All in all, “The Paper Bag Princess” is a brilliant book from the famous Munsch/Martchenko duo as it shows that true courage will always win the day. Although I would have preferred the ending to be a little longer so that way it would be more satisfying just knowing what happened to each character after the adventure is over, this was not a major con for me, so I would still recommend this book to children ages four and up, but because of the dragon scenes, I think children ages five and older might stand those scenes better and the children ages four and up will like the simplistic writing of this book. So, as the story suggests there is a Princess. Her name is Elizabeth! She is beautiful, lives in a big fancy castle, is engaged to Ronald, and has everything her heart could desire. And then a dragon comes along and ruins everything (like most girl's everyday life - obviously). Prince Ronald has been carried away and all of her belongings are gone! So, like most girls these days, she put on her best paper bag and went off to save the Prince! And how will she battle this wretched dragon? With her smarts! 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...") Davies, Bronwyn (1989). Frogs and snails and feminist tales: preschool children and gender. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. p.48. ISBN 978-0-04-520007-8. OCLC 960911808.

The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch - Forest Lodge Academy

While obviously there's a feminist tone to this story, its more important message transcends gender: this book teaches kids the important lesson that they do not need someone else around who doesn't value them for their finer qualities. Counter to most messages those kids will receive in coming years about the importance of relationships to self worth, The Paper Bag Princess says that nobody needs a Prince who is really a Bum, and that independent dragon-slayers like Elizabeth are better off alone than with some snotty jerk like Ronald.... This book is about not hanging around people who don't treat you right! Your child will particularly benefit from hearing you point out parts of CSPAR the first time you read The Paper Bag Princess, since this will help her understand the basic story. Determined to save her prince, she sets out, wearing only a paper bag, to follow the trail of destruction left by the dragon. I did like the forewards in this book - Chelsea Clinton and Francesca Segal share some sweet stories that I connect with. This book is a special part of childhood history for many people, so it was nice to see it wasn't just me who was obsessed with this book! The Paper Bag Princess has garnered acclaim from feminist movements and scholars for its reversal of the princess and the dragon archetype. [3] This acclaim has led some to place Munsch within the movement of second wave feminism as his picture book offers alternatives to the typical gender roles in place when it was published. [3] These alternatives to the gender binary include both the dress of the characters [4] and the larger plot in which the princess is the rescuer. [5] Elizabeth's quest to save Ronald from the dragon, wearing nothing but a paper bag, shows her courage and empowers her in her rejection of Ronald. [6] A study performed by sociologist Bronwyn Davies among preschool children revealed their capability to associate Elizabeth’s narrative with the agency and independence of women outside of traditional gender dynamics. [7] Pedagogical Significance [ edit ]She was really pleased that I chose to copy her princess craft for kids and share it here too – apparently my one is the queen and her’s is the princess. Cutler, Laura (2018). "Challenging the familiar: Using fractured fairy tales to introduce critical literacy". Literacy Today. 35 (6): 36–37. The Paper Bag Princess was first told at the Bay Area Childcare Center in Coos Bay Oregon where I had a job in 1973 and 1974. I had been telling lots and lots of dragon stories. They were all fairly regular dragon stories where the prince saves the princess from the dragon. What do you think Elizabeth’s life was like before Ronald was taken? Was she happy? Why or why not? You could talk about what is happening in the illustrations to highlight the sequence of different actions and to help your child connect the events. For example, you could say, “Look, in this picture Elizabeth says, “Magnificent!” so that the dragon breathes fire again, until he has none left.”

Paper Bag Princess Activities and Comprehension Questions The Paper Bag Princess Activities and Comprehension Questions

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. If Elizabeth still felt like a princess and thought of herself as a princess, would she be a princess? Next cut out a crown from coloured card ensuring that it’s big enough to stretch across the whole length of your princesses head. By talking about these ideas before the story even starts, you are helping your child orient herself to the key elements of the story. Also, when you use the actual CSPAR names (character, problem, action, setting, and resolution), it’s helpful to stress and explain them so your child becomes familiar with those terms.

Summary

This story works well for highlighting CSPAR because it has an entertaining story line, a few central characters, and a clear-cut problem. It’s especially captivating for preschoolers who may be familiar with other stories involving princes, princesses and dragons. Compare The Paper Bag Princess to other fairy tales? How is it different from more traditional stories?

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Listen to the author read the story. How does he make the story come alive? Record your own reading of the story.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. Princess Elizabeth has everything. She lives in an enormous castle, has beautiful clothes and a perfect fiancé, Prince Ronald. Her perfect life changes when “a dragon smashed her castle, burned all her clothes with his fiery breath and carried off Prince Ronald.” Hume, Christopher (1 November 1987). "Drawing Power Once almost non-existent, now Canadian illustrated books for children have never looked better thanks to dozens of top artists". Toronto Star. p.C1. ProQuest 435692067. Princess Elizabeth is a daring female protagonist; a superb role model for little ones. She takes matters into her own hands and outsmarts the dragon in a game of wits.