Who doesn't like Robert Munsch ? I remember reading this book years ago , and was so glad to have a opportunity to read it again. I've always enjoyed his wild, wacky sense of humor and often read his books in my preschool storylines. Kids love them.

This is a classic and I am glad to see that it is getting a special anniversary edition. My favorite part of the book was actually the afterward where the author's wife was talking about how he came up with story. I love little behind the scene glimpses like that. I highly recommend this edition of the book, for that part alone. 4, this takes me back, stars!

My thanks to NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

*received for free from netgalley fot honest review* How have I never read this book?! I honestly am shocked my mother never bought this book for me as a child but so happy I found it now! I really loved this story and the illustrations as well! adorable book and I really loved the parent reading in the front, very informational!

This re-release of the classic story has a preface by Chelsea Clinton and another by Francesca Segal, plus an endnote by Munsch's wife where we learn that it was actually her idea for Robert to finally tell a story where the princess does the rescuing. Otherwise, the book itself is the same wonderful story with the same illustrations. It's a great book for girls and boys, with a short story that's perfect for bedtime, an important message, and good illustrations.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

I first read The Paper Bag Princess some decades ago on the recommendation of a school librarian. Now Annick Press has reissued the slim book about a valiant princess who rescues a not-so-noble prince. For 40 years, this picture book has taught young girls that they can save themselves and that boys who judge them on looks rather than character don’t deserve them. I’m so glad that a third generation of boys and girls will get the pleasure of this delightful book and its important message.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.

One of my favorite books from when I was a young girl! It was a delight to be able to read it again. I love the girl power in this book and how strategic she is in now she tricks the dragon. I loved being able to share this story with my kids.

I don't know how it is that I never read this book.  It feels like a classic.  This edition is the 40th anniversary one of The Paper Bag Princess.  This is a modern fairy tale for both our daughters and sons.  Elizabeth, the princess of the title, is plucky, brave and clever.  Her prince, Robert, does not appreciate her talents, even though the untidy Elizabeth rescues him from a dragon.  What happens at the end?  Read the book to find out.


This edition has an introduction by Chelsea Clinton and a short piece by Francesca Segal.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.  I give the book five stars.

I didn't find this to be my favorite of his Stories. I appreciated the simple reminder that we shouldn't let our difficulties control our futures.

Classic story that seems as fresh today as it was 40 years ago! A must-have for any children's collection - library or personal. Just a lovely book for gifting.

I don't ever remember reading this as a child, and that fact makes me a little sad. This is the glorious tale of a girl who sets out to save her prince and realizes that she doesn't actually need that prince. This is a tale that every girl needs to read at least once.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

The 40th Anniversary Edition includes bonus content that includes a short one page Note to Readers from Chelsea Clinton explaining the meaning of the story to her and its importance in her life. Next, is a two page article by Francesca Segal called Stand Up To Dragons. In this two page article, Francesca Segal proves the timelessness of the story and its relevance today. She includes examples such as the #MeToo movement, misogyny, and cronyism. In the end of the book, there is a two page bonus from Ann Munsch with Robert Munsch entitled 40 Years of the Paper Bag Princess in which they recollect how the story came to be created.

Book summary: Elizabeth and Ronald are preparing to marry, but a dragon comes and takes Ronald away. Leaving everything burnt and destroyed but a paper bag, Elizabeth transforms the paper bag into a dress and goes to rescue Prince Ronald. She gets to the dragons lair, and persuades him to come out to see her. She outsmarts the dragon and tires him out which allows her to rescue Ronald. Upon seeing Elizabeth's ashy and dirty state, Ronald points out that she looks mess and tells her, "Come back when you are dressed like a real princess." Elizabeth doesn't stand for this and responds by telling him that he is pretty and a prince, but a "bum" . It then ends with an illustration of Elizabeth running off into the sunset with glee since they did not get married after that.

The Paper Bag Princess explores gender roles; instead of the prince rescuing the princess, the princess is rescuing the prince. Rather than the prince defeating the dragon, the princess not only defeats the dragon, but she does so by outsmarting him. It also shows kids that it is okay to stand up for yourself. And, in the end, it reveals that beauty is more than skin deep and that we do not need someone else to be happy or valuable.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

What I Loved: I LOVED the Girl Power stuff happening in this book! The very last few sentences had me jaw-dropped and then applauding. I am not even kidding.

How I Felt: Oh my gosh you guys!!! This is the 40th anniversary of this book, but it’s my first time reading it. And to tell you the truth, I think I loved it more than my daughter. It definitely spoke to me and I “got” it more, but she’ll get there. I was just going along with the book, watching this girl outsmart this dragon over and over so that she can rescue her prince. And then she goes to rescue him, and he’s like “Go clean up and come back” WHAT!!!! Her response though, you’ll have to read the book, but it was so perfect.

To Read or Not To Read: Every little girl needs to own this book. It’s fabulous. And every little boy should own it too. Loved this book. We WILL be picking up an available copy in February!

What’s This Book About Anyway?
A beautiful princess is engaged to a handsome prince. They are happy, but then a dragon comes and ruins their castle and all of her clothes, and steals her prince. She finds herself a paper bag to wear as clothing and goes after that dragon. He keeps telling her to go away and come back tomorrow so he can eat her, but she is persistent and finally gets him to come out and do all these things so he’s utterly exhausted. She is able to slip right past him and calls to her prince to come down. He takes one look at her messy hair and paper bag dress and tells her to go clean up and come back. So…go check out the book to find out.

I was provided this ARC in by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

This was super cute. I loved how clever and confident the princess was. The art was super pretty as well.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a wonderful fun story. It's short and the Princess is fantastic. Wonderful. 5 stars. The Prince definitely didn't deserve her!!