Pistes d'exploration

Talk about why Princess Smartypants did not want to get married. Why did so many princes want to meet her and get married?

Act out an interview with Princess Smartypants. Find out what she would look for in a husband if she had to get married.

Write an epilogue to the story, explaining the adventures of Princess Smartypants.

Talk about why Princess Smartypants did not want to get married. Why did so many princes want to meet her and get married?

Talk about the tasks required of the princes. Invent five new tasks for them.

Write an advertisement for a husband-prince. Be sure to include the qualities you would look for in that special person.

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink, The Paper Bag Princess

Mots-clés

Humour , Picture book , deconstructing stereotypes , independence , princes , princesses , self-confidence , surprise endings

Commentaire descriptif

Princess Smartypants is rich and pretty, and all the princes want to marry her, but she’s not interested. Pressured to marry by her mother, she devises a string of formidable tasks for potential suitors. Simple, straightforward language provides a good foil for humorous watercolour illustrations depicting exaggerated situations, such as Prince Grovel bending under the weight of the Queen’s shopping as she buys herself a pair of billowing bloomers. Dialogue is crisp and contemporary: “Stop messing about . . .” says the Queen. “Right,” responds the princess, offering up her challenge for all who wish to, “as they say, win my hand.” Only Prince Swashbuckle, like a true hero, completes one daunting task after another. When the princess gives the triumphant prince a kiss, the book turns fairytale convention on its head. The kiss transforms him into a “gigantic warty toad.” A thoroughly disgruntled toad-prince is seen driving off in his fancy car, while Princess Smartypants waves a happy goodbye. This charming, modern twist on a fairytale favourite sends an important message to all young readers by disarming traditional stereotypes.