Customer Reviews

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a father, I enjoy nothing better than reading to my kids. It is such a wonderful way to connect and be involved in their lives and development. This book lights up the imaginations of little girls, not that they aspire to become princesses after reading it, but rather that they already ARE princesses! The book innocently introduces the child to her real self, and makes it OK to be just that - no need to pine away to be someone you aren't. If everyone could adopt that perspective, the world would be a much more loving place, and people would enjoy life with contentment and self esteem. Amazingly simple, yet profound. Thank you Carmela!!!

This book has a great message for girls, one that all the Disney Princess hoopla seems to miss. While I understand what the person said about it not being a reading book my response is, "So what!" Some important messages can be stated simply and with few words but they remain important nonetheless. Not every book needs to be a reading/vocabulary builder. Books that help with self-esteem, especially for little girls, are few and far between and very, very, necessary. Lastly, the illustration is terrific.

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? Yes we do! This is a terrific book for every little girl who has ever asked a question about herself. Of course, we all have and the mother's gentle wisdom with a smile reinforces to girls of all ages that it is alright to be yourself and to live life with joy. Sweetly written with warm illustrations...and a surprise on the last page, this is a must have for every little girl you know.

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots by Carmela LaVigna Coyle is the companion book to Do Princesses Really Kiss Frogs?

A feisty little girl asks her mother all the must-know questions such as, do princesses ride tricycles, climb trees, walk in the rain, do chores, eat bread crusts and wear hiking boots? Then the important question; do princesses seem at all like me? The answers to these compelling questions are answered in rhyme by a caring mother in a thoughtful yet light-hearted manner.

The illustrations are colorful, sassy and delightful. Children will be drawn to them and want to continue to turn the pages. Coyle has written a book that children will want to read again and again.

What does it mean to be a princess? That is the theme readers explore as they move through each vignette in this charming book. On the left hand side of each double-page spread, the main charactera spunky little girlasks her mother a question such as, Do princesses climb trees? and Do princesses have to do any chores? On the right hand page, the mother answers, always in the affirmative.

The rhyming text is cleverly and colorfully illustrated with cartoon-like line drawings. Each scene captures perfectly the spirited and likeable main character.

At the conclusion of the story, the little girl asks her mother, Mommy, do princesses seem at all like me? to which her mother replies, Look inside yourself and see When the reader turns the page, there she finds a framed mirror, with her own face reflected, and beside it the words, A princess is a place in your heart. A fitting and perfect ending to a winning tale.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? is an enjoyable picture book about a young girl's search for identity. She wonders if princesses do ordinary things like wear hiking boots or drink sparkling punch, or are at all like herself. Whimsical color illustrations by Mike Gordon add a special vibrancy to this delightful and recommended "easy reader" tale by Carmela LaVigna Coyle.

The illustrations are charming. Having written that, I have to say that I regret having purchased this book for my granddaughter. While I expected it to break stereotypes - after all, a hiking princess sounds like a strong female role model - it actually reinforces them. Once again, we're given the idea that it is perfectly acceptable to judge girls (and women) by their appearance. One page even mentions having a "bad hair day." The last page is the kicker, though, because it has a large, shiny mirror that the reader can use to decide for herself whether or not she looks like a princess. Ugh.

If you are interested in a story about a princess who defies stereotypes, buy The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch instead.

I don't like surprises when I order the kids books so I'm going to ruin it for everyone who does. On every page is a question for a girl to her mother. Then the last 2 pages make the book. She asks "Mommy, do princesses seem at all like me? Look inside yourself and see..." next page "A princess is a place in your heart." And then it has one of those kid proof crazy mirrors, but a mirror that works. It is just so sweet and makes me tear up almost. A must have for all of the princesses!!

Sure to become a classic for many generations. This timeless book captures the innocence of childhood with a unique and meaningful message that every girl (and her Mom) will remember well into adulthood. 'Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?' is a colorful and fun story book that encourages self love within the hearts of little girl Princesses everywhere.

After reading this to my daughter the first time I found it so refreshing after all of the "find your prince and live happily everafter" books. I worry about my 3 year old getting the wrong ideas about "prince charmings" and "happily everafters". This book does an excellent job of letting all little girls know that no matter what we like to do, how we look, or what we wear we are all princesses on the inside. Beautifully done!