By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 1, 2010
Whether it be the fairytale or romantic stigma that often surrounds princess characters, or the strength that these Damsels exude after overcoming various different hardships, children—especially girls—are drawn to stories about princesses. Heck, even I love a good “Prince Charming” story every once in a while. However, when looking for a book with some royal flare, it’s easy to fall to the stories we know so well: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and The Little Mermaid—which, while we’re at it, are considered by many as a right-of-passage for any young girl.
In my quest to find new and original stories with a good princess feel—less boy-meets-girl and more strength and self-discovery—the following books really struck a chord with me; each for their own reasons.
by Anna Pignataro
Reading level: Ages 4-7
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 8, 2009)
Source: Publisher
What to expect: Rhyme, Rabbits, Parties
Light and airy and deliciously entertaining. From an intricate envelope that opens to reveal a mini sized invitation from the Queen, to a list of presents that Princess and Fairy must look for and find in the pages of delightfully fancy illustrations, readers are captivated to the very end.
Add this book to your collection: Princess and Fairy
by Marion Dane Bauer
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (February 23, 2010)
Source of book: Publisher
What to expect: Dolls, Mothers and daughters, Grandmothers
First of all, Marion Dane Bauer is a Newbery Honor-winning author. Second of all, this book reads like a book you’ve read over-and-over, even from the very first time you pick it up. The over-all story is one of loss—Zoe, a 10-year-old, visits her grandmother for the first time and discovers that her mother is leaving her to live there indefinitely—however, Bauer has intertwined a magical story of friendship between Zoe and a “princess” doll who comes to life, softening the loss and highlighting the importance of family.
A Junior Library Guild Selection.
Add this book to your collection: The Very Little Princess
The Secret Lives of Princesses
by Philippe Lechermeier (Author), Rebecca Dautremer (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 7+
Hardcover: 88 pages
Publisher: Sterling (June 1, 2010)
Source of book: Publisher
What to expect: Princesses galore!
Holy princess! The illustrations in this book are so rich and mind-absorbing! This is a book for sophisticated princess-lovers—and those that enjoy individualism. From the less familiar to the unknown, The Secret Lives of Princesses offers a refreshing perspective on royal life. A beautiful book and a delectable read.
Visit www.secretlivesofprincesses.com
Giveaway: Enter to win a copy!
Add this book to your collection: The Secret Lives of Princesses
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 324 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (June 16, 2010)
Source of book: Publicist
What to expect: Time and space, gender role, California
Time travel, history, romance, and a whole lot of independence that leads to a wonderful journey of self-discovery.
Visit the author at www.carmenferreiroesteban.com
Add this book to your collection: Two Moon Princess
Be sure to also look at these books, too:
Princess Hyacinth by Florence Parry Heide
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch
Leave us a comment: What is your favorite princess book with a twist?
