About This Book
Reach for this book when you notice your child feeling overwhelmed by family expectations or struggling to find time for their own passions. It is a wonderful tool for children who act as the 'fixer' in the family and need to see that their own happiness matters too. The story follows Princess Decomposia, who runs the Underworld for her demanding, hypochondriac father. Her life changes when she hires Count Spatula, a vampire chef with a passion for baking. Together, they discover how creativity and friendship can provide the strength needed to set healthy boundaries. This graphic novel uses a whimsical, gothic setting to explore very real themes of burnout, self-advocacy, and the importance of joy. It is perfectly pitched for middle-grade readers, offering a lighthearted but meaningful look at growing up and standing up for oneself.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with a parent-child dynamic that borders on emotional manipulation, as the King uses his 'illness' to guilt his daughter. The approach is metaphorical and secular, set in a fantasy monster world. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, focusing on setting boundaries rather than the parent having a total personality transplant.
