My oldest daughter loves all things princesses. But I often tell her that real princess are not just about pretty dresses and tea parties. Real princess have great responsibilities and must look out for other people. When recently offered the chance to review What Does a Princess Really Look Like? written by Mark Loewen with illustrations by Ed Pokoj in exchange for my honest opinion, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to add a new title to my home library.
Author/Illustrator
Born in Asuncion, Paraguay and currently residing in Richmond, Virginia, author Mark Loewen is a psychotherapist and a father. After he and the love of his life became dads to a little girl, his eyes were opened to the challenges many girls and women face in the world today. He is the founder of LaunchPad Counseling, a private practice in Richmond. He also started Brave Like a Girl, an organization that helps girls overcome challenges by tapping into their courage and strength. His passion for equality drives everything he does including in his roles as husband, father, therapist, and friend.
Currently residing in Richmond, Virginia with his wife, Ed Pokoj is an illustrator and animator. He strives to make everyday life more fun and exciting by creating whimsical and colorful illustrations for the world to enjoy.
Synopsis
Recommended for readers between the ages of 5 and 7 in kindergarten through second grade, What Does a Princess Really Look Like? tells the story of Chloe, a little girl who dreams about being a ballerina princess. One day she decides to craft her very own princess ballerina. While digging through her craft drawer, Chloe quickly realizes that princesses are not just about beautiful hair and sparkly dresses: Princesses are must more. When she finally shows her dads her creation, Chloe realizes that she is not too different from the princess she admires. The 30-page hardback picture book currently costs $14.96 on Amazon with a list price of $17.95.
Evaluation
As I often tell my oldest daughter, a princess is about more than looking pretty and wearing a shiny crown. Princesses can look all kinds of ways but must be smart, speak kind words, listen carefully, make big decisions, stand tall, go places, and more. I love that What Does a Princess Really Look Like? imparts the same important message that I teach my children, especially my firstborn. My daughter has been reading on her own for over two years, and the text is easy for her to read. My two younger children also enjoy listening to the story when I read the book aloud. I absolutely enjoy reading the story out loud because of the important message the book carries for the next generation of brave young women (and men).
In addition to the story, I quite enjoy the illustrations in What Does a Princess Really Look Like? from Ed Pokoj. The illustration style is soft and colorful. I love that Chloe wears glasses. I wore glasses as a little girl but did not often see princesses or other characters with prescription eyewear. In regards to the pictures, my oldest daughter says, “I like the girl because she is dressed like a princess!” She definitely gives the book two enthusiastic thumbs up!
Final Verdict
If your young reader loves princesses like my daughter, I highly recommend What Does a Princess Really Look Like? written by Mark Loewen and illustrated by Ed Pokoj. The book tells the story of a little girl named Chloe as she creates her own princess ballerina. She quickly discovers that princesses are about more than beautiful hair and sparkly dresses. I love the strong message in the book, which is a message that I impart to my children often. The soft illustrations are colorful and really bring the story to life. My kiddos and I give What Does a Princess Really Look Like? many thumbs and recommend that you check out the boo today!
Purchase What Does a Princess Really Look Like? on Amazon via my affiliate link.
For more princess-themed books, check out my reviews of Can a Princess Be a Firefighter?, Princess, and Dream Big, Princess: Belle’s Special Edition.
Image Credits
‘What Does a Princess Really Look Like?’ Book Review © 2018 Heather Johnson
Cover of ‘What Does a Princess Really Look Like?’ © 2018 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘What Does a Princess Really Look Like?’ 1 © 2018 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘What Does a Princess Really Look Like?’ 2 © 2018 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of ‘What Does a Princess Really Look Like?’ 3 © 2018 Heather Johnson