The Princesses Read: Tiana

Dun, dun, dunnnn! *princess trumpet playing in the background…or should I say, alligator because Louis should clearly be rocking it here*

Today is the day that we’ve all be waiting for…or really, kind of, maybe been waiting for since Tuesday when I came up with my post. So, it kind of loses a bit of its oomph. Anyway, today is the beginning of a new segment on Book Princess Reviews, called The Princesses Read! Each Saturday, I will be showcasing a lovely Disney Princess (or when they run out, some other Disney leading ladies and more) and showcasing what they might be picking up if they were reading YA today. It will be based off their likes, interests, personalities, and their storyline. At the end, I will also feature a book that the Princess would NOT be picking up and a section of books that are based off either the plot or original princess fairytale. Check out more info here on my original post!

Without further ado, our very first Princess is…TIANA!

Tiana instantly became one of my Top Five Disney Princesses when I saw The Princess and the Frog a couple of years ago. She is so independent, caring, fierce, and hard-working. She works a few different jobs in New Orleans, as she is saving up money to open up her own restaurant just like her dad wanted. She is so ridiculously hard-working unlike a certain little flirty frog prince, and her baking/cooking sounds amazing. She never gives up, and her story is such an inspiring one. Plus I mean, there is epic songs, adorable talking animals, swoony moments, and everything else good.

So, what would Tiana be reading today if she picked up some YA books?

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

I definitely think Tiana would pick up this book, because it would bring back a lot of memories for her. This book is set in a wooden camp with some pools of waters with wonderful friendship making between the lead, Lucy, and her wonderful friend group. Therefore, Tiana can think back to all those lovely times she had almost getting eaten in the swamp…er, wait. All those times she was making friends in the swamp. Yes, yes, that’s much better. Also, the lead dreamboat, Henry, plays the trumpet, which will remind her of her favorite friend…um, alligator friend, Louis and her musical prince, Naveen.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

I know what you’re thinking: wrong Disney lady, Mandy. Get a grip. XD However, there is no question that Tiana loves to bake/cook. Her most famous dish? Those amazing beignets. The leading lady is Heartless, Cath, loves to bake as well. I’m sure her and Cath (well, Cath before she went evil like Dr. Facilier) would connect wonderfully, and Tiana would love all the recipes and ideas Cath comes up with when she’s baking. Although Tiana would probably not enjoy the uses of pumpkin in this novel – they just weren’t very practical. 😉

Credits to Philomel Books

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Ah, yes, the forgotten novel of Ruta Sepetys even though it is SO good. Tiana would definitely love this book. It’s based in the 1950s French Quarter of New Orleans, which is her home city and love. Not only does it just have the draw of the beloved city, it also has a strong heroine who has a dream as well. Although Josie is wishing to get out of New Orleans why Tiana is wishing to stay, both Tiana and Josie are hard-working ladies with fierce dreams that they will do anything to get them. Tiana will definitely connect with Josie, and I have a feeling she’ll love it. Plus there is a bit of a New Orleans underground in here that – while not magical – it can be kind of like Dr. Facilier’s creepiness.

Jackaby by William Ritter

Credits to Algonquin Young Readers

This seems like a very odd choice for Tiana because there really isn’t too much mystery/werewolf/old London vibe to her story. However, one of the more entertaining parts of the book involves how Abigail comes to be Jackaby’s assistant. His previous assistant had been turned into a duck accidentally by magic…much like how poor Tiana was as well. I think by now, she hopefully will look back at her time as a frog as a funny experience, much like how you would go, “OH, remember that time we were frogs, Naveen? HAHAHA…still hate you -_-” Er, maybe not. But I feel like she could connect a bit to that, and perhaps would think of Jackaby like a Mama Odie figure since he is a supernatural helper/detective man.

Peeled by Joan Bauer

Literally, I feel like this book was about apples. Just apples – oh, and some mystery – but mainly about apples. This town was filled with apple puns, recipes, actual apples, and more. I feel like Tiana would pick up this book, get some apple inspiration to bake/cook something with it, and then go eh and put it back down. But there is a villain that is kind of cartoonish, so you know, maybe she might be entertained. XD

 

Bonus Book: The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Credits to Disney/Hyperion

Clearly, I haven’t read this book yet, since it comes out in 2018. However, I was reading the review/summary, and I definitely think it would definitely interest Tiana. According to one review, the descriptions of the food is AMAZING (which Tiana would be obsessed with), it has an epicly strong heroine (the movie is full of fierce leading ladies especially Mama Odie and Tiana), it is based in Orléans (correct me if I’m wrong but this is the French city New Orleans was based off of), and according to Roshani Chokshi, “dances between the fine lines of glittering, glamorous and gruesome”…which The Princess and the Frog does at times (I’m looking you, Dr. Facilier for the gruesome parts). Tiana totally might be tempted to pick this book up…and I totally am. :O

 

A BOOK TIANA WOULD NOT READ:

Clearly, this is not YA, but I couldn’t help myself. If Tiana saw this, she would hop away from this book so fast. It would remind her of the days that flies actually seemed and looked tasted instead of the amazing food she was actually making like gumbo. And then it might remind her of her dear firefly, Ray. And then she might get sad. This book just needs to stay away from Tiana.

More Frog & The Princess Stories

Frogkisser! is really the only book I’ve read with a strong Princess and the Frog vibe to it. I mean, Anya, goes around kissing frogs…although Tiana’s frogkissing was a total mistake. Click here, though,if you would like to check out a YA list of Princess and the Frog retellings from Goodreads!

So, what do you think? Do you Tiana would be picking up these books? What other books do you think Tiana would be reading if she was into YA? Do you know any good Princess and the Frog retellings? Is Tiana your favorite Princess? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Also…here’s a hint for the very next Princess that will be coming this week! Think you know? She will officially be revealed earlier in the week.

Psst…they’re roses! :O 😉 …at least I’m pretty sure they are. D: