Review of The Paperbag Princess on The Children’s Book Review
The Paper Bag Princess
Written by Robert Munsch
Illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Age Range: 4 – 7 years
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Annick Press
ISBN-13: 978-0920236161
What to Expect: Fairy Tale, Princess, Prince, Dragon Beginner Reader, Funny
If ever there were a book with the most perfect plot twist, this could be it. In a “typical” princess book, the princess is kidnapped and rescued by a prince, and then they end up married. Well, no, siree, not in this book! In this excellent picture book, the very smart, spirited, and beautiful Princess Elizabeth, who is set to marry Prince Ronald, sets out to rescue him from a fire-breathing dragon.
The dragon has smashed her castle and burned her clothes with his fiery breath, so she dresses in the only thing she can find, a brown paper bag. With the use of some outstanding trickery, she goes about saving the life of Prince Ronald. And then it happens, the most unexpected and perfect ending to a story. Don’t expect me to spoil the biggest plot twist of all; I want you to get the satisfaction of reading or listening to it yourself.
This princess tale is short and sweet, and funny and empowers young girls to be true to themselves. The illustrations by Michael Martchenko offer just the right amount of grit, and the dulled colors provide a great backdrop for beloved author Robert Munsch’s cracking humor.
The Paper Bag Princess is a classic picture book that packs a real punch to the “princess” genre!
Available Here:
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!).
The Paper Bag Princess, written by Robert Munsch, was reviewed by Bianca Schulze. Discover more books like The Paper Bag Princess by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Fairy Tales, Girl Empowerment, Picture Book, Princesses, Robert Munsch, and Royalty.
3 Comments
What a great idea for a book. Thank you for reviewing it and bringing it to everyones attention. The world needs more laughter. I will search out a copy, read it and then pass it on to a child who needs a smile.
I’m a grandma, and retired elementary school library ‘media specialist’. I cannot wait to re-read The Paper Bag Princess, and share it with my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter! I knew it sounded familiar, then noticed the pub. date, of course! It was a favorite when new, and endures today. Thanks for the reminder of a special book, and important story for everyone! Gp princesses AND princes, have funn your rading adventures!
In the 3rd Illustration, how did Princess Elizabeth feel? Was she angry? Was it an aftermath? How we ever seen anyone angry in the aftermath of a natural disaster (Hurricane Andrew, Christchurch Earthquake, etc.)? What should people do in storm aftermaths? Stay home when authorities say it’s safe to do so? Why didn’t Elizabeth stay home? Did she have to make a decision? When a person is at least 18 years of age, they must make a decision. When Paper Bag Princess day comes, they should have topics on decision making and aftermaths as part of the round table discussion segment.