The Paper Bag Princess
A princess rescues a prince, he complains about her outfit, and what she says next is one of the best endings in the genre.
Why they ask for it again
The ending is a genuine surprise, and a kid can feel how right it is. The final word usually gets a shriek of delight.
Our review
A dragon burns down Elizabeth's castle and carries off Prince Ronald, leaving her with nothing to wear but a paper bag. She tracks the dragon down and uses flattery to get it to fly around the world and burn forests until it collapses, exhausted. Then she walks in to rescue Ronald, and he tells her to come back when she looks like a real princess.
It came out more than forty years ago, and it still has more bite than most modern books about brave girls, because Elizabeth's victory comes from wit, and her ending is on her own terms. Boys love it as well, largely because it is very funny.
How to read it aloud
Make Ronald unbearably snooty, and have Elizabeth stay sweetly polite until the last page. Then let her final line land, and close the book.
The catch
She calls him a bum. If that is a word you would rather not teach your child, now you know.
Is it scary?
A dragon burns down a castle in the first pages, but it is drawn with humour rather than menace.
Books like The Paper Bag Princess, and what to read next
Room on the BroomAnother dragon, another clever way out.
Pippi LongstockingA longer read about a girl who does whatever she wants.
MatildaFor later: a smart girl who takes on a terrible adult.
The Girl, The Lights & The PrinceAnother heroine who goes her own way, told in rhyme.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is The Paper Bag Princess for?
Ages 3–8. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 4 to 6.
How long does The Paper Bag Princess take to read aloud?
About 6 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is The Paper Bag Princess scary?
A dragon burns down a castle in the first pages, but it is drawn with humour rather than menace.
What should we read after The Paper Bag Princess?
We would suggest Room on the Broom, Pippi Longstocking, Matilda, The Girl, The Lights & The Prince (we have a personal connection to this one).