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Part-time Princess
At night, a normal little girl imagines she is a princess, but not just a princess who wears pretty gowns and goes to balls. She also gets to fight dragons and tame trolls. But one morning she wakes up and begins to think maybe her royal adventures aren't so imaginary after all... From the best-selling author of The Quiet Book, this jacketed picture book is perfect for every little girl who dreams of being a princess.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2013
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260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 16, 2013
Thank you, Ms. Underwood, for dressing your protagonist in frilly gowns and letting her sully them. Thank you, Ms. Underwood, for including a handsome prince at the ball, who can wait until your protagonist is not too busy to decide whether or not she wants to marry him. Thank you, Ms. Underwood, for providing a Mom who is not a drag or killjoy, but is sparkly and muddy in her own right.
Thank you, Ms.Underwood, for rocking- for rocking hard.
Thank you, Ms.Underwood, for rocking- for rocking hard.
June 7, 2019
I picked this one up because of the author, not really knowing what to expect from it. It's actually really cute! Yes, there are tiaras and fancy dresses and balls... but there's also firefighting and dragon counselling and general kingdom-saving.
Every night, the kid goes to bed... and dreams she's a princess. She lassos a dragon, only to find out he's just cranky because his little brother melted his crayons. She plays leapfrog in the royal mud puddle. She takes a bath with a dolphin in preparation for the royal ball. When some unexpected guests show up, she deals with them before they can cause any trouble. (At one point, she mentions she might grow up and marry the handsome prince, but not right now because she's too busy. Priorities!)
I like the subtle incorporation of the girl's mother (I almost didn't catch it at first) into her imaginative world. The whole book is kind of a clever twist on the whole princess theme, emphasizing imagination and action over entitlement and superficiality.
There are enough bright colours (and lots of pink!) to make this book appealing for kids, but adults will probably appreciate the humour and deeper message (at least, deeper than you often see in princess books). If you're looking for a book about princesses that's a little bit different, you might want to check this one out.
Every night, the kid goes to bed... and dreams she's a princess. She lassos a dragon, only to find out he's just cranky because his little brother melted his crayons. She plays leapfrog in the royal mud puddle. She takes a bath with a dolphin in preparation for the royal ball. When some unexpected guests show up, she deals with them before they can cause any trouble. (At one point, she mentions she might grow up and marry the handsome prince, but not right now because she's too busy. Priorities!)
I like the subtle incorporation of the girl's mother (I almost didn't catch it at first) into her imaginative world. The whole book is kind of a clever twist on the whole princess theme, emphasizing imagination and action over entitlement and superficiality.
There are enough bright colours (and lots of pink!) to make this book appealing for kids, but adults will probably appreciate the humour and deeper message (at least, deeper than you often see in princess books). If you're looking for a book about princesses that's a little bit different, you might want to check this one out.
July 17, 2012
This picture book sits comfortably among the alternative/modern princess stories genere. Comparable to DO PRINCESSES WHERE HIKING BOOTS?, but doesn't compare to the orginality of PRINCESS HYACINTH or the classic PAPER BAG PRINCESS.
Illustrator Cambria Evans's work was best showcased in the now Out of Print MARTHA MOTH MAKES SOCKS, which is a real shame. In this book, her work is much too pink for me to enjoy, but her talent shows through the carnation-colored pages.
Recommended as a gift for princess-fanatic little girls, but not as much for schools and libraries, or anyone familiar with the many titles in this genre.
Illustrator Cambria Evans's work was best showcased in the now Out of Print MARTHA MOTH MAKES SOCKS, which is a real shame. In this book, her work is much too pink for me to enjoy, but her talent shows through the carnation-colored pages.
Recommended as a gift for princess-fanatic little girls, but not as much for schools and libraries, or anyone familiar with the many titles in this genre.
July 5, 2017
This is one of those interesting books that allows girls a chance to see what a princess stereotype can be when it has all the restrictions removed from it. Although more than likely not very realistic in the actual title description in some cases there are others where the author hits the head on the nail such as events that both royal and non-royal children of any ages should learn to do such as learning more about your neighbors, having compassion, being diplomatic and helpful as well as so much more other lessons.
