Warrior princess The story of Khutulun

The legend of the Mongol princess who could not be bested in wrestling and commands an army of thousands comes to life in this retelling which is especially notable for its gorgeous, light illustrations. Khutulun, the Warrior Princess, is no household name, but the tropes of her story--a strong girl who does not want to marry and creates a challenge that her suitors cannot overcome--will feel familiar to many readers. Deng does an excellent job of pairing the gorgeous acrylic and colored pencil illustrations with a text that is matter-of-fact while evocative of the thirteenth-century setting. Khutulun's story shines, accompanied by the beautiful illustrations which help contextualize the cultural elements of the story and evoke a distant but familiar place that leaves space for readers to use their own imaginations. Pair this with other tales of strong historical women for a chance to empower young readers and engage their fascination for folklore.

Khutulun, Princess of Mongolia and great-great-granddaughter to Genghis Khan, trains every day with her 14 older brothers, who all seek to become warriors. She finds horseback riding "as natural as breathing," becomes an excellent archer even though hunting "was usually a boy's responsibility," and exhibits great prowess in wrestling, defeating opponents twice her size. She also excels at her studies, "learning multiple languages and military strategies" that her mother says would make her a savvy leader, but dreams of being a warrior. At 16, Khutulun accompanies her father to the battlefield, emerging victorious, only to face the specter of expected marriage. Khutulun vows to marry the prospect who defeats her in a wrestling match, taking 10 horses from whomever she beats until she amasses an enormous herd. When rumors nevertheless swirl, Khutulun must find a way to honor her family and be true to herself. Lush acrylic and colored pencil art by Deng (Yusra Swims) expertly carries the legend of Khutulun across the page--one can feel the rush as she charges to drag a man off his horse in battle. An informative and inspiring picture book biography about an empowered--and empowering--princess. Back matter includes an author's note and glossary. Ages 5--7. Agent: Tracy Marchini, BookEnds. (Aug.)

A retelling of a legendary princess's life. A proud cry from her father announces the birth of Mongolian Princess Khutulun amid a starry night. The daughter of the khan and the great-great-granddaughter of Genghis Khan, Khutulun, like her 14 older brothers, trains to become a warrior and fulfill demanding duties. A boisterous child, she shadows her mother as she skillfully leads meetings and handles advisers. Yet Khutulun finds that she prefers a warrior's life; she loves to hunt and wrestle alongside her brothers and yearns to ride "under the infinite sky." Deng skillfully uses white space and textured colors and lines to bring kinetic energy to the narrative, as in a scene where horses charge across the pages when Khutulun joins her father in her first battle. When Khutulun reaches marriageable age, she announces a novel stipulation--she will only marry the man who can break her undefeated wrestling record. Her proclamation is tested when a wealthy challenger appears and her family pressures her to make a pragmatic alliance. Khutulun faces her greatest battle: whether to succumb to expectations or to forge her own path. Deng combines a sharp narrative with powerful imagery to fully capture the tenacity of the warrior princess. The author's note admits to liberties with the story and explores further details of the princess's life. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Forceful and compelling. (glossary) (Picture-book biography. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.