Jenny's Reviews > The Paper Bag Princess

I have always thought that this book is humorous...and yet I have never LOVED it.

Things I like:
1. The brave, clever girl who doesn't wait for someone to come rescue her but courageously solves her own problem.
2. Lessons in humility can be taught/discussed. Elizabeth used the dragon's vanity to overcome him. This could be used in a character education lesson to talk about humility as well as courage.
3. The illustrations add to the fun and humor of the story.
4. This could also be used to talk about outward beauty versus inner goodness/strength.

Things I've never cared for:
1. The complete lack of gratitude or respect shown to Elizabeth by Ronald. Yes, she is dirty and dressed in a paper bag but even if he doesn't love her, he should be respectful. I know that this is intended to be humorous and to provide a message that a girl doesn't need a man to be worthwhile or happy...but it has always rubbed me the wrong way. I think that often, in the quest to show that girls/women can be strong, brave, intelligent and independent many people then portray men as the exact opposite of those things. Men are too often portrayed as egotistic and proud (as is Ronald) or idiotic and bumbling. It happens so often that it really bugs me. I often tell my students that we DO NOT have to tear others down to build ourselves up...but far too often in books and media, that is exactly what happens. Women are "built up" by knocking men down. Elizabeth would not have been any less brave, clever or creative if Ronald had shown appreciation for her actions. ...Okay, I will get off my soapbox now.