The Paper Bag Princess

Name: The Paper Bag Princess
Author: Robert Munsch

Robert Munsch

Join a clever princess who outsmarts a dragon and discovers that courage, independence, and self-respect matter more than appearances.

7 min5 Chapters

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Outline

What's it about?

The Paper Bag Princess (1980) turns the classic fairy tale upside down. When a dragon burns Princess Elizabeth’s castle and carries off Prince Ronald, she puts on a paper bag and sets out to rescue him, outsmarting the dragon with cleverness rather than strength. Robert Munsch’s funny picture book celebrates courage, quick thinking, and knowing your own worth.

Key ideas

The book turns the classic fairy tale upside down by sending the princess to rescue the prince.
Princess Elizabeth wears a paper bag after the dragon burns her castle and carries off Prince Ronald.
She defeats the dragon with cleverness and quick thinking rather than strength.
Courage, independence, and self-respect matter more than how a person looks.
Knowing your own worth is the quiet lesson in this funny picture book from 1980.

About the author

Robert Munsch is an American-born Canadian author of children’s books known for his playful, energetic storytelling. Many of his stories began as tales he told aloud to children before writing them down. His best-known books include The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever, which have sold millions of copies.

Questions people ask

What is The Paper Bag Princess about?

A dragon burns Princess Elizabeth's castle and carries off Prince Ronald, so she puts on a paper bag and sets out to rescue him. She outsmarts the dragon with cleverness instead of strength.

Who is The Paper Bag Princess for?

It is a children's picture book with moral lessons, suited to ages 3 to 6 and ages 7 to 12. Parents who want a funny story about courage and self-worth will also find it useful.

How long is the Durar summary of The Paper Bag Princess?

The Durar summary takes about 15 minutes to read or listen to. It covers the story and its main lessons about courage, quick thinking, and knowing your worth.