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The Paper Bag Princess
"Elizabeth was a beautiful princess. She lived in a castle and had expensive princess clothes..."
A fearsome dragon leaves Elizabeth only a paper bag to clothe herself. But unswayed, she will chase after the dragon and get back what is hers. What about the Prince?
A fearsome dragon leaves Elizabeth only a paper bag to clothe herself. But unswayed, she will chase after the dragon and get back what is hers. What about the Prince?
32 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1980
About the author
Robert Munsch
269 books1,523 followersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,404 reviews
May 12, 2015
Girl meets boy. Boy meets dragon. Girl loses boy and clothes. Girl uses paper bag as dress. Girl defeats dragon. Girl gets boy back again. Boy is ungrateful. Boy loses girl. THE END
April 19, 2018
Why have I never heard of Robert Munsch before? This is from 1980 and it's serious girl power. This princess is in love with the prince. She learns quickly he's not worth her love and she MOVES on. I mean this is revolutionary. All girls need to grow up reading this story. It is fantastic. Robert is on my list of authors to read so I will be going through his books.
This was a fantastic story. The kids enjoyed it too with dragons and princesses. I like this princess, she has worth.
This is my bailiwick. I adore this story.
This was a fantastic story. The kids enjoyed it too with dragons and princesses. I like this princess, she has worth.
This is my bailiwick. I adore this story.
July 24, 2017
The beautiful Princess Elizabeth lives in a castle and is engaged to marry Prince Ronald. One day, a fire-breathing dragon destroys her castle, incinerates her belongings, then flies away with Ronald. Since all her clothes are ruined, Princess Elizabeth dons a paper bag and sets off to save her prince.
Elizabeth decided to chase the dragon and get Ronald back.
She looked everywhere for something to wear, but the only thing she could find that was not burnt was a paper bag. So she put on the paper bag and followed the dragon.
He was easy to follow, because he left a trail of burnt forests and horses’ bones.
Princess Elizabeth is a daring female protagonist; a superb role model for little ones. She takes matters into her own hands and outsmarts the dragon in a game of wits.
When she reaches Ronald, he’s an ungrateful snot and is disappointed with her physical appearance. Without hesitation, he verbalizes his disgust.
He looked at her and said, “Elizabeth, you are a mess! You smell like ashes, your hair is all tangled and you are wearing a dirty old paper bag. Come back when you are dressed like a real princess.”
In a twist ending that glimmers with female empowerment, Elizabeth
The Paper Bag Princess is the story of a courageous princess who redefines “happily ever after.”
Elizabeth decided to chase the dragon and get Ronald back.
She looked everywhere for something to wear, but the only thing she could find that was not burnt was a paper bag. So she put on the paper bag and followed the dragon.
He was easy to follow, because he left a trail of burnt forests and horses’ bones.
Princess Elizabeth is a daring female protagonist; a superb role model for little ones. She takes matters into her own hands and outsmarts the dragon in a game of wits.
When she reaches Ronald, he’s an ungrateful snot and is disappointed with her physical appearance. Without hesitation, he verbalizes his disgust.
He looked at her and said, “Elizabeth, you are a mess! You smell like ashes, your hair is all tangled and you are wearing a dirty old paper bag. Come back when you are dressed like a real princess.”
In a twist ending that glimmers with female empowerment, Elizabeth
The Paper Bag Princess is the story of a courageous princess who redefines “happily ever after.”
November 6, 2019
The 40th Anniversary Edition includes bonus content that includes a short one page Note to Readers from Chelsea Clinton explaining the meaning of the story to her and its importance in her life. Next, is a two page article by Francesca Segal called
Stand Up To Dragons.
In this two page article, Francesca Segal proves the timelessness of the story and its relevance today. She includes examples such as the #MeToo movement, misogyny, and cronyism. In the end of the book, there is a two page bonus from Ann Munsch with Robert Munsch entitled
40 Years of the Paper Bag Princess
in which they recollect how the story came to be created.
