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The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

When a dragon upends her big day, a princess grabs a paper bag, her wits, and her independence—and sets off to rescue the situation her own way. Brave, funny, and timeless, The Paper Bag Princess flips the fairy tale with charm and spark.

Have you read this book? Share what you liked (or didn’t), and we’ll use your answers to recommend your next favorite read!

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These picks are popular with readers who enjoyed this book. Complete a quick Shelf Talk to get recommendations made just for you! Warning: possible spoilers for The Paper Bag Princess below.

In The Paper Bag Princess, did you enjoy ...

... a princess who refuses to fit the “perfect princess” mold and chooses herself over a prince?

Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole

If you loved how Princess Elizabeth outwits the dragon, trudges on in her paper bag, and then tells Ronald to take a hike, you’ll adore Princess Smartypants. Like Elizabeth, Smartypants sets trials for suitors and decides her future on her own terms—no prince required. It’s funny, feisty, and delivers that same triumphant, self-possessed ending you enjoyed.

... cheeky, subversive humor that flips classic fairy tales on their heads?

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka

You enjoyed the sly wit of Elizabeth tricking the dragon into exhausting his fire—here, the Big Bad Wolf claims it was all a misunderstanding. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs gives you that same playful, tongue‑in‑cheek twist on a familiar tale, inviting you to laugh while seeing a classic story from a hilariously skewed angle.

... playful parody of fairy-tale tropes and expectations?

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka

If the way The Paper Bag Princess upends the rescue‑the‑princess script (Elizabeth saving Ronald, then dumping him) made you grin, The Stinky Cheese Man takes that same spirit and runs wild. It gleefully scrambles fairy‑tale rules, poking fun at princes, heroes, and happily‑ever‑afters with irreverent skits that echo Elizabeth’s trope‑busting swagger.

... dragons, princesses, and a breezy, whimsical take on fairy-tale roles?

Zog by Julia Donaldson

If the dragon‑dueling antics and breezy fantasy of Elizabeth’s adventure charmed you, Zog offers a warm, rhyming romp with a dragon in training and Princess Pearl—who, like Elizabeth, redraws the princess job description. The magic is light, the mood is bright, and the role reversals are as delightful as watching Elizabeth outsmart her scaly foe.

... a clear, empowering message about standing up for yourself and setting boundaries?

Princess Cora and the Crocodile by Laura Amy Schlitz

If you cheered when Elizabeth ditched Ronald for his rudeness, you’ll appreciate Princess Cora and the Crocodile. Cora is smothered by strict lessons until a mischievous crocodile helps her claim time to be herself. It’s a funny, affirming tale about self‑respect and courage—delivering that same satisfying “you don’t get to treat me like that” punch.

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