The Gypsy Princess by Phoebe Gilman

This is a cute story about a little gypsy named Cinnamon who is free-spirited and fun. She can play musical instruments and dance with bears, but what Cinnamon has always wanted is to see what it's like to be a real princess. One day her wish is answered when a princess comes to get her fortune told by Cinnamon. The princess is so entertained by Cinnamon that she invites her to come live in the palace. Cinnamon goes to live at the palace obviously and delights in the fancy dresses and parties, but after a while she starts to feel sad and misses the freedom she had as a gypsy. The princess soon tires of her and gets new companions and the gypsy girl starts to feel very homesick. So one day instead of letting the maid dress and fuss over her, she leaves the palace in search of her home. She finds the bear she used to dance with and takes down her hair hoping he'll recognize her, and of course he does and they begin to dance.

This is a great story for young girls because, especially for the 'girly' girls, being a princess is such a big deal. They dress up as princesses, obsess over Disney princesses, and want so badly to be a princess themselves, and it's good to let them explore that part of their imagination. It is also important to let them see or realize the goodness in themselves that they may not necessarily need to be a princess to be great, though playing can be fun.

Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman

 This is a sweet story about a relationship between a grandfather and his grandson. The grandfather makes his grandson a blanket and as the boy grows and destroys the blanket the grandfather makes something new out of the material. 

I have a close relationship with my grandparents and they do everything to make their grandchildren happy. This story was kind of a reminder of that for me, how they'll always be there for me, and will help me and teach me with whatever tools they may have, but most of all how they'll always love me. I get almost emotional when I read this book. It's a good one. Get it.

The Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman

This story is about a princess who loves balloons and uses them to rid the kingdom of evil, with the help of some friends. 

It's a cute story with a simple but effective message. I love Phoebe Gliman, she writes amazing children's books that, though they are nothing complex, are truly epic. One of those stories you'll remember when you're older. This one isn't my favourite by her, I prefer something from nothing, or Jillian Jiggs, but this one is great as well... exactly what I would expect from her. I recommend this author.