Book summary: Elizabeth and Ronald are preparing to marry, but a dragon comes and takes Ronald away. Leaving everything burnt and destroyed but a paper bag, Elizabeth transforms the paper bag into a dress and goes to rescue Prince Ronald.
She gets to the dragons lair, and persuades him to come out to see her. She outsmarts the dragon and tires him out which allows her to rescue Ronald.
Upon seeing Elizabeth's ashy and dirty state, Ronald points out that she looks mess and tells her, "Come back when you are dressed like a real princess."
Elizabeth doesn't stand for this and responds by telling him that he is pretty and a prince, but a "bum" . It then ends with an illustration of Elizabeth running off into the sunset with glee since they did not get married after that.
The Paper Bag Princess explores gender roles; instead of the prince rescuing the princess, the princess is rescuing the prince. Rather than the prince defeating the dragon, the princess not only defeats the dragon, but she does so by outsmarting him. It also shows kids that it is okay to stand up for yourself. And, in the end, it reveals that beauty is more than skin deep and that we do not need someone else to be happy or valuable.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
More on this:
Paper Bag Princess read by Robert Munsch (4 min 10 sec)
Robert Munsch
Stand Up to Dragons Re-reading the Paper Bag Princess, Francesca Segal
The Story Behind the Classic by Huffington Post
Book summary: Elizabeth and Ronald are preparing to marry, but a dragon comes and takes Ronald away. Leaving everything burnt and destroyed but a paper bag, Elizabeth transforms the paper bag into a dress and goes to rescue Prince Ronald.
She gets to the dragons lair, and persuades him to come out to see her. She outsmarts the dragon and tires him out which allows her to rescue Ronald.
Upon seeing Elizabeth's ashy and dirty state, Ronald points out that she looks mess and tells her, "Come back when you are dressed like a real princess."
Elizabeth doesn't stand for this and responds by telling him that he is pretty and a prince, but a "bum" . It then ends with an illustration of Elizabeth running off into the sunset with glee since they did not get married after that.
The Paper Bag Princess explores gender roles; instead of the prince rescuing the princess, the princess is rescuing the prince. Rather than the prince defeating the dragon, the princess not only defeats the dragon, but she does so by outsmarting him. It also shows kids that it is okay to stand up for yourself. And, in the end, it reveals that beauty is more than skin deep and that we do not need someone else to be happy or valuable.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
Paper Bag Princess read by Robert Munsch (4 min 10 sec)
Robert Munsch
Stand Up to Dragons Re-reading the Paper Bag Princess, Francesca Segal
The Story Behind the Classic by Huffington Post
August 3, 2019
My favourite Robert Munsch book!
March 26, 2009
It is never too early to teach girls to not settle, and to save the prince! Even if Ronald is a pathetic prince.
April 24, 2017
My students did not enjoy this book. They thought it was super annoying.
January 31, 2009
I give this three stars because it was originally written in 1980 when there wasn't as much in the way of "feminist fairy-tales" as there are today--so, gotta give Munsch props for that! I like that our heroine is plucky and resourceful. However, two things really bugged me--
***SPOILERS***
1st, was it Ronald or Elizabeth who was being false before she came to rescue him--i.e., did she originally pretend to be a proper princess, or was he just hiding his jerky-ness? Their split seemed a bit sudden (though I can't blame her!)
2nd, did one of Elizabeth's methods for exhausting the dragon really have to involve burning dozens of forests? I know this was written nearly thirty years ago, but certainly even then it was distressing for a dragon to destroy hundreds of trees, and potentially harm lots of wildlife living there.
I know, that is reading a lot into the story, but, still... I guess I'm just disappointed as I wanted to like this SO much as I know it's really popular.
***SPOILERS***
1st, was it Ronald or Elizabeth who was being false before she came to rescue him--i.e., did she originally pretend to be a proper princess, or was he just hiding his jerky-ness? Their split seemed a bit sudden (though I can't blame her!)
2nd, did one of Elizabeth's methods for exhausting the dragon really have to involve burning dozens of forests? I know this was written nearly thirty years ago, but certainly even then it was distressing for a dragon to destroy hundreds of trees, and potentially harm lots of wildlife living there.
I know, that is reading a lot into the story, but, still... I guess I'm just disappointed as I wanted to like this SO much as I know it's really popular.
July 27, 2017
Thanks to my GR friend Hannah for alerting me to this book. I will enjoy reading it to my granddaughters (when they are a little older)
My own reading time: less than 120 seconds; longer when reading to someone special.
A delightful twist on a classic situation when Princess Elizabeth sets out to rescue Prince Ronald, to whom she is betrothed. She is smart and feisty and, ultimately, successful.
An excellent opportunity for discussion: of means and results; of roles and responsibilities; of parents' plans and what is right.
My own reading time: less than 120 seconds; longer when reading to someone special.
A delightful twist on a classic situation when Princess Elizabeth sets out to rescue Prince Ronald, to whom she is betrothed. She is smart and feisty and, ultimately, successful.
An excellent opportunity for discussion: of means and results; of roles and responsibilities; of parents' plans and what is right.
February 4, 2020
When I was growing up, The Paper Bag Princess was one of my go to books. I'm not kidding, I knew that story inside out and could recite it without the book. As I got older, I lost that ability to recite this book without hesitation, but the memories are still there. This book holds a special place in my heart! Robert Munsch is a genius!
So, as the story suggests there is a Princess. Her name is Elizabeth! She is beautiful, lives in a big fancy castle, is engaged to Ronald, and has everything her heart could desire. And then a dragon comes along and ruins everything (like most girl's everyday life - obviously). Prince Ronald has been carried away and all of her belongings are gone! So, like most girls these days, she put on her best paper bag and went off to save the Prince! And how will she battle this wretched dragon? With her smarts!
This story gave me Shrek vibes before I even watched Shrek. It's not your average fairy tale and it's quite amusing! Elizabeth is a sassy yet relatable girl with some interesting (yet amusing) problems. I love that the Princess is the hero (and this is 40 years old, so Princesses weren't always kicking butt and taking names like they do today) and that she's wicked smart. I also love that in the end she stands up for herself and doesn't do what's expected of her. This book definitely added in to my spunky behaviour as an adult.
The art work doesn't connect with me as much as it did when I was a kid. Of course, my style and preferences has changed but I still think the pictures work with the story. As always, the cover is what really stuck with me.
I did like the forewards in this book - Chelsea Clinton and Francesca Segal share some sweet stories that I connect with. This book is a special part of childhood history for many people, so it was nice to see it wasn't just me who was obsessed with this book!
Overall, this is still one of my must read books. I'm glad this book is still circulating around and I hope many more girls pick up this butt kicking book and share it with the world!
Five out of five stars. I'd give it more if possible!
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for letting me travel back to my youth with this arc review. Seriously, I can hear my reading buddies chanting "Hey Dragon, Hey Dragon."
So, as the story suggests there is a Princess. Her name is Elizabeth! She is beautiful, lives in a big fancy castle, is engaged to Ronald, and has everything her heart could desire. And then a dragon comes along and ruins everything (like most girl's everyday life - obviously). Prince Ronald has been carried away and all of her belongings are gone! So, like most girls these days, she put on her best paper bag and went off to save the Prince! And how will she battle this wretched dragon? With her smarts!
This story gave me Shrek vibes before I even watched Shrek. It's not your average fairy tale and it's quite amusing! Elizabeth is a sassy yet relatable girl with some interesting (yet amusing) problems. I love that the Princess is the hero (and this is 40 years old, so Princesses weren't always kicking butt and taking names like they do today) and that she's wicked smart. I also love that in the end she stands up for herself and doesn't do what's expected of her. This book definitely added in to my spunky behaviour as an adult.
The art work doesn't connect with me as much as it did when I was a kid. Of course, my style and preferences has changed but I still think the pictures work with the story. As always, the cover is what really stuck with me.
I did like the forewards in this book - Chelsea Clinton and Francesca Segal share some sweet stories that I connect with. This book is a special part of childhood history for many people, so it was nice to see it wasn't just me who was obsessed with this book!
Overall, this is still one of my must read books. I'm glad this book is still circulating around and I hope many more girls pick up this butt kicking book and share it with the world!
Five out of five stars. I'd give it more if possible!
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for letting me travel back to my youth with this arc review. Seriously, I can hear my reading buddies chanting "Hey Dragon, Hey Dragon."
November 15, 2020
I started reading this book with really high hopes. I mean, an 80's picturebook about a princess who loses her family and all, and then goes to save her beloved prince from a dragon ALL BY HERSELF - how cool is that??
But I so hated the way the Paper Bag Princess defeats the dragon! I thought it was intolerably misguiding for a book that's intended for children.
But the ending totally changed the game for me.
That ending is just everything, you guys!!! Go make your little girls read this book before they get to the Disney Princess stories.
But I so hated the way the Paper Bag Princess defeats the dragon! I thought it was intolerably misguiding for a book that's intended for children.
But the ending totally changed the game for me.
That ending is just everything, you guys!!! Go make your little girls read this book before they get to the Disney Princess stories.
May 13, 2017
I have been reading most of Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko’s works ever since I was a child and I have enjoyed most of their works! I have recently re-read a book from the popular duo that I had enjoyed during my childhood called “The Paper Bag Princess” and it is about how a princess is stripped down to wearing a plain paper bag when a dragon attacks her castle and she has to go rescue Prince Ronald, who has been kidnapped by the dragon. “The Paper Bag Princess” is definitely one of Robert Munsch’s and Michael Martchenko’s most hilarious books ever written!
Elizabeth was a beautiful princess who was going to marry Prince Ronald. One day, however, a dragon comes by and burns her castle to the ground and kidnaps Prince Ronald. With nothing left to wear except for a paper bag, Elizabeth decides to go after the dragon and save Ronald.
If you think that “Stephanie’s Ponytail” was one hilarious and creative book, you should really check this book out! Robert Munsch has truly done an awesome job at writing this story about how a princess loses everything but still wanted to save the love of her life. Robert Munsch’s writing is simple yet sassy and hilarious at the same time and what I really loved about this book was that Robert Munsch made the heroine, Elizabeth into a clever and brave girl and I loved the way that she tries to go and rescue the prince by herself even though she lost everything that she owned and the way that she beats the dragon at its own game is just truly hilarious! Michael Martchenko’s illustrations are creative and hilarious in this book, especially of the images of Elizabeth being in a paper bag throughout the book. The images in this book are a bit more simplistic in this book than in Robert Munsch’s and Michael Martchenko’s later books as the black outlines of the characters make the characters stand out much more. I also loved the images of the dragon itself as it is green, have red spikes down its back and always look more suave than terrifying to the readers.
All in all, “The Paper Bag Princess” is a brilliant book from the famous Munsch/Martchenko duo as it shows that true courage will always win the day. Although I would have preferred the ending to be a little longer so that way it would be more satisfying just knowing what happened to each character after the adventure is over, this was not a major con for me, so I would still recommend this book to children ages four and up, but because of the dragon scenes, I think children ages five and older might stand those scenes better and the children ages four and up will like the simplistic writing of this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
November 6, 2021
Read an old used copy of a classic to my baby in the wee hours of the morning today. I hadn't read it in years and it was just as great as I remembered. The ending where she tells off the prince (who she rescued from a dragon!) for criticizing her not looking like a princess anymore is hilarious. "Ronald you are a bum." Hahaha. Also love how she outsmarts the dragon. Dressing up as her remains my best Halloween costume.
October 20, 2017
To be honest, I'm not sure I got the moral here. Maybe, don't let anyone make you feel bad about yourself. A princess decided to live differently bc of a snooty prince's teasing. And she toughened up. There might be a little 'girl power ' message in here too, with a side of - 'honey you're too young to be worrying about that now', and finally some - 'don't bullies just suck'?
April 26, 2015
An absolute must read for every girl from birth through forever...
I'm not a raging feminist, but I am a huge believer in a girl knowing that she can rescue herself and anyone else who needs it - if they want her help. This book reinforces how to be resourceful, have confidence, and know when to walk away. My daughter received this gift the day she was born and we've read it a thousand times. One of the few that is still on the bookshelf, more than a decade later.
I'm not a raging feminist, but I am a huge believer in a girl knowing that she can rescue herself and anyone else who needs it - if they want her help. This book reinforces how to be resourceful, have confidence, and know when to walk away. My daughter received this gift the day she was born and we've read it a thousand times. One of the few that is still on the bookshelf, more than a decade later.
January 9, 2018
4 Smart princess STARS
Al buscar libros feministas para niñxs, este siempre aparecía primero.
Narra una historia sencilla de como una princesa se embarca en una aventura para rescatar al príncipe del que esta enamorada, de las garras de un furioso dragon.
Pero lo mejor es el final cuando la princesa se da cuenta que ella es lo suficientemente valiente e inteligente como para derrotar un dragón y que no necesita casarse con un príncipe malagradecido y superficial, para ser feliz.
Cumple en enseñar un mensaje de empoderamiento y además es divertido.
Un clásico que todos las niñxs deberían leer.
Le compre este libro a mi hija para regalárselo en navidad, me muero por leerlo juntas. Ya les contare si le gusto o no.
Al buscar libros feministas para niñxs, este siempre aparecía primero.
Narra una historia sencilla de como una princesa se embarca en una aventura para rescatar al príncipe del que esta enamorada, de las garras de un furioso dragon.
Pero lo mejor es el final cuando la princesa se da cuenta que ella es lo suficientemente valiente e inteligente como para derrotar un dragón y que no necesita casarse con un príncipe malagradecido y superficial, para ser feliz.
Cumple en enseñar un mensaje de empoderamiento y además es divertido.
Un clásico que todos las niñxs deberían leer.
"They didn't get married after all.
Le compre este libro a mi hija para regalárselo en navidad, me muero por leerlo juntas. Ya les contare si le gusto o no.
September 3, 2018
I don't even know how many times I've read this. It was pretty much a staple in my childhood. We even had a recording at one point of the author reading it (Robert Munsch is a great storyteller; if you ever get a chance to see or hear him read one of his books, take it). This book is probably one of the first feminist books I ever read, and I still love the message.
Even after all these years, Elizabeth kicks dragon ass and Ronald is still a bum (he's actually more of an asshole, but this is a kids' book, so "bum" is what you get). This is one of those books where the princess does the rescuing, and she does it in a very clever way. I wasn't sure when I picked it up if it had stood the test of time. But it's not dated at all; it's still wonderfully funny and empowering.
Highly recommended!
Even after all these years, Elizabeth kicks dragon ass and Ronald is still a bum (he's actually more of an asshole, but this is a kids' book, so "bum" is what you get). This is one of those books where the princess does the rescuing, and she does it in a very clever way. I wasn't sure when I picked it up if it had stood the test of time. But it's not dated at all; it's still wonderfully funny and empowering.
Highly recommended!
December 3, 2019
I first read The Paper Bag Princess some decades ago on the recommendation of a school librarian. Now Annick Press has reissued the slim book about a valiant princess who rescues a not-so-noble prince. For 40 years, this picture book has taught young girls that they can save themselves and that boys who judge them on looks rather than character don’t deserve them. I’m so glad that a third generation of boys and girls will get the pleasure of this delightful book and its important message.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2017
I get what they were trying to do, but the story was way too short for the out-of-left-field feminist denouement. (*) I did like the illustrations, though.
(*) Fine, there was a brief reference in an illustration to the Prince not being as interested in the Princess as she was in him, but it wasn't explicit, and I've not yet met a child of the likely age range who could handle any degree of subtlety.
(*) Fine, there was a brief reference in an illustration to the Prince not being as interested in the Princess as she was in him, but it wasn't explicit, and I've not yet met a child of the likely age range who could handle any degree of subtlety.
November 18, 2007
I thought I reviewed this one already. This is an instructive fairytale for young children about not putting up with a bunch of crap. The paper bag princess is engaged to marry Prince Ronald, this handsome, uptight tennis-playing eighties-yuppie-style monarch, until she has to battle a fire-breathing dragon using only her wits. Elizabeth the princess outsmarts the dragon, but not before his fire breath blows away all of her clothes and she's left to conceal her nakedness by wearing a paper bag. When she emerges triumphant from battling the dragon, like a spunky, young lady Beowulf, Ronald is totally grossed out by her appearance and tells her not to come near him until she showers and changes and fixes her hair and looks like a beautiful princess again.
To this, the paper bag princess replies (I'm paraphrasing): "Ronald, you are very handsome in your fancy clothes, and you may look like a prince, but you are a BUM!" Then she kicks him to the curb and goes dancing off into the sunset, exuberant and free in her singed paper bag outfit.
While obviously there's a feminist tone to this story, its more important message transcends gender: this book teaches kids the important lesson that they do not need someone else around who doesn't value them for their finer qualities. Counter to most messages those kids will receive in coming years about the importance of relationships to self worth, The Paper Bag Princess says that nobody needs a Prince who is really a Bum, and that independent dragon-slayers like Elizabeth are better off alone than with some snotty jerk like Ronald.... This book is about not hanging around people who don't treat you right!
Plus it's really funny, not annoying like my review of it.
To this, the paper bag princess replies (I'm paraphrasing): "Ronald, you are very handsome in your fancy clothes, and you may look like a prince, but you are a BUM!" Then she kicks him to the curb and goes dancing off into the sunset, exuberant and free in her singed paper bag outfit.
While obviously there's a feminist tone to this story, its more important message transcends gender: this book teaches kids the important lesson that they do not need someone else around who doesn't value them for their finer qualities. Counter to most messages those kids will receive in coming years about the importance of relationships to self worth, The Paper Bag Princess says that nobody needs a Prince who is really a Bum, and that independent dragon-slayers like Elizabeth are better off alone than with some snotty jerk like Ronald.... This book is about not hanging around people who don't treat you right!
Plus it's really funny, not annoying like my review of it.
January 10, 2020
This is a classic and I am glad to see that it is getting a special anniversary edition. My favorite part of the book was actually the afterward where the author's wife was talking about how he came up with story. I love little behind the scene glimpses like that. I highly recommend this edition of the book, for that part alone. 4, this takes me back, stars!
My thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
My thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
June 19, 2019
Essential empowering book for tween girls.
January 30, 2024
Elizabeth, I think there were other ways to get your way rather than burn down 150 forests. Only you can prevent wild fires 🐻
May 2, 2020
3 stars.
Ok so I can see how there is definitely a positive vibe about this book and how the girl stood up for herself but I just don't get why this is as popular as it is. Maybe because if when it was written when strong female role models weren't too common but otherwise....I don't get it. It was still good but just, I guess I expected more. I liked the illustrations too.
Ok so I can see how there is definitely a positive vibe about this book and how the girl stood up for herself but I just don't get why this is as popular as it is. Maybe because if when it was written when strong female role models weren't too common but otherwise....I don't get it. It was still good but just, I guess I expected more. I liked the illustrations too.
August 4, 2015
3.5/5.0 stars
Yesssss! A reversal! In kids book, no less!! (Me, whooping)
The Paperbag Princess subtly teaches the little ones(girls, especially) several things; one, material possession is fleeting, two, beauty is more than skin-deep, three, wisdom is a weapon, four, you can be your own hero, and five, acceptance and respect comprise genuine love. Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, why not shed double standards while we're at it.
Children are smart and retentive, they begin to adapt ideas and set their foundations early on so let's guide them towards age-appropriate media that instill 'realistic' lessons that would actually make sense in their later life. My appeal simply is, for us to not be monopolized by generic stories of damsels in distress and knights in shining armor, they're cute sure, but also confining. Step out of the box and in doing so, we compel writers to up their game as well.
All considered, this book sits in-between old-school and modern tale. Savvy yet imaginative. It's pretty open to interpretation so explanation may be in order. This makes for a good bedtime story. In my opinion, all kids should read books like this that shows the flip side and a different perspective from the usual just to even the grounds a bit.
Yesssss! A reversal! In kids book, no less!! (Me, whooping)
The Paperbag Princess subtly teaches the little ones(girls, especially) several things; one, material possession is fleeting, two, beauty is more than skin-deep, three, wisdom is a weapon, four, you can be your own hero, and five, acceptance and respect comprise genuine love. Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, why not shed double standards while we're at it.
Children are smart and retentive, they begin to adapt ideas and set their foundations early on so let's guide them towards age-appropriate media that instill 'realistic' lessons that would actually make sense in their later life. My appeal simply is, for us to not be monopolized by generic stories of damsels in distress and knights in shining armor, they're cute sure, but also confining. Step out of the box and in doing so, we compel writers to up their game as well.
All considered, this book sits in-between old-school and modern tale. Savvy yet imaginative. It's pretty open to interpretation so explanation may be in order. This makes for a good bedtime story. In my opinion, all kids should read books like this that shows the flip side and a different perspective from the usual just to even the grounds a bit.
February 27, 2016
Haven't read this book since I was little but man, it's so great. Getting to read picture books for university never stops being awesome.
November 30, 2018
Such an empowering story for girls!
August 29, 2024
A pure delight!
The Paper Bag Princess is a picture book by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. If I write my usual four paragraph review, it will be longer than the text of the story, so I will try not to do that. Honestly, just get the book and read it! It cost $1.76 on kindle (but make sure to read it in color) and will take you ten minutes to read. What have you got to lose?
It's a story about Elizabeth, a beautiful princess who lives in a castle. A dragon destroys the castle, which contained all Elizabeth's clothes, so she puts on a paper bag and goes to confront the dragon.
I love stories about strong, smart girls, and this is one. Also, it ended with a plot twist that was both thoroughly satisfying and laugh-out-loud funny.
Blog review.
The Paper Bag Princess is a picture book by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. If I write my usual four paragraph review, it will be longer than the text of the story, so I will try not to do that. Honestly, just get the book and read it! It cost $1.76 on kindle (but make sure to read it in color) and will take you ten minutes to read. What have you got to lose?
It's a story about Elizabeth, a beautiful princess who lives in a castle. A dragon destroys the castle, which contained all Elizabeth's clothes, so she puts on a paper bag and goes to confront the dragon.
I love stories about strong, smart girls, and this is one. Also, it ended with a plot twist that was both thoroughly satisfying and laugh-out-loud funny.
Blog review.
April 27, 2016
I have always thought that this book is humorous...and yet I have never LOVED it.
Things I like:
1. The brave, clever girl who doesn't wait for someone to come rescue her but courageously solves her own problem.
2. Lessons in humility can be taught/discussed. Elizabeth used the dragon's vanity to overcome him. This could be used in a character education lesson to talk about humility as well as courage.
3. The illustrations add to the fun and humor of the story.
4. This could also be used to talk about outward beauty versus inner goodness/strength.
Things I've never cared for:
1. The complete lack of gratitude or respect shown to Elizabeth by Ronald. Yes, she is dirty and dressed in a paper bag but even if he doesn't love her, he should be respectful. I know that this is intended to be humorous and to provide a message that a girl doesn't need a man to be worthwhile or happy...but it has always rubbed me the wrong way. I think that often, in the quest to show that girls/women can be strong, brave, intelligent and independent many people then portray men as the exact opposite of those things. Men are too often portrayed as egotistic and proud (as is Ronald) or idiotic and bumbling. It happens so often that it really bugs me. I often tell my students that we DO NOT have to tear others down to build ourselves up...but far too often in books and media, that is exactly what happens. Women are "built up" by knocking men down. Elizabeth would not have been any less brave, clever or creative if Ronald had shown appreciation for her actions. ...Okay, I will get off my soapbox now.
Things I like:
1. The brave, clever girl who doesn't wait for someone to come rescue her but courageously solves her own problem.
2. Lessons in humility can be taught/discussed. Elizabeth used the dragon's vanity to overcome him. This could be used in a character education lesson to talk about humility as well as courage.
3. The illustrations add to the fun and humor of the story.
4. This could also be used to talk about outward beauty versus inner goodness/strength.
Things I've never cared for:
1. The complete lack of gratitude or respect shown to Elizabeth by Ronald. Yes, she is dirty and dressed in a paper bag but even if he doesn't love her, he should be respectful. I know that this is intended to be humorous and to provide a message that a girl doesn't need a man to be worthwhile or happy...but it has always rubbed me the wrong way. I think that often, in the quest to show that girls/women can be strong, brave, intelligent and independent many people then portray men as the exact opposite of those things. Men are too often portrayed as egotistic and proud (as is Ronald) or idiotic and bumbling. It happens so often that it really bugs me. I often tell my students that we DO NOT have to tear others down to build ourselves up...but far too often in books and media, that is exactly what happens. Women are "built up" by knocking men down. Elizabeth would not have been any less brave, clever or creative if Ronald had shown appreciation for her actions. ...Okay, I will get off my soapbox now.
May 29, 2011
I love the idea of a strong female character - especially given when this was initially published. It kind of turns the classic "damsel in distress" on its head, where the princess saves the prince.
I also liked that the princess had to out-smart the dragon - she succeeded by using her brain.
That's what I liked....
But, I think I would have liked this a lot better had it only been about the dragon, or only been about the relationship with the prince - but I didn't like them both together because one seemed to undermine the other.
(without giving away the end I can't really explain - but it's kind of a "if the princess is so smart, then how come...")
I also thought it was kind of bad that in her attempt to outsmart the dragon, she egged him to destroy 100 forests. Now, I know this is a fantasy, but still - obviously this was written during the women's lib age, but pre the "go green" age ;-) Either way though, it seemed a little selfish of the princess.
And, the only thing that didn't burn up was a paper bag... I'm sure it was supposed to be funny, but.. . for me, it was more annoying.
The illustrations are fun! Though I wasn't overly impressed with the story telling.
I've friends love this book, and I've enjoyed other Munsch work, but this one just fell flat for me.
I also liked that the princess had to out-smart the dragon - she succeeded by using her brain.
That's what I liked....
But, I think I would have liked this a lot better had it only been about the dragon, or only been about the relationship with the prince - but I didn't like them both together because one seemed to undermine the other.
(without giving away the end I can't really explain - but it's kind of a "if the princess is so smart, then how come...")
I also thought it was kind of bad that in her attempt to outsmart the dragon, she egged him to destroy 100 forests. Now, I know this is a fantasy, but still - obviously this was written during the women's lib age, but pre the "go green" age ;-) Either way though, it seemed a little selfish of the princess.
And, the only thing that didn't burn up was a paper bag... I'm sure it was supposed to be funny, but.. . for me, it was more annoying.
The illustrations are fun! Though I wasn't overly impressed with the story telling.
I've friends love this book, and I've enjoyed other Munsch work, but this one just fell flat for me.
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