Sir Princess Petra's Talent

The Pen Pieyu Adventures

Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
106 Pages
Reviewed on (not set)
Buy on Amazon



Author Biography

Diane lives in a hilltop castle nestled amongst a very old and magical forest. In this magical forest, all the fantasy creatures one can imagine live and audition for parts in the author's next book.
The author is also an art teacher, editor, and writing instructor at the Creative Writing Institute.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite

Talent School? Why on earth should a princess knight have to go to talent school? In Sir Princess Petra’s Talent by Diane Mae Robinson, Princess Petra is commanded by the Royal Rule Book to attend Talent School and complete a certification of a proper princess talent before the age of ten. In the event that she did not complete talent school by age ten, then the royal magician would turn her into a frog and she would live in the bogs for five years. Having hushed the howling dragon in the Forest of Doom, Princess Petra is not happy about pursuing a proper princess talent, telling her father that it is sissy princess stuff. The tale that unfolds as Princess Petra, accompanied by Prince Duce Crablips, starts on her journey to Talent School and the discovery of her proper princess talent brings the reader to a surprise ending. What is Princess Petra’s talent?

The second book in the Pen Pieyu Adventures, Sir Princess Petra’s Talent continues a series of tales in the kingdom of Pen Pieyu that is peppered with the unique humor of Diane Mae Robinson. This is a fun book that sends a reluctant Sir Princess Petra on a quest to seek her proper princess talent. The reluctance is soon forgotten, as is often the case with 9-year-olds, and the hilarious adventure leads to a wonderful lesson about discovering our special skills and talents. Humorous, adventurous and revealing, Sir Princess Petra’s Talent is a delightful and meaningful continuation of an already wonderfully imaginative series.

Jack Magnus

Sir Princess Petra's Talent is the second volume in Diane Mae Robinson's fantasy/adventure series, The Pen Pieyu Adventures. While it is the second volume, Robinson adds enough background information to allow this tale to stand on its own. Petra's father, King Longstride, offered her anything she wished for her ninth birthday, and Petra asked to be made a knight of the realm. She fulfilled one of the three conditions necessary for becoming a royal knight and hushed the howling dragon. Petra discovered that Snarls, the dragon, had his tail stuck under some rocks, which was why he was howling. She helped him out, earned her title, Sir Princess Petra, and made a good friend and companion in the dragon Snarls. Now her father has issued a new decree via the royal rule book, which states that all Princess Knights must attend Talent School before they turn 10 years old. Petra is dismayed by this edict as all the talents the school offers are for "proper princess" stuff and not the skills she really needs to be a knight.

Diane Mae Robinson's fantasy adventure tale, Sir Princess Petra's Talent, is quite simply wonderful. It lets kids know that their interests don't have to be dictated by their gender. It's okay to hate girly stuff and frilly dresses if you're a girl or to love crochet and crafting if you're a boy. Then there are the talents like reading and learning which are less gender-specific. The message that Sir Princess Petra's Talent brings is that those skills are just as important, if not more so, than traditional boy/girl skills. Can Petra solves her problem with diplomacy, tact, and skill? Young readers will learn that, even in the tightest spots, if you give it enough thought, you can often turn a challenging situation into one with a great outcome. These are important messages for kids to hear, especially when they hear it in the form of an exciting and funny adventure with a fabulous Princess Knight and a Prince who crochets and wears pink.

Julia Hopkinson

Sir Princess Petra’s Talent is the second installment in Diane Mae Robinson’s illustrated series, The Pen Pieyu Adventures. This book includes a synopsis of the first book, in which Princess Petra became Pen Pieyu’s only knight so far - much to the dismay of her mother and father, the King and Queen - and obtained a pet dragon with a penchant for barbecue. The new tale describes the King’s attempt to thwart Petra’s knightliness by requiring her to acquire a Princess-like talent, and Petra’s own attempts to avoid learning “sissy princess stuff”, like crochet or knitting. Through the book, she and Snarls the dragon have several adventures, meet many new friends, and find the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their own talents.

Sir Princess Petra’s Talent is a pleasant read and great fun for kids; particularly, I imagine, for little girls, for whom chasing ganutes, befriending witches, and planning duels would be a hoot. The story contains some very funny bits, even for adults, and very lively characters with great names - Duce Crablips, Norton Nastybun, Letgo the crocodile! The book is a charming adventure with some witty lines and funny characters. I loved the character of Snarls, and Bograt’s rumours spread for her own gain and amusement. There is a lot of warmth in Diane Mae Robinson’s book which children and adults alike will enjoy.

Mamta Madhavan

Sir Princess Petra's Talent: The Pen Pieyu Adventures by Diane Mae Robinson is an adventure story that will take children on a ride of fantasy, whimsy, and imagination. The King and Queen of Pen Pieyu have a daughter, Princess Petra. Instead of behaving like a princess, she likes to show people that she is a noble knight. The rules in the Kingdom change and that requires the princess to attend Talent School. Though unhappy over her father's decision, Petra agrees to go. The messages of kindness and understanding dominate the evil forces in the story. What will Petra discover about herself in Talent School?

It is an adventure story filled with a lot of action, humor, and suspense. It is a theme that gives message about understanding, kindness and acceptance. The main character, Petra, is endearing and the other characters in the story are also imaginative and interesting. The pencil sketches in the story give life to the characters and the scenes. It is a book that should be kept in school libraries and also in one's personal collection. The fast paced story and the characters evoke a kind of magical feeling within readers, along with the beautiful sketches that give them personality.

