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The Paper Bag Princess 25th Anniversary Edition: The Story Behind the Story [Deluxe Edition] [Hardcover]

Robert Munsch , Michael Martchenko
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)

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Book Description

October 1, 2005 4 and up

Celebrate 25 years of The Paper Bag Princess with an exclusive look behind the scenes.

"Some of the best children's books ever written have been about girls -- like The Paper Bag Princess."
- The New York Times

In the fall of 1980, Annick Press first published Robert Munsch's tale of a dragon, a princess named Elizabeth, and the bum of a prince she rescues. Playfully illustrated by Michael Martchenko, and full of Munsch's now-famous wit, the book was an instant success and has since sold millions of copies in dozens of languages all over the world.

To celebrate the 25th birthday of this modern classic, Annick presents the familiar story of The Paper Bag Princess in all its exuberance, along with more than 30 pages of never-before published behind-the-scenes features -- all in a new bigger format.

The Paper Bag Princess 25th Anniversary Edition presents the story behind the story.

Readers will discover how Munsch -- once on a path to becoming a priest -- became one of the most famous children's authors of all time. They'll learn how an extra space on a gallery wall landed Martchenko his first, and most legendary, children's book gig ever. And they'll meet the real Elizabeth and see what she's up to today.

Also included are never-before published sketches and paintings that take readers through the process of the book's creation. Further sections explore the book's critical success, its international popularity, and responses from fans old and new, including some surprising ones.


Frequently Bought Together

The Paper Bag Princess 25th Anniversary Edition: The Story Behind the Story + The Paper Bag Princess (Classic Munsch) + Stephanie's Ponytail (Classic Munsch)
Price for all three: $28.19

Buy the selected items together


Editorial Reviews

Review

A feminist manifesto in children's book form, and even at six, I was enchanted... kick-ass story.

One of the best princess stories ever told, Elizabeth turns the princess stereotype on its head, empowering young girls to be true to themselves. (Elizabeth Shaffer BC Parent 2005)

Since its publication in 1980, the book has been reprinted 52 times, sold over three million copies and been translated into dozens of languages. This special 25th anniversary edition includes the original illustrated version of the story plus much, much more.... In both style and content, the text of the "story behind the story" part of this special anniversary edition is perfectly suited to early elementary readers. Fans of the artist will undoubtedly enjoy Martchenko's bright and cheeky drawings which enliven every page.... Educators should note that, as well as providing teachers, librarians and parents with a perfect opportunity to re-visit the well-loved story, The Paper Bag Princess: The Story Behind the Story is a wonderful enrichment resource for older students involved in book-making projects. Highly Recommended. (Valerie Nielsen Canadian Materials 2005)

Starred Selection 2006 Starred Selection 2006

Review

A feminist manifesto in children's book form, and even at six, I was enchanted... kick-ass story. (National Post 20050924)

One of the best princess stories ever told, Elizabeth turns the princess stereotype on its head. (Elizabeth Shaffer BC Parent ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

  • Age Range: 4 and up
  • Hardcover: 64 pages
  • Publisher: Annick Press; 25th anniversary edition (October 1, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1550379151
  • ISBN-13: 978-1550379150
  • Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.2 x 0.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert Munsch is the author of more than 25 books for children including The Paper Bag Princes and Stephanie's Ponytail. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and studied to be a Jesuit priest before deciding to work with children instead. He taught in a variety of nursery schools and daycare centers while he earned an MA in Early Childhood Education. In 1975, Munsch and his wife, Ann, moved to Guelph, Ontario. The Munschs have three children: Julie, Andrew, and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!).

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
(12)
4.7 out of 5 stars
The story and illustrations will delight her! Suzanne M. Kerr  |  3 reviewers made a similar statement
My 2 year old daughter and I LOVE this book. R. Widmer  |  1 reviewer made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars more than I thought I bought April 25, 2010
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I guess I didn't look carefully, and when I got this book in the mail I thought it was only the "story behind the story." I was really only interested in the story itself. What a relief when I discovered the story was still in this edition. Now I feel like I bought the book and got bonus materials.

The story is sweet and reads like a story, not political and social commentary. I have a 5 year old boy who loves to play knights and save princesses, but I wanted him to understand that girls don't always need rescuing and in fact sometimes they do the rescuing. He was engaged the whole time, as the illustrations are interesting and any story with a dragon is a plus. We were able to talk about facial expressions and manners along the way, as the prince has a furrowed brow at the beginning and doesn't say thank you in the end. This is a book I would recommend to both boys and girls.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars simply delightful February 15, 2009
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I can't tell you how many copies of this book I have purchased. I keep giving away my personal copies, as well as buying gifts for friends (and for our church library!). My personal summary: "Girls don't need boys to empower/save them." My great-granddaughter's summary: "It's what is on the inside that counts!" What more can an aging feminist say?
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Love the book, but... November 12, 2010
By Rosebud
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is one of my favorite children's books. The story, of a strong woman and a vain man, is the perfect antidote to classic fairy tales.

That being said, I won't buy this edition again. The kids didn't care a bit about all the details of the making of the book, and the story is buried part way through. Had they put the story first, then the details after, that would have been sweet.

All in all, stick to the original printing of this book
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite books
The Paper Bag Princess 25th Anniversary Edition is two gifts in one as it provides the story behind the story as well as the wonderful picture book itself. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Happy Mom of 3
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Have for all young girls
This is a story I give to every new baby girl in my universe! It is fun, adventurous, silly, and still teaches the lesson of self reliance. Read more
Published 4 months ago by DLH
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
I got this book for my granddaughter who loves story-time with Nanny. The story and illustrations will delight her! Read more
Published 6 months ago by Suzanne M. Kerr
4.0 out of 5 stars Love this story
I love this story. This particular edition has the main story plus a lot of background about the authors. If I had to buy this again, I would just buy the story.
Published 23 months ago by Wendy J Langeberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story!
This version of the story (awesome in any form) is like the special features section on a DVD! I love the extra pieces that give you the story behind the story. Read more
Published on April 4, 2011 by SDK
5.0 out of 5 stars Love, Love this book! Strong Princess Character
This is one of our favorite Princess Stories at our house. After cleverly saving her Prince from a scary mean dragon, this princess won't stand to be unappreciated by... Read more
Published on December 30, 2009 by Kristie Finnan
5.0 out of 5 stars the BEST
My 2 year old daughter and I LOVE this book. What a strong, capable, female character that doesn't stand for being treated poorly. I can't wait to buy the anniversary edition!
Published on November 19, 2008 by R. Widmer
5.0 out of 5 stars suzhal
For those of us who love the Paper Bag Princess, the extras included in this book are amazing!! What a way to celebrate an Anniversary! Read more
Published on March 8, 2007 by Suzanne M. Hales
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book --- so glad I got it
I've always been a big fan of the original Paper Bag Princess, but this 125th Anniversary Ediciont offers so much insight that I've not been able to find ANYWHERE else. Read more
Published on November 12, 2006 by Cole
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