Although I enjoyed the lessons that were provided I was a bit upset on one of the pages. The PT princess has not problems with dragons of course but seems like she needs to brush up on her troll lessons. In the book she calls them beasts although they aren't and then invites them to the party since she knows they like to dance, which seems to be a bit two-faced to me. Now if the lesson had been about mystical beings I could handle that more than anything.
The illustrations are cutesy and brightly colored thus keeping to the princess color palette, especially when it comes to her gown for the ball. All in all it is a decent book as well as one that most mothers may enjoy sharing with their daughters or even fathers while helping little girls to know that their dreams are just as important as being a princess.
Although I enjoyed the lessons that were provided I was a bit upset on one of the pages. The PT princess has not problems with dragons of course but seems like she needs to brush up on her troll lessons. In the book she calls them beasts although they aren't and then invites them to the party since she knows they like to dance, which seems to be a bit two-faced to me. Now if the lesson had been about mystical beings I could handle that more than anything.
The illustrations are cutesy and brightly colored thus keeping to the princess color palette, especially when it comes to her gown for the ball. All in all it is a decent book as well as one that most mothers may enjoy sharing with their daughters or even fathers while helping little girls to know that their dreams are just as important as being a princess.
May 24, 2018
I liked this one! Especially the ending - it's a really sweet mother and daughter moment after all the adventure has happened.
Ages: 5 - 9
Cleanliness: dragons, magical beasts and trolls are mentioned/shown in the book.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 5 - 9
Cleanliness: dragons, magical beasts and trolls are mentioned/shown in the book.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
March 16, 2018
What a fun book! Girls can do anything! Girl by day. Princess by night...but she’s making an impact too!
Read
November 13, 2016Brief review:
This book is a children's fairytale. It is a very fun story about the adventures of a young girl, who was a normal girl by day, but a princess by night. I enjoyed that there were many different aspects to her personality. She was a princess, but also a fire fighter, dragon tamer, and a great dancer! I think kids will enjoy the humor, and the funny pictures.
Content areas:
This book could be used to teach a lesson about self esteem or character development, and how it's okay to have more than one dream. The girl in the story is a princess and a fire fighter, and although they are very different activities, it's okay for her to be both. This book could also be used in English, to be a topic for a creative writing assignment. Students could come up with an adventure that they go on at night, instead of just going to bed.
Comprehension questions:
1: Why was the dragon crabby? Have you ever felt like that?
Answer: His little brother was melting his crayons. One time my little brother spilt juice all over my new shirt before school and I had to go change, it made me crabby.
2: How did the princess save the ball? Have you ever had the solution to a problem that helped save the day?
Answer: She knew that trolls love to dance, so she struck up the band! My mom was looking for the ruler the other day to measure some lines, I was the last one to use it and I remembered that I left it in my room. I went and grabbed it for her and it made her project a lot easier.
Wonders:
1: Why isn't the princesses little brother in the fairytale land as well?
2: If the princess were to go on vacation, would she still be able to go on her adventures at night?
3: Is there a part time prince book?
This book is a children's fairytale. It is a very fun story about the adventures of a young girl, who was a normal girl by day, but a princess by night. I enjoyed that there were many different aspects to her personality. She was a princess, but also a fire fighter, dragon tamer, and a great dancer! I think kids will enjoy the humor, and the funny pictures.
Content areas:
This book could be used to teach a lesson about self esteem or character development, and how it's okay to have more than one dream. The girl in the story is a princess and a fire fighter, and although they are very different activities, it's okay for her to be both. This book could also be used in English, to be a topic for a creative writing assignment. Students could come up with an adventure that they go on at night, instead of just going to bed.
Comprehension questions:
1: Why was the dragon crabby? Have you ever felt like that?
Answer: His little brother was melting his crayons. One time my little brother spilt juice all over my new shirt before school and I had to go change, it made me crabby.
2: How did the princess save the ball? Have you ever had the solution to a problem that helped save the day?
Answer: She knew that trolls love to dance, so she struck up the band! My mom was looking for the ruler the other day to measure some lines, I was the last one to use it and I remembered that I left it in my room. I went and grabbed it for her and it made her project a lot easier.
Wonders:
1: Why isn't the princesses little brother in the fairytale land as well?
2: If the princess were to go on vacation, would she still be able to go on her adventures at night?
3: Is there a part time prince book?
