The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Short Summary

“The Paper Bag Princess” by Robert Munsch is a children’s book that subverts traditional gender roles by featuring a resourceful princess who outsmarts a dragon to rescue her prince, only to realise she deserves better when he criticises her appearance.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 4 to 8 years.

Topics Discussed

Gender Stereotypes

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What this book is about

  • “The Paper Bag Princess” by Robert Munsch and Michael Marchenko.
  • The book is a useful tool for discussing gender stereotypes with children.
  • Elizabeth, the protagonist, is a princess who lives in a castle and is set to marry Ronald. – A dragon destroys Elizabeth’s castle and kidnaps Ronald.
  • Elizabeth wears a paper bag and follows the dragon to rescue Ronald.
  • Elizabeth cleverly outsmarts the dragon, exhausting its powers.
  • Upon rescuing Ronald, he criticises Elizabeth for her appearance.
  • Elizabeth, recognising Ronald’s superficiality, decides not to marry him.
  • The story flips traditional gender roles, portraying the female as the rescuer.
  • A valuable book for addressing and challenging harmful gender stereotypes.
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I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

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Cath Hakanson is a qualified family sex educator, sexual health nurse and author with 30+ years of clinical and education experience. As an AuDHD parent of two neurodivergent children, she creates clear, practical sex ed resources that help parents talk about bodies, puberty, consent, porn, relationships and sex without shame or judgement.