Not so into princesses? Try this great twist on a classic:
Kiss Me! (I’m a Prince)
by Heather McLeod
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
ISBN: 978 1 55455 161 3
Audience: ages 4 and up
I’ve been asked not once, not twice, but three times this week about princess stories that are not so… princess-y. I have a good core list on an old blog of mine, but this week, I am recommending this new title, which is quickly becoming a favourite of mine.
Ella finds a frog, who puckers up and demands she kiss him, as he is a prince. She doesn’t. He is puzzled by this, and promises his parents will turn her into a princess if she delivers a smooch and breaks his enchantment. To his surprise, when he describes the life of a prince or princess, she says she’d rather have a talking frog (love that line!), and a frog he stays. During his time with Ella, he discovers the joy of play, so that when his family finally finds him, he has some second thoughts about being a prince.
I love that this girl is a tomboy, and a smart kid who asks questions rather than being easily enticed by promises of glamour. I love that the prince discovers how to enjoy being a kid. I love that this does not end up with Ella being turned into a princess. The story is fun and a bit sassy, and even though it does carry a strong message, doesn’t have that preachy feel that can ruin even a good story. The illustrations here neither add a lot nor detract from the story, but are a good match.
Read-aloud tip: I have found that acting out the frog’s big pucker gets a good laugh!