The Ginger Princess

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Harvard,
Massachusetts.

Mimi Kiguchi makes the acquaintance of a little stray kitten that she
names Ginger Princess. Mimi does everything she can to protect the
kitten, but the neighbourhood bullies capture her for their science
experiment. Mimi is inspired to action by the fable of The Peach Boy
Momotaro who, while on a quest to destroy some ogres, enlists the help
of friends to successfully complete the attack. Mimi and her friends
devise a plan that works beautifully. Not only do Mimi and her friends
rescue the Ginger Princess, but Mimi also rescues her grandfather’s
friend from devastating loneliness, thereby saving two lives.

This reprint of Mimi and the Ginger Princess, which was originally
published in 1988, will be especially enjoyed by young girls and animal
lovers. Mimi is forced by her family situation to be self-reliant and
resourceful, and although some of her tactics in facing the bullies are
a little reckless, she has the best intentions and some good luck. The
author cleverly ties together the fable with the main plot, and there is
a nice use of humour brought to the story in the actions of Mimi’s
little brother and her friend’s dog. Although there is some physical
fighting, it is presented in a comical way, and it is the girls’
cleverness that ultimately saves the kitten. This a sweet story overall
that has a very gentle quality and enduring appeal. Recommended.