The Boxer and the Princess

by Helme Heine

Max is a gentle rhinoceros, but his father tells him he must toughen up for the challenges of a hard life. Max takes his father's advice and locks himself up in armor without a key. When he rescues a princess in distress, everything changes dramatically--with fine and funny results. Full color.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 1998

About the author

Helme Heine was a best-selling German writer, children's book author, illustrator and designer. He lived in New Zealand, writing screenplays, audiobook scripts and creating satirical drawings and sculptures.

Reviews

[Kristen Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome book for teaching about feelings and opening up to others. It starts off with a rhinoceros who is gentle and sweet, not like rhinoceroses normally are. He is told to "toughen up" so he tries many different things and ends up in a knight's armor. He hides himself and his feelings inside this "armor" and runs away from home only to run into a cute princess. She tells him she doesn't like someone who is so closed off. Slowly as they venture around, the rhinoceros takes off his armor and opens up to the princess. This book shows that is is OK to feel unsure about yourself but to share your feelings instead of hide them and people will understand and get along with you a lot more.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is translated?! German idioms must be much like American ones, then, as "the farmer could see right through him" and others are illustrated quite literally! I don't understand the cover, though, as the princess is another rhinoceros, just Max's size. Maybe there's a subtler theme under the main one... I'll think a bit....

Lightly humorous, bits of poignancy, even a bit of satire (the father). Highly recommended to fans of fables and picture-books.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very strange book. The illustrations are fun and the story has a nice message, but it is quite odd. The poor rhino is taught to be tough and have a thick skin, so he (literally) armors himself against everything and becomes callous and even rude. But a sweet young princess finds a way to break through that armor and slowly, he sheds his layers of protection and finds true love. Sweet, but odd.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite kid's book that has a great message of not hiding yourself from others.