You Won’t Find Your Average Princess in These Kids’ Books
by Devon A. Corneal
I have nothing against princesses. I like beautiful dresses and fancy crowns and dainty feet and being rescued by a charming man. The traditional damsel in distress is a quintessential part of children’s literature, and I have no problem with little girls who dream of going to a ball and finding true love.
I do, however, know many little girls (and their parents) who are interested in a different kind of princess. One who saves herself or has adventures or prefers sword fights to gowns. These little girls are looking for empowered, kick-ass role models who would rather tame a dragon than learn to use a spinning wheel. So, in honor of our more modern daughters, here are a few royals who embody girl power.
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Never Mess with a Pirate Princess!
Available from:Aye, aye, matey! When a pirate steals her beloved stuffie, Princess Prudence vows to get him back. She must defeat an entire crew of the salty sea dogs to rescue her teddy bear and bring him safely home. Children that enjoy stories about pirates and princesses will love this hilarious picture book!
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess
Available from:This unusual princess turns into a wooden log every night. So, when someone (understandably) mistakes the princess for lumber and steals her, her robot brother strikes out in pursuit. Together, these unique royal siblings must find their way home in this modern fairy tale.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Kuan Yin
Available from:Miao Shan wants to spread happiness, love, and kindness to people everywhere. When her father demands she marry, Miao Shan flees the palace with help from her younger sister, Ling. This remarkable story about sisterhood, compassion, and courage shows readers a different kind of princess.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Princess Grace
Kids who enjoy the Grace picture book series will love this royal installment. In it, Grace learns about actual princesses from around the world. These princesses are strong, courageous, and brave—with no magic kisses required.
(Ages 5 - 8)Preorder from: -
The Princess in Black
Available from:Princess Magnolia is a perfect, prim, and proper princess — until danger calls. Then, she secretly swaps her fancy dress for basic black and heads out to stop a giant blue monster from eating all the goats. This is a girl who knows how to multi-task. Now, if only she can keep her secret.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
The Water Princess
Available from:Not all princesses wear frilly dresses and sip tea in castles. In Princess Gie Gie’s case, she walks several miles every day to fetch clean drinking water. This informative picture book introduces young readers to a challenge many children face throughout the world.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
Dangerously Ever After
Available from:Fearless Princess Amanita has a pet scorpion and a bicycle without brakes. So naturally, she hates the roses Prince Florian gives her — until she discovers they have thorns. Spiky and prickly are perfect for this independent princess, and she will stop at nothing to grow her own, even when things don’t turn out quite as she had planned.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
Red Butterfly
Available from:If your child enjoys learning about real-life princesses, they’ll love this tale about the courageous princess who smuggled silkworms out of China. When she leaves her home to marry the king of Khotan, the princess takes a valuable piece of her heritage with her.
(Ages 6 - 9)Also available from: -
Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld
Available from:After spending three years on Earth and forgetting everything about her home, Princess Amaya returns to Gemworld. There the spunky, troublemaking princess finds her family missing and the world overrun with monsters. This action-packed and hilarious graphic novel is perfect for kids who loved The Princess in Black and Diana: Princess of the Amazons.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
The Runaway Princess
Available from:Graphic novel lovers will get hooked on this story of an unconventional princess who runs away from home. While Robin is busy getting kidnapped, navigating mazes, and escaping wolves, her disgruntled parents follow in hot pursuit. This vibrant and interactive story is perfect for readers that enjoy humor, adventure, and princesses who break the mold.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Extraordinary: A Story of an Ordinary Princess
Available from:When most people think of a princess, they think of a beautiful girl who enjoys a life of luxury. But Princess Basil is not one of those princesses—she’s utterly ordinary in every way. When she gets kidnapped, Basil must take control of her life and her destiny. Kids will find this unique princess highly relatable.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Hamster Princess Series
Available from:Your favorite fairy tales get turned upside down in this hilarious series from the author of Dragonbreath. Whether she’s living it up before her fated run-in with a spinning wheel or rescuing prisoners from a giant rabbit, Princess Harriet delivers plenty of laughs for young readers.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2022.