The Paper Princess [Hardcover]

Elisa Kleven (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A lovely paper princess, freshly cut out and still in need of hair, is swept off by the wind into a series of wonderful adventures, from a ride on a ferris wheel and a terrifying ordeal in a garbage can to a sojourn in a bird's nest and back again.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A paper doll literally takes a flight of fancy in this pretty picture book about creativity. When a girl draws and cuts out a beautiful princess with a dress "like a forest" and socks "like starry skies" and "shoes like watermelons," she believes she has designed the perfect friend. But the wind gets hold of this treasure and whisks her on a far-flung adventure. With the help of a blue jay and a bit of luck, the paper princess finds her way back home and is reunited with her inventive creator. Kleven's story and art work in tandem to encourage entrance to the wide-open world of self-expression. Her mixed-media collages are a kaleidoscope of color and activity, encompassing a vast, multiracial cast of happy people. Aerial perspectives give readers a sense of being on the carnival Ferris wheel or in flight with a bird. Youngsters will no doubt be inspired to fire up their crayons, markers and paints after this outing. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-A little girl draws and cuts out a picture of a princess. When the paper doll is blown away by a gust of wind, she travels far and wide and finally, through a coincidence worthy of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, ends up with her own little girl again. Kleven has taken this simple story and given it style and heart. The events, some of which are either purely fanciful or highly unlikely, all seem authentic. Giving an inanimate object a believable personality is not an easy feat, and the author does a fine job of it. Her graceful phrases add a lyrical air, and emotions are described with a light and delicate touch. Her multimedium collages have never looked fresher or more interesting. The world she creates is not necessarily free from danger or sadness, yet it is predominantly full of beauty and sunlight. All the elements of the visual arts-texture, pattern, shape, color, and line-come alive in her skillful hands. The best book yet from this talented author/illustrator, and one that children will love.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (May 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525452311
• ISBN-13: 978-0525452317
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #610,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, June 21, 2003

By 

Morgan Witthoft (austin, tx USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Paper Princess (Hardcover)

The text is pure magic and the pictures are pure poetry. Or: the story is poetic and the pictures are magic. Or: the story is colorful and the pictures are resonant. Or: ... oh, just buy it and enjoy it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a visual delight, January 10, 2002

By 

Sarah Tittle (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Paper Princess (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I'm so glad we found this book! I have two daughters (3 1/2 and 6) and both love it. The story of a paper doll that flies away from the little girl who creates it is sweet and simple. But it's the illustrations--extremely detailed matisse-like collages--that are most compelling. I think every time we read this book (and that's often) we discover something new in the pictures. We linger over each spread and even play "I Spy," pointing out little details to each other. The ending is very satisfying and there's no lesson or preachiness. It's just a story about love, and caring for someone, and the joy of having that love returned. Also, it is often confused with the Paper Bag Princess, which although a good story, couldn't be more opposite in tone or presentation (we like paper princess better).

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY this one!, September 8, 2005

By 

waldorf_curric - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Paper Princess (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

ooh, did we ever love this book... My daughter wanted it for every nap and bedtime once it hit our door. I had a difficult time even getting to read our other library books for this week. The Paper Princess goes extremely well with another favorite book - Soul Mate Dolls. If you have a daughter who will immediately want to make a paper doll after you've finished reading The Paper Princess, get Soul Mate Dolls as well. This story is so good I feel a strong urge to buy every one of Elisa Kleven's other books, sight unseen (I might, in fact, since we also checked out The Lion and the Little Red Bird in the same week and that one is extraordinary as well). Elisa Kleven is an imaginative, talented, and supremely warm author & illustrator. BUY this one!