Tuesday's Child - The Paper Bag Princess

For Tuesday's Child, I am going to (re)introduce you to one of my favourite children's authors – Robert Munsch.

I chose to pick up “The Paper Bag Princess”. I am going to re-tell it. I am hoping that readers have read it, or know about it as it was published 30 years ago.

The Paper Bag Princess features Elizabeth and Ronald. When a dragon ruins Elizabeth's castle, possessions, and steals Ronald, she wears the only thing unruined – a paper bag- and sets off to get the prince she was going to marry. After following a path of destruction, she find's the dragon's cave. Not putting up with being dismissed, she outsmarts the dragon and tires him out. Does she get her prince? Does he appreciate her rescue efforts?

Nope. He only disses her appearance, says that she smells like ashes, and dislikes her make-shift dress. He doesn't allow himself to be rescued by her, at least until she's a “real princess”.

Elizabeth's reply: “Ronald, your clothes are really pretty and your hair is all neat. You look like a real prince, but you are a bum”.

In the end, they did not get married. I can only assume that Elizabeth lived happily ever after.

I think this book is good for children of any age. It has royalty, dragons, a creative adventure, and standing up for yourself. Elizabeth did not just let the dragon take away her man, she went to get him. Using the same strength in herself to get her man back, she did not let his hurtful words keep her down.

I have always been a strong independent woman, and I am only guessing that it was developed during my early years. That is the one thing I adore about going back and re-reading books I liked when I was tiny, you either find messages, or just assume they are there.

I am giving you all a mission, go out and pick up one of your favourite picture books growing up. Read it. I promise it should not take more than 5 minutes. Let me know how it goes.