The twists and turns and the sub-plots make the story intriguing and will keep young readers glued to the book till the very end. The messages given out in the story makes it more appealing.

Dr. Oliva Dsouza

Sir Princess Petra would rather be a knight in her father's Kingdom of Pen Pieyu than go to Talent School and learn a new skill that is more becoming of a princess. But the King and the Queen put their feet down on this issue. Sir Princess Petra is almost turned into a frog by the royal magician before she agrees (reluctantly) to go and earn her talent certificate at the school. Accompanied by her dragon, Snarls, she sets off on an adventure, gaining new friends and allies along the way. This journey also turns out to be a means of self discovery for Sir Princess Petra. Does she really earn her talent certificate from the Talent School?

Sir Princess Petra's Talent by Diane Mae Robinson is an exciting, delightful, and sweet story about an endearing princess, who is also the only Knight of her father's kingdom. The story teaches fantastic lessons about friendship, honor, self-worth, and discovering your own talents. Every child deserves to read this book. The lessons are worth it. The author has used her imagination to her creative best and managed to weave an extremely engaging story. This book is guaranteed to keep your little one glued to the story and out of your hair when you really need a break. Sir Princess Petra's antics are cute, hilarious, and heartwarming. She manages to steal your heart completely. Does she come into her own and find her real talent? Will she be able to impress her folks with her talent? Read on and your kid will want you to read it all over again for him/her.

Children's Literary Classics Book Awards

Princess stereotypes are gloriously debunked in this book about a royal who dares to be herself.Author Diane Mae Robinson's second book in the Pen Pieyu Adventures is a delightful read and one that is sure to engage and enthrall young readers. Sir Princess Petra's Talent is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval and Silver Medal.

Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer


Alinka Rutkowski, Award-Winning Author

I love this book series! In the author's first book, Sir Princess Petra (Pen Pieyu Adventures) , our princess proves that she can face many challenges, including an encounter with a dragon, Snarls, and can become a Knight (to her parents horror).

In "Sir Princess Petra's Talent," our heroine comes back to be sent to Talent School. Unfortunately finding the right course is not as easy as it may sound for Petra is not a very girly princess! After many adventures Petra does find what her talent is!

This is a wonderful, fast-paced story full of humor and profound messages - what a powerful combination! I'm eagerly awaiting sequels!

CDyess, Author

Robinson has once again beautifully written a story of a bravery

In book two you soon find Sir Princess Petra facing another dilemma. Her father conjures up more rules about what she must do in attempts to steer her from being a knight. But with all the grace this lady has she owns the charge and discovers so much more.

Robinson has once again beautifully written a story of a bravery, friendship, honor, trust and truth. Children will learn many lessons from this story and not just about onions! High recommendations!

Val Silver, Award-winning author

5 / 5 Val Silver, Award-winning author

Sir Princess Petra’s Talent is a light-hearted, fast reading and clever adventure. The subtle messages that girls and boys can pursue whatever interests them and can be true to themselves is woven throughout the story. Young readers will really enjoy this book.

Steve Lothian, Author

Sir Princess Petra's Talent is original, kinda quirky and plenty of fun. Sir Princess Petra’s Talent is a clever and fun adventure . . .the plot is original, kinda quirky and plenty of fun. I loved the humorous tone of the story and think the author has done a great job . . . this book is that it was awesome. I’m not normally a Princessy story kinda guy, but I have to say that this one was rather cool.

Jeanne Rogers, award-winning author

4/ 5 Jeanne Rogers, Award-winning Children's Author Wonderful Children's Fantasy

Diane M. Robinson has created a heroine unlike any other in children’s literature. Sir Princess Petra sets a fine example for young readers, and for young girls, as the Princess teaches them what’s really important, like friends, being true, brave, honest, and always having faith in your Dragon! Ms. Robinson sets the bar by writing a truly charming and imaginative adventure series and I heartily recommend it.

Stacie Theis, Beach Bound Books

5 / 5 Stacie Theis, Beach Bound Books

Sir Princess Petra's Talent is a whimsical tale and will amuse readers. Petra teaches the King and Queen, as well as young readers, that we all have our own unique talent and if we look inside ourselves we will discover our talent so we can share it with others. I highly recommend picking up Sir Princess Petra's Talent.

Mark Simon Smith, Children's Book Author

5 / 5 Mark Simon Smith, Children’s Book Author
Delightful and Fun. Author Diane Mae Robinson has done it again. Her first book was a captivating, light-hearted, and whimsical fantasy romp that immediately grabs the young reader's attention and holds it tight and the second is no different. The colorful descriptions and downright silly goofiness set these stories apart. I can't imagine the reader the wouldn't be interested in these books.

Matthew Lorentzen, Author

5 / 5 Matthew Lorentzen, The Writings, Verse, and Reviews of R. R. Howroar .Great sequel in a Fantastically humorous series! Great sequels do not come around as often as you might like. I can think of a few off hand that this book falls in line with: The Empire Strikes Back, How to Train your Dragon 2, The Two Towers, Cocoon . . . Yes, Sir Princess Petra's Talent has all of the qualities of a good sequel. It builds on an already excellent, humorous, and intelligent story. Maps are an absolute when writing about fantastical lands, and Ms. Robinson does not deny us of one here. This is a triumphant return to a land that I am growing more fond of with each read.