cover image The Unruly Queen

The Unruly Queen

E.S. Redmond. Candlewick, $15.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-7636-3445-2

Minerva von Vyle is a rich, neglected brat who terrorizes the housekeeping staff and runs through 52 nannies. But Number 53 has Minerva’s number. Crowning Minerva the Unruly Queen, the nanny spins a story of the girl going to rule at remote, forbidding Petulant Peak, where Minerva can be her “true self,” surrounded by creatures that look like they’ve walked off the set of Beetlejuice. “You can smash things to bits! Throw your food on the floor!” extols the nanny. “Nobody’s going to care anymore!” Minerva, however, gradually realizes that trading her current cushy situation for a far more primitive life—however unpoliced—isn’t such a great deal and becomes a model citizen. Redmond’s (Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo) spidery ink lines, meticulous texturing, and high camp style are ghoulish fun. But as comic macabre, this effort doesn’t quite hit the mark—Redmond can’t seem to decide whether Minerva is just a misunderstood Bossypants or a true Bad Seed. Still, this study in reverse psychology should keep gothically inclined children occupied until the next Tim Burton movie comes out. Ages 3–up. (Feb.)