Review sponsored* by Carole P. Roman
The Children’s Book Review | April 20, 2016
Written by Carole P. Roman
Illustrated by Mateya Arkova
Age Range: 3-7
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (2016)
ISBN: 978-1530243372
What to expect: Empowerment, Rhyme, Vocations
Can a Princess Be a Firefighter? is an empowering picture book by award-winning author Carole P. Roman that encourages children to follow their dreams. Just like the quote from Walt Disney that Roman uses to dedicate the book to her granddaughter (“If you can dream it, you can do it.”), it puts forth the idea that kids can grow up to be anything they want to be—in fact, they can even be more than one thing.
Inspired by their curiosity of a variety of different vocations, two girls ask a grown-up, “Can a princess be a firefighter?” They are looking for reassurance that they can still be themselves no matter which job they eventually grow into.
“‘I’d love to do all those things.
Will I have to stop princessing?’…”
The endearing illustrations take over double-page spreads and quite cleverly only ever show an adult’s legs, bringing a child-centric focus to the story. The illustrations also enforce the idea that the girls will have a guiding and supportive adult to help them navigate life’s bigger events when needed. The girls are encouraged to be anything they want to be and are presented with loads of fun ideas to explore. From classics to the more unique, the girls are drawn as everything from a doctor to a biologist to a dancer to a cowpoke to a mime. It’s even okay if they choose something and then change their mind. The girls are reminded that whatever they pick, it should make them happy. And then, most importantly, the grown up assures them that no matter what they choose there will always be a place for them in his/her heart.
This book is intended to inspire young girls and empower them to be whatever they desire. The two girls with their cute little noses and rosy cheeks are charismatic and friendly and utterly engaging. Despite the opening illustration in all its pink glory and the subtle-yet-purposefully placed fire truck and firefighter’s helmet, the artwork is delightfully feminine without being overly girly.
Can a Princess Be a Firefighter? is an important must-read for both girls and boys. It could also be given as a fun college graduation gift. Highly recommended!
Add this book to your collection: Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?
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About Carole P. Roman
Carole P. Roman
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has just been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, ERIK Award for 2013, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader’s Views Children’s Book of the Year 2013. She is also the author of the award-wining, non-fiction culture series If You Were Me and Lived in… Her new non-fiction cultural series written for older children will be published soon.
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Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?,” Carole P. Roman, paid for this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …