written by Robert N. Munsch
illustrated by Michael Martchenko
genre: folktale/fairy tale
summary: This politically correct fairy tale tackles the gender bias that most fairy tales are examples of. In this story the princess is the heroine who rescues the prince by out smarting a dragon. The princess is not concerned about how she looks, however the prince does criticize her appearance and as a result they do not end up together in the end.
Characters: Princess Elizabeth, Prince Ronald and the Dragon
grade level: This book is appropriate for preschool to third grade students.
comments: This story is creative, funny and gives a clear message to young girls that the man doesn't have to be the one to do the rescuing! It also teaches little girls that they can and should walk away from someone who is not treating them correctly. This book opens up a great deal of discussion on why she doesn't marry the prince in the end and how you should treat people.
2 comments:
I like this book I thought it was clever. I think that young girls will like the fact that it is a fairy tale but they get a better message from it.
Great story suggestion. I can't wait to read it! I agree with trying to eliminate gender bias in children's literature, and placing boys AND girls in character roles that are normally dominated by one particular gender.
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