A podcast interview with Meredith Seacrest Lynch discussing The Make-Believers on The Growing Readers Podcast, a production of The Children’s Book Review.
Join us for a delightful conversation celebrating the 10th anniversary of the beloved Princess in Black series with creators Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and illustrator LeUyen Pham.
Discover how a four-year-old’s observation that “princesses don’t wear black” sparked a revolutionary children’s book series that has sold over 5.8 million copies worldwide. The creators share behind-the-scenes stories about their collaborative process, from developing quirky character names to crafting the perfect blend of princess power and monster mayhem.
LeUyen reveals how she brings the vibrant world to life through her illustrations, while Shannon and Dean discuss their unique co-writing dynamic as a married couple. Learn how this groundbreaking series bridged the gap between early readers and chapter books, helping countless children discover the joy of reading while challenging gender stereotypes. The trio also reflects on memorable fan encounters, including young readers dressed as their favorite characters and the series’ lasting impact on children’s literature.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Princess Magnolia and her secret superhero identity, this heartwarming discussion explores how one princess in black has spent a decade showing children they can be both perfectly prim and powerfully brave.
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About the Series
The Princess in Black Series
Written by Shannon and Dean Hale
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Ages 5+ | Publisher: Candlewick
Publisher’s Book Summary: Who says princesses don’t wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black!
Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily, Princess Magnolia has a secret —she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret? From the award-winning writing team of Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham, here is the first in a humorous and action-packed chapter book series for young readers who like their princesses not only prim and perfect but also dressed in black.
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Show Notes
About the Creators: Shannon Hale and Dean Hale are the award-winning husband-and-wife team behind the Princess in Black series, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Shannon Hale is also the author of the Newbery Honor Book Princess Academy as well as the New York Times best-selling graphic novels Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Shannon Hale and Dean Hale live in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Visit https://shannonhale.com/
LeUyen Pham is the illustrator of the Princess in Black series as well as many other books for children, including Love Is Powerful by Heather Dean Brewer, Pat-a-Cake by Mary Brigid Barrett, God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams, Aunt Mary’s Rose by Douglas Wood, and Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever by Shannon Hale. LeUyen Pham lives in California.
Visit https://www.leuyenpham.com/
