Ann's Reviews > The Paper Bag Princess

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Rate this book
Clear rating

by
446509
's review

liked it
bookshelves: childrens-stories, fairytales, fantasy, picture-books

I love the idea of a strong female character - especially given when this was initially published. It kind of turns the classic "damsel in distress" on its head, where the princess saves the prince.
I also liked that the princess had to out-smart the dragon - she succeeded by using her brain.
That's what I liked....

But, I think I would have liked this a lot better had it only been about the dragon, or only been about the relationship with the prince - but I didn't like them both together because one seemed to undermine the other.
(without giving away the end I can't really explain - but it's kind of a "if the princess is so smart, then how come...")
I also thought it was kind of bad that in her attempt to outsmart the dragon, she egged him to destroy 100 forests. Now, I know this is a fantasy, but still - obviously this was written during the women's lib age, but pre the "go green" age ;-) Either way though, it seemed a little selfish of the princess.
And, the only thing that didn't burn up was a paper bag... I'm sure it was supposed to be funny, but.. . for me, it was more annoying.

The illustrations are fun! Though I wasn't overly impressed with the story telling.
I've friends love this book, and I've enjoyed other Munsch work, but this one just fell flat for me.
6 likes · flag

Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read The Paper Bag Princess.
Sign In »

Reading Progress

April 14, 2011 – Shelved
May 1, 2011 – Started Reading
May 1, 2011 – Finished Reading
May 28, 2011 – Shelved as: childrens-stories
May 28, 2011 – Shelved as: fairytales
May 28, 2011 – Shelved as: fantasy
May 28, 2011 – Shelved as: picture-books

Comments Showing 1-7 of 7 (7 new)

dateUp arrow    newest »

message 1: by Lisa (new)

Lisa Vegan I loved this story! I read it in an omnibus edition with 4 other stories, and this was the best one.


message 2: by Ann (new) - rated it 3 stars

Ann Oh really!? Good!!! It sounds familiar but I don't think I've ever read the whole thing. Here's hoping the library has it :)


message 3: by Lisa (new)

Lisa Vegan Ann, If they don't have it as a standalone (they should!) if you post here I'll look at my shelves and find the other book it was in. I don't remember the details but I remember loving it.


message 4: by Ann (new) - rated it 3 stars

Ann Oh, okay thanks! I'll remember that just in case! :)


message 5: by Ann (new) - rated it 3 stars

Ann I'm sorry I didn't like this more, Lisa!! I see I'm in the minority... But I'm glad so many people do love it (and I *am* quite glad that I read it finally ;-D )


message 6: by Lisa (new)

Lisa Vegan Ann wrote: "I'm sorry I didn't like this more, Lisa!! I see I'm in the minority... But I'm glad so many people do love it (and I *am* quite glad that I read it finally ;-D )"

Oh, I'm sorry too, but I liked your review and I think it's important to get opposing reviews out there, and mostly it's made me curious because I'm realizing I don't remember the story's details. If I wasn't so overloaded with books I might want to reread it to see whether I still agree with myself and if I can see your point of view. Maybe someday (not soon) I will reread it.


message 7: by Mir (new) - rated it 4 stars

Mir Another "princess saves the prince" (well, knight, in this case) picture book is An Undone Fairy Tale.


back to top