The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald --- who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance. Full color throughout.
The Paper Bag Princess (Classic Munsch)
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Elizabeth, a beautiful princess, lives in a castle and wears fancy clothes. Just when she is about to marry Prince Ronald, a dragon smashes her castle, burns her clothes with his fiery breath, and prince-naps her dear Ronald. Undaunted and presumably unclad, she dons a large paper bag and sets off to find the dragon and her cherished prince. Once she's tracked down the rascally reptile, she flatters him into performing all sorts of dragonly stunts that eventually exhaust him, allowing her to rescue Prince Ronald. But what does Prince Not-So-Charming say when he sees her? "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." (At least he has the courtesy not to mention that the princess's crown resembles a dying sea anemone.) In any case, let's just say that Princess Elizabeth and Prince Ronald do not, under any circumstances, live happily ever after. Canadian author Robert Munsch celebrates feisty females everywhere with this popular favorite, and Michael Martchenko's scratchy, comical, pen-and-ink drawings capture the tongue-in-cheek quality of this read-aloud crowd pleaser. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson
--This text refers to the
Library Binding
edition.
Review
The tale of a princess who, although faced with adversity, saves the day and wins the prize. A charmingly-illustrated tale of strength for princesses of all ages. (Mari Farthing MetroFamily Magazine 2010)
Some of the best children's books ever written have been about girls -- like The Paper Bag Princess.
A great girl-power story. (Carol Sjostrom Miller Familyfun 2005)
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)
Some of the best children's books ever written have been about girls -- like The Paper Bag Princess.
A great girl-power story. (Carol Sjostrom Miller Familyfun 2005)
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)
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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
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
88 of 89 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was the first Munsch book that I bought and I quickly went out and bought a whole load more. He's an excellent writer with a wonderful range of stories and a beautifully simple and fluid style of writing that is both accessible to children and able to roll off the tongue of most adults.
As you'll see from the other reviews here, this tale is about a young girl who, filled with nothing but courage, charity and a fair bit of brains, goes off to rescue a young prince from a ferocious dragon. After using all of her cunning to defeat the dragon she discovers that the prince is a bit of a monster himself, and so she decides not to marry him after all.
Although I agree that the story has a wealth of small lessons for children to learn about boys and girls and expectations and disappointments, I think that one of its strongest points is that the book serves as a wonderful introduction to the fact that not all stories end the way we expect them to (it's still a happy ending, just a different one) and that sometimes a twist can be more satisfying anyway.
Highly recommended for children from 3 to 103.
60 of 63 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Library Binding|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am so happy I got this book for my four year old daughter. It's the perfect antidote to those unrealistic Disney stories (i.e., Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty). And don't get me wrong, I think that those Disney stories can be fabulous, but the subliminal messages are somewhat 18th century. The Paper Bag Princess, on the other hand is decidely modern. Its message is: if a guy isn't nice to you, he's not worth it, leave him. Really, is there a more important message about relationships that we ought to be sending to our daughters? There are other wonderful messages in here for girls: you are resourceful, be strong. And, as an added benefit, this is a great and funny book, both of my daughters love it. This would make a great gift to all of the young girls in your life (and I think the age range should start at 2, not 4).
35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By Ann Cameron
Format:Paperback
This charming story reverses the usual roles: a prince is kidnapped by a dangerous dragon, and the dragon's breath burns up all the clothes in the palace. The princess who loves the prince can only find a paper bag to wear when she goes to rescue her love. Cleverly tricking the dragon, she enters the cave where the prince, still beautifully dressed, is held captive. Is true love rewarded? No! He at once complains she's "a disaster" badly dressed, dirty and all messed up. She replies that he is a fine and handsome prince--but completely useless. "And, in the end, they didn't marry."
This book is funny and not at all didactic, quick and easy to read. It's understandable for children from five up, but appeals to adults, too. I've read it to my Guatemalan maid, who was being forced to marry against her will and had just managed to escape the marriage. She loved the book and took it home to read it to her little brother and sister. This is an ideal work to help girls and boys see themelves as equals, to help them realize that marriage isn't the solution to all life's problems, and to understand that boys, just like girls, can be spoiled and foolish. It also suggests that when a boy friend or girl friend is vain and foolish, rather than pining one can look elsewhere for love and understanding. This book should be in every library worldwide!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Book is wonderful; condition of book was terrible
I was delighted to find this cardboard version of a Bob Munsch book for my grandson. The only problem was the book arrived warped. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Cathy Latourelle
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful story, but the pocket-sized version is not worth it
I love this book, but I purchased the pocket sized one and it would have been better to get the full sized version.
Published 2 days ago by A. DELGIUDICE
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very cute story!
Can't wait for my daughter to read this story. I love the ending especially:) It's nice to have a different ending to a princess story.
Published 10 days ago by rackat21
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable, with a positive message, but not a classic
Let me start off by saying that I really like the paper bag princess. It has a clever girl in it, which appeals to my own clever girl (age 3). The illustrations are solid. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Kateaoc
2.0 out of 5 stars
Tricked
Why on earth was the LACK of SIZE not mentioned for this"new paperback" item!?? I imagine a standard picture book size when I order "paperback. Read more
Published 14 days ago by tracy tuerk
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful story
Another great Robert Munsch book! It truly is about how people are on the inside not outward appearances. I nice variation on princess books.
Published 15 days ago by Amy N
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good theme and fun
I like this book for young girls because of its theme. A girl does not need a prince to be a princess. Or...a girl does not need a boy who does not treat her with respect.
Published 20 days ago by jerbear
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Story
I read this to my daughters when it was first published (25 years ago). Without giving too much away, I loved the fact that the Paperbag Princess outsmarted the dragon and... Read more
Published 22 days ago by Fancy Nancy
4.0 out of 5 stars
It's a classic!
I LOVED this book as a child. Now my son & daughter love it. Good story. Good underlying message. Strong, independent female character.
Published 22 days ago by Hillary Burke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fairy Tale Twist!
This book worked well with my lesson on synonyms and antonyms! The author told this fairy tale from a different point of view. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Sharon Kelly
