The+Paper+Bag+Princess


 * The Paper Bag Princess **

Book Review by: Dianna Bresh
 * Title: The Paper Bag Princess
 * Author: [|Robert Munsch]
 * Illustrator: [|Michael Martchenko]
 * Publisher: Annikins (December 1, 1986)
 * Format: Picture book
 * ISBN-10: 0920236251
 * Reading level: 4-7 years
 * Pages: 32 pages
 * Language: English


 * __Summary:__**Princess Elizabeth is all set to marry the love her life, Prince Ronald. Days before the wedding, a dragon storms the castle taking Ronald hostage. The princess needs to rescue Ronald from the terrifying dragon. She leaves her beautiful castle wearing her elegant princess clothing and crown to save her one true love. Using her smarts, she tricks the dragon into performing acts which make him exhausted, such as fire breathing and flying. Throughout her effort she ended up dirtying her clothing, crown and hair. She was unbothered by the mess and found an old paper bag to wear. When she finally tired out the dragon, she was able to save her prince Ronald. The first words he says to her are of disgust. He is upset that she looks messy, is wearing a paper bag and no longer looks like a princess. Princess Elizabeth decides that she does not need her prince anymore and runs into the sunset by herself.


 * __Book Review:__** This is my all-time favorite children’s book. For once a princess is able to save the day using her bravery, strength and logic. Princess Elizabeth risked her life to rescue Ronald from the dragon. She then used her intelligence to outsmart the dragon. Despite the effort, Ronald doesn’t like the way she looks when she rescues him. Princess Elizabeth once more defied the typical princess book by standing up for herself. She leaves Ronald because she knows that looks are not everything and that she is not appreciated. A princess standing up for herself in the way that Elizabeth did is almost unheard of, making it my favorite children’s book.


 * __About the Author:__**Robert Munsch has written over twenty five children’s books, including //The Paper Bag Princess.// Native to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania his whole life until meeting his wife Ann and moving together to Guelph, Ontario. Before committing to writing, he studied to become a Jesuit priest. He soon switched his career path to study early childhood education and eventually receive an MA in the field. Before having his three children, Julia, Andrew and Tyya, he worked in several nursery schools and daycare centers.


 * __Literary Element Analysis:__** Princess Elizabeth grows tremendously throughout this story. In the beginning of the story she seems like every typical princess from a children’s fairy tale. She is in love with her prince and would do anything to please him. Not a hair is out of place underneath her shiny crown. When Ronald gets taken by the dragon she risks her life to save him and not by gaining a fairy godmother. She uses her bravery and smarts, unlike usual princesses, all to save her one true love. She no longer looks like a princess when she saves Ronald and that is all he notices. He does not want her with messy hair and wearing a paper bag. Princess Elizabeth developed hugely throughout this story by finally walking away from Ronald. She knew that no matter how much she loved him, he would not appreciate her. This is a huge growth in character which puts a twist on the typical princess fairy tale. That growth is what makes this story an important read for young children.