and adorable, as well as sweet. I can't comment much on the graphics because it didn't work quite well on any of my devices. But aside from that, the story is heartwarming and the characters are charming.

Absolutely one of my favorite graphic novels I've read. So sweet and heartwarming, and still gives me a sunny feeling when I look back on this story.
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It's full of good people and great dresses - gosh, what a wonderful combination. My favorite book I've read so far this year - I want to recommend it to so many people! We ended up ordering two extra copies at my library because word got around about how sweet it was - we couldn't keep it on the shelf. Absolutely lovely.

I absolutely adored this book, which was both a bit of a delightful surprise and the first step in laying a foundation of affection for everything that comes after this!

So cute, so original, explains gender issues in such a clear and easy to understand way that will make readers stop and think 'oh, maybe this isn't that different'.

A sweet book about inclusiveness and being yourself. The art was beautiful. I will be recommending this at my library.

Such a great read. I love the premise and the characters. The idea of the prince learning to accept himself is the message we should be sending.

The story of Prince Sebastian and his dressmaker Frances is a gorgeously drawn fairy tale infused with amazing fashion sense and a dose of contemporary sensibility--and a bit of wish-fulfillment. Sebastian's need to find his place royally, and his need to express himself, need to dovetail with Frances' professional fulfillment. How Wang achieves these goals might raise an eyebrow in terms of elder royal behavior (not that it wouldn't be lovely, but is it -likely-?), but this is a fairy tale. On a number of different levels. Its broad appeal means I have had to wait in line to look at it more than once, as my 11-year-old son is currently reading it (again).

This has to be the single cutest graphic novel ever!
The Prince and the Dressmaker is about three things in my mind:

1) Jen Wang's has written a story of a young prince and a dressmaker (a gal) who happen upon each other and wait for it.... DON'T fall into romantic love. Yes that's right don't have insta-love, triangles or any other ridiculousness that so many books seem to have these days. Instead they have gorgeous, and comfortable friendship love. Because of this set-up the morale at the end of the story allows this graphic novel to be read by anyone of any age. I can totally see a five-year-old loving this story and thinking it's so fun! I can also imagine some children (male or female) that start asking about wearing clothes like the opposite sex; which is truly why this book is so brilliant.
Anytime a child can look at you and not understand why you have prejudice it means that your prejudice is loosely founded in lies or that your logic makes no actual sense without societal context. It's my absolute favourite thing about kids between 3-6; their inability to understand why we always seem to say one thing and do another. I love those little ones who call out the adults around them for not doing what they say.

2) So, obviously now, one of the best parts of the story is that the prince enjoys wearing women's clothing. Now I don't think most people need to be told that if you are a part of 'formal' royalty (not the kind that are in the gay pride parade, ;) ) that a royal's existence is all about image, formality and traditional. So cross-dressing is/would be generally frowned upon (although I an dying to see Prince Charles in a ball gown). Wang chooses to demonstrate and refute why it shouldn't matter what your wearing. She does this by never asking the question about what makes certain clothing on certain people so incorrect or objectionable. This is a brilliant approach as it leaves the 'learned by society' crap out of the entire discussion.

3) And finally the art is sooo adorable. On every page I just want to pinch or squish the cute cheeks of our dressmaker. I really enjoyed the many moments in which he made such a convincing girl! Half of the girls who read this will possibly wish they had the princes dresses to wear themselves. This may seem insignificant but think on it for a minute; those girls won't be thinking about why the prince is wearing 'girl' clothes; but instead why they want to wearing those pretty dresses.

Overall
In case it's not obvious from my three favourite things above let me spell this out; The Prince and the Dressmaker is brilliant because it never asks the question about why the Prince wishes to wear dresses. Wang doesn't allow the prejudices, society influences or dark history to bleed into the story. Instead she simply presents a situation and leaves the reader unable to refute why the Prince shouldn't wear dresses. Not only does this allow the children reading it to just accept it; but it doesn't carry the prejudices forward. Additionally it leaves parents unable to refute that there isn't any really 'good' reason why the Prince can't wear dresses. Because as soon as you get into that thought all you're left with are reasons the story ignores.

Taking a topic that is controversial or difficult and turning it into a story that children can love and connect with is so important. It leaves them to decide what they think. I for one think can't wait for Jen Wang's next book on a seemingly difficult topic so that I can also see a way to take the noise out of a topic the way she so brilliantly does here.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

Prince Sebastian’s parents are determined to find him a wife but all he wants to do is sneak out into the Parisian nightlife and dress up in beautiful gowns. His best friend Frances is only one of two people who knows his secret and as Sebastian’s seamstress for his secret life as Lady Crystallia, her skills must also remain a secret. Frances must decide how long to set her dreams aside as a fashion designer in order to keep her friend’s secret.

This was nothing like what I was expecting and it was absolutely magnificent. I actually hadn’t known the synopsis prior to reading this, as it was recommended to me by the publisher for Paris Month. I was so pleasantly surprised to realize Prince Sebastian’s secret passion and that this narrative had been made into a fantastic graphic novel. It was so refreshing to read such a unique tale – a beautiful story about being true to oneself and what the cost may be for following your dreams.

I loved the style of illustration, reminding me at times of Kiki’s Delivery Service and other similar types of art. The Prince and the Dressmaker is a wonderful modern-day fairy tale that breaks out of the norms and tropes of usual fairy tale stories. It had a similar vibe to the newer generation of Disney/Pixar movies like Frozen, where the writers take a story you think you know and turn it upside down. Prince Sebastian and Frances are multi-dimensional characters with, to those around them, unconventional dreams. Truly a phenomenal graphic novel that everyone must read!

In the past, the mass media has presented only one type of norm, the perfect family situation with a husband, wife, and two to three somewhat "ordinary" children. Unfortunately, reality doesn't match this utopia, so those on the "outside" are made to feel inconsequential for not meeting this ideal. Recently there has been a turnabout with books, television, movies, and even the news, celebrating a diversity of practices. With this change has come an acknowledgement of the LGBTQ community who continue to fight for a positive affirmation. While we aren't quite there yet, it's important that literature for children reflect this dynamic so the next generation grows up with a receptive perception of these "alternative" lifestyles which are actually quite common place. Even more important is to develop a prevailing existence of role models who reflect the reader's intrinsic sensibilities so that they, too, can proudly hold their heads high without hiding their innate psyches.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang is just such a book. Taking place in Paris where the first mega department store is going to open, the King and Queen of Brussels are visiting their French cousin with their sixteen year old son, Prince Sebastian. The King is pushing for his son to marry, even at this young age, to secure the future throne. He is even being allowed to choose which of the eligible ladies would suit him best, as compared to his parents' arranged marriage. Sebastian, however, has a secret which he fears will embarrass his family and any future spouse. He loves fashion, and not just any fashion, but women's clothing - the more outlandish the better! So when he sees an unusual, but creative style garment at his introductory ball, he sends for the seamstress with an eye for such spectacular design, so she can develop similar avante garde creations for himself to wear.

Frances is excited to design for royalty, even if the fabulous dresses are for the prince. Together they go out into society, he under the persona of Lady Crystallia who becomes a trendsetter in the Paris Fashion World, she as his designer. As Sebastian's fame grows, so does his worries of being discovered, forcing him to distance himself from Frances despite their budding attraction and close friendship. Although she loves Sebastian for who he is, she also needs to pursue her dreams of becoming a noted couturier.

How this tale is resolved is heartwarming, despite some emotional drama. Will his parents reject a son who does not meet their expectations? Can society accept a cross dresser as royalty? Does Sebastian need to suppress the Lady Crystallia inside or can he continue going out in public showing his authentic self? Can he find true love outside the normal aristocratic channels? And can Frances develop avant garde creations using her genuine talents or must she suppress her inner genius and conform to the norms dictated by the rules of French Fashion?

This is some heavy stuff for a graphic novel, beautifully written and illustrated by Wang who is often able to advance the storyline just with her drawings, letting the expressive faces tell the tale without any words. The color pops, the fashion stuns, the storyline surprises, the ending positively resolves a touchy subject. The cartoon like illustrations lend themselves towards middle school, although older students will also appreciate the gender fluid, transvestite subject matter.

Four stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lovely story and the artwork is beautiful. It is about accepting yourself and being honest with yourself and your family about who you really are on the inside. The story was captivating, and is a new version of CInderella (or maybe Cinderman?) for the modern era.

The first thing about this book that caught my eye was the exquisite artwork. There was such an attention to detail that is shown in comic books. While geared towards young adults, it's a fun read for adults as well! The dresses are really the star of the show throughout the entire book and the reader is always surprised by the newest dress.

This story is a great read for younger adults due to the lessons of coming of age and self acceptance. It highlights some subjects that are typically tough to deal with when coming of age and leaves you cheering for the characters in the last few chapters.

If you are looking for a book with amazing illustrations and a story to match with it, this is definitely the one!

The Prince and the Dressmaker was fantastic. I loved the art and the fashion, but more importantly, I loved the characters. Frances and Sebastian understood and didn’t judge each other, and Sebastian especially needed that in his life. I loved the ending, too. While I questioned how historically accurate it would have been to have such an ending, I found that I really didn’t care. Had Sebastian really existed, I would have wanted the exact same ending regardless of what the culture’s attitudes were at the time. Finally, I appreciated how nothing was defined or labeled, and while some struggled with Sebastian at first, in the end everything was happy. To me, it was something of a fairy tale, but without the magic.

Immediately bought this for my classroom library! I can't tell you enough how much I loved not only the writing but the images as well, the drawing was delightful and impactful and I'm obsessed. I have already gotten so much joy from lending this book to my students who can finally see themselves reflected in this literature. A brilliant book with amazing representation and emotional depth!!

Well, this is ridiculously cute. The artwork is gorgeous, the story is compelling, and the central romance has a unique twist that I haven't seen before.

Adorable! I love this book! This will be one of the books that I recommend over the summer and have already posted it as my this month's staff pick.

I don’t have enough words for how much I loved this book! What a cute, tender, and lovely story about exploring and being true to who you are. This is a book about romance, art, expression, friendship, and understanding - with a great message, and a great story.

This is a quick read, but it leaves you feeling so fulfilled. I would definitely recommend it for younger audiences, and for anyone who is looking to explore who they are. Exceptional - and a great, light read for anyone who is looking for a heartwarming and lovely story about identity, friendship, acceptance, and love.