The Paper Bag Princess

The Paper Bag Princess

book

2018, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
88%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

Princess outsmarts dragon, saves prince, then dumps him when he's a jerk—peak feminist energy in 32 pages.

Amazon4.4
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal. The Paper Bag Princess has been kicking around since 1980 and it still holds up because Munsch understood something fundamental: kids can handle complexity. Elizabeth isn't perfect, Ronald isn't evil, and the dragon is just doing dragon things. But Elizabeth's decision to walk away from someone who treats her poorly? That's timeless.

The story is funny, the illustrations are charming, and the message lands without being heavy-handed. It's short enough to hold a preschooler's attention and meaningful enough to spark real conversations with older kids. At 4.4 stars on Amazon with millions of copies sold, parents clearly agree.

The 2018 edition is just a redesign of the classic, so you're getting the same great story with fresh packaging. If you're building a library of books that actually teach something while entertaining, this belongs on the shelf.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-8, though the self-respect message resonates even older. Kindergarteners will enjoy the silliness of the dragon and the paper bag; second graders will get the deeper point about not settling for someone who doesn't value you.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

A genuinely healthy story about self-respect and standing up for yourself. Elizabeth doesn't wait to be rescued—she rescues herself and the prince, then walks away when he treats her poorly. Models independence, resourcefulness, and the courage to reject someone who doesn't respect you. The tone is light and age-appropriate, never preachy. Munsch nails the balance between empowerment and entertainment.

Imaginative
82

The premise of a princess outsmarting a dragon while wearing only a paper bag is delightfully creative. Elizabeth uses her wits rather than physical strength or magic—she tricks the dragon into exhausting himself by showing off. The role reversal (princess saves prince, then rejects him) was genuinely groundbreaking in 1980 and still feels fresh. Martchenko's illustrations add whimsy and personality. Not wildly complex, but solidly inventive for a picture book.

Safe
95

Extremely safe. The dragon burns Elizabeth's castle and clothes (she's left in a paper bag, fully covered), and captures the prince—but it's all cartoonish and non-threatening. No scary imagery, no nightmare fuel. The 'violence' is a dragon breathing fire at clouds and forests, played for laughs. The ending where Elizabeth calls Ronald a 'bum' and walks away is the edgiest moment, and it's perfect. Common Sense Media confirms age 4+ with no real concerns.

Enriching
87

This book does real work. It teaches kids—especially girls—that you don't need to put up with someone who doesn't value you, even if they're 'supposed' to be your happy ending. Elizabeth's cleverness and self-respect are the whole point. The story invites conversations about what makes a good partner, how to handle disappointment, and why brains beat brawn. Over 5 million copies sold because it actually matters. Lexile 450L makes it accessible for early readers while delivering a meaningful message.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Elizabeth is the hero of her own story—she uses her brain to outsmart the dragon and doesn't need anyone to rescue her
  • The ending is chef's kiss: she walks away from Ronald when he criticizes her appearance after she literally saved his life
  • Munsch's writing is snappy and funny, never preachy—kids love the dragon's dramatic exhaustion
  • Over 5 million copies sold because it's genuinely good, not just 'important'
  • Opens the door for real conversations about self-respect and what makes someone worth your time
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What to Watch For

  • Elizabeth calls Ronald a 'bum' at the end—it's mild but some very young kids might need context about why she's upset
  • The dragon burns Elizabeth's clothes off (she's left in a paper bag)—it's completely non-sexual and cartoonish, but worth noting
  • Some kids might feel sad that Elizabeth doesn't get her 'happily ever after' with the prince—great teaching moment

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think Elizabeth decided not to marry Ronald at the end? Was that the right choice?"
  • "What was smarter—fighting the dragon or tricking him? Why did Elizabeth's plan work?"
  • "Have you ever had a friend who didn't treat you nicely? What did you do about it?"
  • "If you were going to outsmart a dragon, what would you do?"

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