"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Blog Tour (Review, Recipe and Giveaway): PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA by Andi Watson (YA)


I am so giddy to be a part of today's tour!

Who can resist a royal vampire chef who knows exactly what everyone's treat is? 
A chef with a sweet tooth of his own! One so severe, that he has lost his incisors due to cavity problems! lol

In COUNT SPATULA'S GUIDE TO BAKING Blog Tour, the author, Andi Watson, via Count Spatula, will be sharing some advice on how to run your own magical kitchen with never-before-seen comics, recipes and other kitchen perils!!! 

PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA Blog Tour

by Andi Watson
Release date: February 24th, 2015
Published by: First Second (Macmillan)
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Romance Graphic Novel
Format: Hardcover, Paperback and eBook 
Format read: Paperback from the publisher.


SUMMARY

Princess Decomposia is overworked and underappreciated.
This princess of the underworld has plenty of her own work to do but always seems to find herself doing her layabout father's job, as well. The king doesn't feel quite well, you see. Ever. So the princess is left scurrying through the halls, dodging her mummy, werewolf, and ghost subjects, always running behind and always buried under a ton of paperwork. Oh, and her father just fired the chef, so now she has to hire a new cook as well.
Luckily for Princess Decomposia, she makes a good hire in Count Spatula, the vampire chef with a sweet tooth. He's a charming go-getter of a blood-sucker, and pretty soon the two young ghouls become friends. And then... more than friends? Maybe eventually, but first Princess Decomposia has to sort out her life. And with Count Spatula at her side, you can be sure she'll succeed.




GUEST POST

Today, we have the sublime pleasure of having Count Spatula stop by with one of his most delicious recipes!!! UNDERWORLD DIRT PIE is full of chocolatey goodness!!! It is really easy to make, AND, there is NO baking involved!!! 

YUMMM... 
 

*Note: My kids and I did attempt to "bake" this recipe. However, halfway through one child became ill by his own accord and we were not able to complete part two of the recipe. 
We plan to start over and finish the recipe later this week :) 



MY REVIEW

Fun, imaginative and adorable - this graphic novel had me smiling the whole entire time! This amusing little story not only brought on some much needed laughter, it also gives insight to family matters, being brave and how a friendship can possibly blossom into more.

Let's start with Princess Decomposia! The Princess is unbelievably understanding, thoughtful, helpful and caring. Her father, King Wulfrun, has been "ill" for quite some time now and heavily depends on his daughter to take on his responsibilities as he would. Princess Decomposia does not like to upset her father, nor does she want to disappoint anyone, so she overwhelms herself daily with countless meaningless tasks that could easily be handled by their loyal subjects, if only, her father were not so controlling.
King Wulfrun, he is quite a handful. Rather quick to judge and a picky eater. He opts to stay in bed than get up and handle things himself. It has become quite easy and habitual for him to delegate from afar and with high expectations.
When King Wulfrun fires another royal chef, he gives Princess Decomposia another task - find a new royal chef that will abide to his dietary needs. Overworked and very tired, she puts her needs aside and starts interviewing different chefs for the position...
Count Spatula is full of life! He is eager to please everyone with his special recipes. Recipes that make everyone feel warm and happy again. Princess Decomposia feels that he is exactly what they need and hires him immediately... and this is where the fun really begins!!!

With Count Spatula's help (and recipes!!!), Princess Decomposia learns that she is worthy - that her time, work and happiness should be appreciated. That it was time to overcome her father's overbearing needs, put him in his place and speak up for herself. It is not easy for a child, no matter what their age may be, to stand up to a parent and tell them what needs to be done. We all deserve to be happy.
Also, the need to feel a connection to someone is something that no one can ever just shrug off. No one should ever be lonely, nor should they have to chose their family and/or work over friendships and more. Yes, things can be complicated, but, with determination, one can overcome obstacles for the impossible. And it was so wonderful to see Princess Decomposia come into her own and get what she deserves.

The illustrations are are quirky and simple. I really enjoyed the black and white blocks and scratchy tone to them, and couldn't imagine it any better! Each frame help build the story and move the dialogue along effortlessly. 

A much loved graphic novel that I will thoroughly enjoy over and over again! I really recommend this to all graphic novel and comic book lovers! Also to those looking to branch out and have a quick, fun read!!!


*A paperback was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.



GIVEAWAY
- Paperback copy of PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA by Andi Watson
- Must be 14yo+
- US/Canada Only.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Andi Watson

Andrew "Andi" Watson (born 1969) is a British cartoonist and illustrator best known for the graphic novels Breakfast After Noon, Slow News Day and his series Love Fights, published by Oni Press and Slave Labor Graphics.

Watson has also worked for more mainstream American comic publishers with some work at DC Comics, a twelve-issue limited series at Marvel Comics, with the majority at Dark Horse Comics, moving recently to Image Comics.



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