Books

  • Allyson Crooks
      • Rated 4 stars

    The "paper bag princess" is a fairytale with a surprising ending. There is a prince, a princess, a dragon, but things do not turn out as you would expect them to. That is something that is significant about this fairytale: it does not attempt to create a character that is stereotypical of most princesses or have a typical happy ending. This book could be utilized during a fairytale unit to illustrate to young girls and boys that things do not always turn out ideally and you do not need another person to make you happy.

    Allyson Crooks wrote this review Thursday, October 18, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    Catherine DeWitt
      • Rated 4 stars

    This story is a fantastic way to tell a classic-style fairy tale while modernizing the gender roles. The protagonist, a young princess, is leads an exciting adventure and is more independent than the stereotypical princess we all imagine.

    Catherine DeWitt wrote this review Monday, October 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    laura
      • Rated 5 stars

    very cute and different fairy tale

    laura wrote this review Wednesday, October 10, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    Brooke
      • Rated 4 stars

    What a funny twist on the classic "fairytale." The story is a quick read with great animated illustrations and a great message about what makes you happy in life. Also, has a positive message about unhealthy relationships and how to leave when you are unhappy. Overall, just a cute and fun read. Teachers can use this in a 1st or 2nd grade class.

    Brooke wrote this review Sunday, October 7, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    Jessica Schmidt
      • Rated 5 stars

    A young lady's wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of her life... but Princess Elizabeth's wedding day did NOT go as planned. Princess Elizabeth was supposed to marry Prince Ronald, but just before their wedding, a huge fire-breathing dragon flew in and destroyed Elizabeth's castle, all her clothes, and took Prince Ronald for his dinner! What was Princess Elizabeth supposed to do, sit down and cry? No way! She threw on a brown paper bag and took off to seek revenge on the dragon and save her prince! As she approached the dragon's cave, she rocked on the door and began to ask the dragon if he could complete certain feats of strength (such as can you burn five forests in one breath? And can you fly around the whole world in five seconds?) After the dragon proved to Elizabeth that he could accomplish these tasks, he was far too tired to stop Elizabeth from rescuing Prince Ronald. But will Ronald be alive? Will he be happy she saved him? Will their wedding even happen?

    This story is so cleverly written! I love how it teaches kids that using your brain can be more effective than using brawn. Princess Elizabeth is empowering, and it shows to students that a hero can take many different forms. Lastly, I love the fact that Elizabeth doesn't "settle" at the end of this story. She understands that she is special and that no one she treat her poorly. Girl power!

    This "fairy tale" has a clever twist and a unique hero. I would suggest that teachers could have students work in groups to rewrite popular fairy tales from a different perspective and/or with alternative endings!

    Jessica Schmidt wrote this review Friday, August 24, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    Deb Flaherty
      • Rated 5 stars

    Her prince charming rescued her and they lived happily ever after...NOT!! If you are looking for a typical, damsel-in-distress princess story this isn't it. Princess Elizabeth is to be married to Prince Roger, but before that can happen a dragon captures him. Elizabeth is determined to rescue Prince Roger and defeat the dragon. Using wit and bravery she does just that, only to discover that Roger was no prince chariming after all.

    This book is wonderful for discussing gender stereotypes and how we socialize girls versus boys. Comparing it to more traditional fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty or Snow White can help younger students see the contrasts. This would make a great initiation for sociology or psychology classes that discuss stereotypes as well as media influence. Although this book certainly sends a strong message to girls, it is just as important to have boys involved in the discussion.

    Deb Flaherty wrote this review Wednesday, August 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    Vichheka
      • Rated 5 stars

    I like this stories because it made me laugh when I read it.

    Vichheka wrote this review Monday, July 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    Sotheara
      • Rated 5 stars

    I like this story because it is funny to read and the princess trick the dragon.

    Sotheara wrote this review Monday, July 2, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    Lexi ~*Lu*~ C.C. <3
      • Rated 4 stars

    My favourite!

    Lexi ~*Lu*~ C.C. <3 wrote this review Friday, March 30, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
    lizzy ruzzo
      • Rated 0 stars

    Grades: Pre-K-2
    Summary: There is a princess that has everything even a prince until a dragon comes and takes him away. The princess goes to find her prince, tricks the dragon to get her prince back but realizes she doesn’t want him back.
    Review: The picture uses great colors. Great book to show children what’s important in life.
    Uses in classroom:
    -read aloud
    -what is important in the children's life

    lizzy ruzzo wrote this review Tuesday, March 27, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No