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Grandparents know that it pays to be informed on the latest happenings in their grandchildren's world. They know how impressed their grandson is when Pop can chat knowingly about Pokemon or perhaps you're a grandparent whose grand-daughter has looked at you open-mouthed and said, "YOU know WHO Hannah Montana is?”

Well, if you’d like to know what the next big event will be in the world of Disney, read this article and you’ll be sure to impress and excite your grandchildren as children the world-over await the introduction of the latest member of Disney’s Royal Family… Her Royal Highness Princess Tiana.

Princess Tiana is the protagonist of Disney’s upcoming 2009 film ‘The Princess and the Frog’. The film has a limited release date in the USA (in NY and LA only) as the 25th November and will be released in US theaters on December 11th. This film will mark the return of Disney to traditional hand drawn animation and will bring to fans the 9th Disney Princess. The latest member of Disney’s Royal Family, Princess Tiana, is the first Disney Princess to come along in a long 11 years - with the last Disney Princess being 1998’s Mulan.

The Princess and the frog movie storyline centers on young Tiana, a young woman living in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the 1920s Jazz Age and a prince named Naveen who has been transformed into a frog by the evil voodoo magician Dr. Facilier. The story features a trumpet playing alligator, a love sick Cajun firefly and a host of other adorable characters at every turn.

At the recent US Toy Fair, a preview was given of the Disney merchandise that will accompany the movie. With vibrant and regal colors like purple, green, gold and blue, the toys will evoke life in New Orleans and the bayou, where the film is set. The extensive Disney collection includes dolls, playsets, role-play items and costumes as well as colorful accessories.

The Princess and the Frog Tiana doll (expected to retail at around $25) from Mattel, will probably be the most popular toy from the line. Just as in the story, beautiful Princess Tiana wears her sparkly blue ball gown and comes with her frog Prince Naveen. The gown will light up and the doll and frog will interact! In addition to the signature Princess Tiana doll, Prince Naveen and Princess Tiana will be available in wedding attire.

Websites centered around Princess Tiana and the movie have already begun to appear. Of note are those that applaud Disney’s choice to feature a princess of color and other sites that offer coloring pages, printables and paper crafts that feature Disney’s latest Princess.

Would you like to really impress your grand-daughters? Little girls of all ages, maybe even you, will enjoy the many, free, printable coloring images of Princess Tiana (plus party invitations, various paper crafts and party room decorations) available from Princess Tiana Coloring Pages a site that has  Princess Tiana colouring sheets.

As you and your grandkids await the movie’s release, Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana gives us a glimpse into the princess’ character. Tiana is a “diamond in the rough” who will have to learn some lessons before she reaches true princess status. She is a determined, motivated and a fiercely independent young woman. She wants to do things her way, without help from anyone. "She’s a strong young lady who doesn’t need anyone to do things for her," says Anika Noni Rose. “She wants to do things for herself…”

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