I have nothing against princesses. I like beautiful dresses and fancy crowns and dainty feet and being rescued by a charming man. The traditional damsel in distress is a quintessential part of children\u2019s literature, and I have no problem with little girls who dream of going to a ball and finding true love.<\/p>\n
I do, however, know many little girls (and their parents) who are interested in a different kind of princess. One who saves herself or has adventures or prefers sword fights to gowns. These little girls are looking for empowered, kick-ass role models who would rather tame a dragon than learn to use a spinning wheel. So, in honor of our more modern daughters, here are a few royals who embody girl power.<\/p>\n
no no 9781680102758 Never Mess with a Pirate Princess!<\/i> by Holly Ryan, illustrated by Sian Roberts <\/p>\n
Aye, aye, matey! When a pirate steals her beloved stuffie, Princess Prudence vows to get him back. She must defeat an entire crew of the salty sea dogs to rescue her teddy bear and bring him safely home. Children that enjoy stories about pirates and princesses will love this hilarious picture book!
\n(Ages 3 – 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780823446988 The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess<\/i> by Tom Gauld <\/p>\n
This unusual princess turns into a wooden log every night. So, when someone (understandably) mistakes the princess for lumber and steals her, her robot brother strikes out in pursuit. Together, these unique royal siblings must find their way home in this modern fairy tale.
\n(Ages 4 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781611807998 Kuan Yin<\/i> by Maya van der Meer, illustrated by Wen Hsu <\/p>\n
Miao Shan wants to spread happiness, love, and kindness to people everywhere. When her father demands she marry, Miao Shan flees the palace with help from her younger sister, Ling. This remarkable story about sisterhood, compassion, and courage shows readers a different kind of princess.
\n(Ages 4 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780803732605 Princess Grace<\/i> by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu <\/p>\n
Kids who enjoy the Grace<\/i> picture book series will love this royal installment. In it, Grace learns about actual princesses from around the world. These princesses are strong, courageous, and brave\u2014with no magic kisses required.
\n(Ages 5 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780763665104 The Princess in Black<\/i> by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham <\/p>\n
Princess Magnolia is a perfect, prim, and proper princess \u2014 until danger calls. Then, she secretly swaps her fancy dress for basic black and heads out to stop a giant blue monster from eating all the goats. This is a girl who knows how to multi-task. Now, if only she can keep her secret.
\n(Ages 5 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780399172588 The Water Princess<\/i> by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds <\/p>\n
Not all princesses wear frilly dresses and sip tea in castles. In Princess Gie Gie\u2019s case, she walks several miles every day to fetch clean drinking water. This informative picture book introduces young readers to a challenge many children face throughout the world.
\n(Ages 5 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780803733749 Dangerously Ever After<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/304054\/dangerously-ever-after-by-dashka-slater-illustrated-by-valeria-docampo by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Valeria Docampo <\/p>\n
Fearless Princess Amanita has a pet scorpion and a bicycle without brakes. So naturally, she hates the roses Prince Florian gives her \u2014 until she discovers they have thorns. Spiky and prickly are perfect for this independent princess, and she will stop at nothing to grow her own, even when things don\u2019t turn out quite as she had planned.
\n(Ages 5 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781536203769 Red Butterfly<\/i> by Deborah Noyes, illustrated by Sophie Blackall <\/p>\n
If your child enjoys learning about real-life princesses, they\u2019ll love this tale about the courageous princess who smuggled silkworms out of China. When she leaves her home to marry the king of Khotan, the princess takes a valuable piece of her heritage with her.
\n(Ages 6 – 9)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781779501226 Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld<\/i> by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Asiah Fulmore <\/p>\n
After spending three years on Earth and forgetting everything about her home, Princess Amaya returns to Gemworld. There the spunky, troublemaking princess finds her family missing and the world overrun with monsters. This action-packed and hilarious graphic novel is perfect for kids who loved The Princess in Black<\/i> and Diana: Princess of the Amazons<\/i><\/a>. 9780593118405 The Runaway Princess<\/i> by Johan Tro\u00efanowski <\/p>\n Graphic novel lovers will get hooked on this story of an unconventional princess who runs away from home. While Robin is busy getting kidnapped, navigating mazes, and escaping wolves, her disgruntled parents follow in hot pursuit. This vibrant and interactive story is perfect for readers that enjoy humor, adventure, and princesses who break the mold. 9781506710273 Extraordinary: A Story of an Ordinary Princess<\/i> by Cassie Anderson <\/p>\n When most people think of a princess, they think of a beautiful girl who enjoys a life of luxury. But Princess Basil is not one of those princesses\u2014she\u2019s utterly ordinary in every way. When she gets kidnapped, Basil must take control of her life and her destiny. Kids will find this unique princess highly relatable. 9780142427019 Hamster Princess<\/i> Series by Ursula Vernon <\/p>\n
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n
\n(Ages 8 – 12)<\/i><\/p>\n