The Paper Bag Princess

The Paper Bag Princess is a children's book written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko. It was first published in 1980 by Annick Press and launched Munsch's career to the forefront of a new wave of Canadian children’s authors.[1] The story reverses the princess and dragon stereotype.[2] As a result, it has won critical acclaim from feminists, including an endorsement from the National Organization for Women, which sells the book on its website. Since it was first published in 1980 it has sold more than seven million copies worldwide.[2]

The Paper Bag Princess
Paperback cover
AuthorRobert Munsch
IllustratorMichael Martchenko
Cover artistMichael Martchenko
LanguageEnglish
Publisher
Publication date
1980
Pages32

Plot

Princess Elizabeth’s plans to marry Prince Ronald are foiled after a fire-breathing dragon kidnaps the prince, destroying her castle and clothes in the process. Princess Elizabeth dons a paper bag, the only garment not scorched by the dragon’s fire, and pursues the dragon. Elizabeth tricks the green, scaly dragon into tiring itself out by pointlessly breathing out fire and flying around the world. After the dragon falls asleep, Elizabeth rescues Ronald, who is ungrateful and only mocks her appearance before telling her to return when she looks more like a princess. The story ends with Elizabeth accosting Ronald for his ungratefulness and dancing off into the sunset.

Analysis

Feminist Themes

The Paper Bag Princess has garnered acclaim from feminist movements and scholars for its reversal of the princess and the dragon archetype.[3] This acclaim has led some to place Munsch within the movement of second wave feminism as his picture book offers alternatives to the typical gender roles in place when it was published.[3] These alternatives to the gender binary include both the dress of the characters[4] and the larger plot in which the princess is the rescuer.[5] Elizabeth's quest to save Ronald from the dragon, wearing nothing but a paper bag, shows her courage and empowers her in her rejection of Ronald.[6] A study performed by sociologist Bronwyn Davies among preschool children revealed their capability to associate Elizabeth’s narrative with the agency and independence of women outside of traditional gender dynamics.[7]

Pedagogical Significance

The Paper Bag Princess has also been used as a literary example for introducing children to the elements of storytelling and critical literacy. A research study performed by teachers Maria Colleen Cruz and Kate Pollock reveal that the novel contains essential elements of the fantasy genre that are easily comprehensible to young readers.[8] The Paper Bag Princess has also been used as an instructional tool for critical literacy as it challenges gender roles and offers an alternative narrative to gender dynamics.[9]

Reception

The Paper Bag Princess was received well by audiences.[10] It sold 10,000 copies in its first year and has sold 7 million total in 2022.[10] The Paper Bag Princess launched Munsch's career to stardom and has garnered celebrity status among audiences.[11]

Editions

The Paper Bag Princess 25th Anniversary Edition: The Story Behind the Story (2005), a full-color hardback, reveals the inspiration behind the book. It features an interview and behind-the scenes with the author, and offers a look at the book's impact around the world.[12]

There are plans for a movie adaptation produced by Margot Robbie and Elizabeth Banks and directed by Banks.[13]

The book was also adapted into a cartoon, as part of the animated series A Bunch of Munsch.[14]

Editions of Munsch personally reading the story has also been uploaded onto platforms such as YouTube. [15]

In 2013, Adri wrote an interactive fiction game based on the book. [16]

References
  1. Hume, Christopher (1987). "Drawing Power Once almost Non-Existent, Now Canadian Illustrated Books for Children have Never Looked Better Thanks to Dozens of Top Artists". The Toronto Star.
  2. Siegel, Alisa; Levine, Karen; Holdsworth, Pauline (13 December 2019). "It does have a happy ending". The Sunday Edition. CBC Radio. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  3. Feely, Abigail (2013). "Picturing an Alternate Ending: Teaching Feminism and Social Change with the Paper Bag Princess". History Teacher. 46: 589–600 – via Proquest.
  4. Robinson, Ariel (May 2016). "Even Though You Don't have Pretty Clothes, You are Still a Princess". Talking Points. 27: 11–16 – via Proquest.
  5. The Prindle Institute. "The Paper Bag Princess". The Prindle Institute. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  6. Brighous, Jo (2014). "The issue - Little princesses need to crown new heroines- ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  7. Davies, Bronwyn (2003). Frogs and Snails and Feminist Tales. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press. p. 48.
  8. Cruz, Marie Colleen (2004). "Stepping into the Wardrobe: A Fantasy Genre Study". Language Arts. 81 – via Proquest.
  9. Cutler, Laura (2018). "CHALLENGING THE FAMILIAR: Using Fractured Fairy Tales to Introduce Critical Literacy". Literacy Today. 35 – via Proquest.
  10. Blakey, Bob (1989). "Storyteller has Audience in Bag". Calgary Herald.
  11. Chodan, Lucinda (1985). "Munsch-time for Munchkins; Top children's Book Author Gets Taste of Star Treatment". The Gazette.
  12. "The Paper Bag Princess: The Story Behind the Story". www.umanitoba.ca. Retrieved 2009-12-22.
  13. "Paper Bag Princess taps Banks, Robbie; Adaptation of Robert Munsch's book forges ahead". Timmins Daily Press. 2017.
  14. Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 165–166. ISBN 978-1476665993.
  15. The Paper Bag Princess told by Robert Munsch
  16. The Paper Bag Princess, Robert Munsch Official Website
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