Graphic Novel Review: Giant Trouble (Hamster Princess #4) by Ursula Vernon

Giant Trouble (Hamster Princess #4) by  Ursula Vernon
Publisher:   Dial Books
Format:  Hardcover
Number of Pages: 250
Published:  May 9th, 2017  
Source:  Library

Opening Lines:  "Harriet Hamsterbone was dripping wet and shivering with cold, and she had never been happier."

Giant Trouble is a twist on the Jack and the Beanstalk tale with Harriet being approached by a chipmunk who's trying to trade three of his magical beans for Harriet's faithful battle quail and best friend, Mumfrey.  Now anyone who knows Princess Harriet could guess that she would never exchange Mumfrey for any price, but apparently, the chipmunk salesman thinks his offer is too good to pass up on.  He's also not very knowledgeable about quails either cause you really shouldn't be waving beans in front of Mumfrey because he'd surely eat one.  Which is of course exactly what happens.  Frustrated by the loss of one of his magical beans the chipmunk disappears in a puff of smoke leaving poor Mumfrey with some stomach troubles.  The next morning, Harriet awakens to find a huge beanstalk extending up into the clouds and the sounds of harp music being played.  Upon climbing up the beanstalk to investigate, she finds a Harpster (half hamster, and half harp) named Strings and a giant goose being held captive by a very large Giant Lop-eared rabbit.  Harriet even promises Strings that she will help them escape.  

I'm always excited when one of Ursula Vernon's books gets nominated for the Cybils, they're so much fun to read and I don't usually get around to reading many graphic novels so it's always a treat.  In addition to Giant Trouble,  Ratpunzel was also nominated, but there were too many holds on it at the library so it will be awhile before I get to it.  I guess that's an indication of how popular the book series is.  I love how Harriet isn't a typical princess, she's adventurous and daring climbing up the beanstalk, even when's she's facing down the Giant.  Vernon's stories are always filled with laughs and I especially enjoy how she twists these tales often in amusing ways.  Like Mumfrey eating the bean and then providing the fertilizer so it can grow into the giant beanstalk.  Such fun.  

*Giant Trouble  has been nominated for the Cybils award and my review reflects my personal opinion, not the opinion of the Cybils committee.*