Title: The Paper Bag Princess

Authors: Robert Munsch

Themes: Communication, Coping Skills, Friendship, Humor, Individuation, Self-Esteem, Social Skills, Validation, Bullying

Age Recommendation: Pre-K through Elementary School

Summary: The Paper Bag Princess is the story of Princess Elizabeth, who is engaged to be married to Prince Ronald, until Ronald is kidnapped by a dragon. Elizabeth is clever, strong, and courageous as she outwits the dragon and rescues Ronald. Ronald, however, then refuses to see Elizabeth until she is "dressed like a real princess." Elizabeth uses her wits, strength and courage to move on from that invalidating relationship!

Ideas / Interventions: This is a fun book to read when discussing social skills with younger kids. Have your client list important qualities they look for in friends; loyalty, kindness, sense of humor, common interests, etc. Then ask them to match those qualities with characters from the story and talk about times when they have noticed those traits demonstrated in others.

Another fun way to use this book is when talking about what it is like to feel misunderstood. For example, Elizabeth is a princess regardless of her appearance, but she is treated unfairly by Ronald because of how she looks after saving him from the dragon. How does this make her feel? Have you ever felt that your great qualities are overlooked by others, or have you ever felt misunderstood?