A review by orionmerlin
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Characters: 9/10
The characters are memorable, especially the protagonist, Elizabeth, who defies the typical damsel-in-distress trope and takes matters into her own hands. She is brave, resourceful, and easy to describe to someone: a princess in a paper bag who outsmarts a dragon. Prince Ronald serves as a shallow foil to Elizabeth, which adds to the story's moral without requiring much depth. While the dragon is more of an obstacle than a character, its personality shines through in its interaction with Elizabeth. The secondary characters are minimal, but the simplicity works in favor of the story’s brevity and message.
Atmosphere/Setting: 8/10
The setting is simple yet effective, with a fairytale backdrop featuring castles, forests, and a fearsome dragon. Although not extensively described, the visuals conjured by the story—Elizabeth in a paper bag, the dragon’s fiery destruction—are vivid and memorable. The atmosphere leans heavily on its whimsical tone rather than detailed world-building, which fits the book’s purpose as a children’s story. However, I felt the setting was underdeveloped for anyone looking for a richer, more immersive world.
Writing Style: 10/10
Robert Munsch’s writing is concise, witty, and engaging, making it perfectly tailored for children while also enjoyable for adults. The dialogue and narration balance is spot-on, with humor and clever phrasing that make the prose stand out. The rhythm of the storytelling flows seamlessly, enhancing its read-aloud appeal. I found his style effortless and impactful, leaving me eager to explore more of his work.
Plot: 9/10
The plot is simple but packs a punch, turning fairytale conventions on their head. Elizabeth’s quest to rescue Prince Ronald is a refreshing reversal of traditional gender roles. The pacing is excellent, with no tedious moments, and the resolution—Elizabeth rejecting Ronald for his superficiality—was both surprising and satisfying. While the story’s brevity limits its complexity, I found the uniqueness of the plot and its bold message unforgettable.
Intrigue: 9/10
From the opening scene of Elizabeth losing everything to the dragon’s attack, the story gripped my attention. The sequence of events, including her clever tricks to outwit the dragon, kept me fully engaged. Although its short length doesn’t allow for prolonged tension, the book never lost momentum, and its moral conclusion left a strong impression.
Logic/Relationships: 8/10
The characters’ actions aligned well with their motives and the logic of the world. Elizabeth’s resourcefulness and Ronald’s shallow vanity felt authentic to their personalities, and the dragon’s predictable yet amusing behavior fit the fairytale framework. The world-building was minimal but sufficient, and the simplicity enhanced the story’s accessibility. I felt that Ronald’s character could have been developed further to create a more dynamic relationship with Elizabeth.
Enjoyment: 10/10
I thoroughly enjoyed The Paper Bag Princess. Its humor, clever writing, and empowering message resonated with me from start to finish. The consistent charm and wit made it a delight, and I know I’ll revisit it and share it with others, especially young readers.