Welcome to Day 4 of my Girl Power Books series! Every day this week, I am sharing some amazing children’s books about women and girls, both real and imagined. If you have missed previous days, check out the other links here!

Today we are focusing on children’s books about strong, intelligent princesses. Instead of the stereotypical princess character, these girls show that they can be both tough and girly, and can change the world. Both girls and boys can benefit from reading these books about strong princesses!

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Princesses Wear Pants

Written by Savannah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim and illustrated by Eva Byrne

This story follows the adventures of Princess Penelope Pineapple, an adventurous young princess who recognizes that dresses and crowns are great, but that she can do more in pants than pretty outfits. The fun rhyming text explores all of the activities that she takes part in and the functional clothes that she wears while doing them. On the night of the Pineapple Ball, she decides to wear an outfit that suits her, not the rules of fashion. That decision ends up saving the day! The illustrations are brightly colored and full of fun fashions that kids will love to explore.

Princesses Save the World*

Written by Savannah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim and illustrated by Eva Byrne

In this tale of friendship, Princess Penelope Pineapple joins forces with other fruit princesses to save the day. All of the bees have disappeared from Strawberry Kingdom. In order to save the plants and flowers, Princess Penelope and all of her friends use their brains and lots of teamwork to solve the problem. The rhyming text holds an important message about friendship, teamwork and the importance of bees, while the vibrant illustrations are full of fun details.

Eleanor Wyatt, Princess and Pirate*

Written by Rachael MacFarlane and illustrated by Spencer Laudiero

This colorful book explores the idea that girls can enjoy being dressy princesses as well as tough pirates. The main character is a young girl named Eleanor who explains all of the different games that she likes to play. She explains that her parents encourage her to play all kinds of games. So she indulges her inner girly girl, as well as her thirst for adventure. The rhyming text shares an important lesson in a fun way. Kids will love the imaginative adventures shown in the illustrations.

Related Post: Books that Celebrate Being Yourself!

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink

Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple and illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquetin

This ode to all kinds of princesses reminds girls that they can like lots of different things. While the girls in the story enjoy doing activities that are not traditionally princess-y, they still enjoy being girly girls sometimes. The fun rhyming text will have kids laughing along as the young girls get dirty and play, all while still wearing their sparkly crowns. The illustrations feature a diverse cast of princesses. The overall message reminds girls that they can be girly girls and still enjoy playing in the dirt.

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

Written by Carmela LaVigna Coyle and illustrated by Mike Gordon

In this endearing book, a mother answers her daughter’s questions about the actions of princesses. The question and answer format also uses a peppy rhyming text. The mother and daughter explore what it means to be a princess and the story ends with a sweet message that parents and kids can both appreciate. The illustrations are whimsical and full of funny scenes that kids will enjoy.

The Paper Bag Princess

Written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko

This classic story not only shows that princesses can save the day, but it also shows that they can do so while using their brains. Oh yea, and they demand to be treated with respect too! When a dragon destroys her castle and carries off the prince she is supposed to marry, Elizabeth dresses in the only item that wasn’t burnt up and faces off with the difficult dragon. Kids will love watching her face off against the dragon and tricking him with her words, and proving in the end that she is a strong girl who can stand on her own.

Tomorrow…

Come back tomorrow for Day 5 of my Girl Power Series, when I will be sharing books about inspirational women in STEM fields!

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