A moving story about a little girl who has to confront her fears and cope with loss and change in her family
Genevieve loves to play at being a princess, and she longs to visit the castle across the bay. But ever since the day her dad was lost at sea, she's afraid to go near the water. Then along comes Mum's new friend, Cedric. Maybe Princess Genevieve will be able to go to her castle after all.
Binch's beautifully detailed and very realistic watercolours...skilfully tell us so much more than words can ... a delightful and satisfying picture book.
* IBBY Link *The illustrations in this simply stunning book are so emotive that the accompanying words are barely needed... this heart-wrenching tale is a must-buy.
* South Wales Argus *A distinctly different princess book from one of our favourite author illustrators. The phenomenally talented Caroline Binch is well known for her glorious mighty girl Grace. Once again she turns her attention to mighty girl characters with The Princess and the Castle, a stunningly written and beautifully illustrated book that just begs to be read and read and read again... The Princess and the Castle is absolutely incredible on every level. The illustrations are breathtaking (as you'd expect from Caroline) and the story themes are important and deep - tones of overcoming childhood fears, coping with loss and grief and dealing with potential new 'dads' are dealt with thoughtfully and sensitively.
If @OtterBarryBooks keep up the standard of releases like these, they're going to win every award going in 2016.
* Read it Daddy *
The illustrations are just superb - each one is a miniature work of art, expressive and full of emotion. The subject matter, of loss and of rebuilding a family unit, is skilfully told and the book has an overwhelmingly positive message.
* Parents in Touch *
This is a beautiful book, the illustrations are breathtaking and the story of restoration to friendship for a small child is perfect.
* DolphinBooks - the blog *Skilfully told with a nicely curved poignancy. Binch's illustrations are as clear and zinging as a blast of ozone-filled breeze.
* Independent *A tender, appealing book with breath-taking illustrations by the author.
* Sunday Tribune (Dublin) *As a reader you feel you are looking at a real family and their life in a harbourside town.
* Nursery World *A beautifully illustrated, well-crafted story.
* Cork Evening Echo *Binch's illustrations carry the sensory appeal of life.... Figures appear caressed by the light that polishes cheekbones and limbs; sunshine crystallises the sand and glitters on the sea.
* Times Educational Supplement *This is a moving story about a girl who has to confront her fears and cope with loss and change in the family unit.
* Teaching and Learning *Caroline Binch is the distinguished illustrator of Amazing Grace, Grace and Family and Starring Grace. She won the Smarties Prize for Hue Boy, with Rita Phillips Mitchell, and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Award for Gregory Cool, while Since Dad Left won the UKLA Award. Caroline's other ground-breaking books include Christy's Dream, Silver Shoes, Down by the River and Road Horse. She lives in Pendeen, Cornwall.