December 1, 2015
This is cute, but of course the 4 year old boys didn't like it. At this point they're already socialized not to like anything pink or princess-y. But I like that in her fantasies she puts out fires and jumps in mud puddles and therefore does not have time to get married.
August 4, 2012
I should have a category for preschool girl princess books.
April 30, 2014
This one's a cute way to teach girls that they can be independent, strong princesses. :) No damsels in distress in this book!
February 28, 2015
Gotta love the princess-firefighter mash up!
September 27, 2016
Totally excellent!
November 6, 2016
Cute picture book. A princess that likes to get dirty and save the day.
March 14, 2019
Such a cute book! I really appreciate the overall girl power message!
November 18, 2018
This story was a great read to my daughter for a bedtime story. It tells the tale of a little girl who is an ordinary child during the day but at night, after she is put to bed, she becomes a princess. She is not just any princess though because she is a hard-working, active participant/leader in the kingdom, and continues to educate herself as to become well-rounded and knowledgeable especially in the things that could be of threat to the kingdom. When a dragon causes commotion in kingdom she not only rescues the day but takes on an alternative approach that is not of the 'norm.' She invites the dragon to partake in some tea with her. She invites a queen from far away to be her guest for the day an that character is played by her mother. After a long and eventful night of her diffusing situations and hosting lunch and a ball, it is time for her to return to bed. In the morning over breakfast with her mother, she asks her if she had a busy night, and she notices that the two of them have sparkle in their hair. The mother just gives her a wink. When she is tucked into bed later that evening, the mother says to her that she will see her later. The story ends with the little girl contesting that she does see her later. This is a delightful story for every mother and daughter to share together.
August 16, 2020
My daughter has a lot of books in her collection but she always chooses this book to take to bed with her. She can't read yet but has memorized every word and pretends to "read" it every night. If I were to ask her she would rate it a 10 out of 5, but since this is my page, this review is mine and mine alone.
At the stroke of midnight, a little girl turns into a princess and is off fighting dragons and saving the kingdom! A very cute story filled with fancy balls and beautiful dressing gowns - this is a modern princess storybook. It still sticks to the princess stereotype but also tells children that it doesn't have to be restrictive.
"A real princess can slide down a fire pole in a frilly skirt. No one dreams of telling her it's too dangerous"
I just wish they hadn't mentioned the handsome prince and marriage. Yet, it is a lovely book with detailed and pleasing illustrations. It is quite appealing and humorous. If you are looking for a princess book that isn't hackneyed, this book is a good choice.
At the stroke of midnight, a little girl turns into a princess and is off fighting dragons and saving the kingdom! A very cute story filled with fancy balls and beautiful dressing gowns - this is a modern princess storybook. It still sticks to the princess stereotype but also tells children that it doesn't have to be restrictive.
"A real princess can slide down a fire pole in a frilly skirt. No one dreams of telling her it's too dangerous"
I just wish they hadn't mentioned the handsome prince and marriage. Yet, it is a lovely book with detailed and pleasing illustrations. It is quite appealing and humorous. If you are looking for a princess book that isn't hackneyed, this book is a good choice.
September 21, 2017
Miss 3 and I like to explore different books at the library and try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood is a modern princess book with an active heroine. She's an ordinary girl during the day but at night she's a princess in a magical land putting out fires, hanging out with dragons, having tea parties, and getting gloriously muddy. I think the great thing about books like this is that it celebrates that little girls can want the frilly dresses & 'ultra-femininity' AND want practicality (like bloomers) and to get rough & tumble dirty. Miss 3 LOVES it.
Part-time Princess by Deborah Underwood is a modern princess book with an active heroine. She's an ordinary girl during the day but at night she's a princess in a magical land putting out fires, hanging out with dragons, having tea parties, and getting gloriously muddy. I think the great thing about books like this is that it celebrates that little girls can want the frilly dresses & 'ultra-femininity' AND want practicality (like bloomers) and to get rough & tumble dirty. Miss 3 LOVES it.
February 15, 2018
This was our family's second Deborah Underwood book. I ought to also note that this was my daughter's 1st princess book. She picked it out herself, and to be honest I was surprised. She isn't into any of the Disney princess movies...but I digress...
This book is about a little girl who must follow all of the family rules during the day, (don't play in mud puddles etc) however by night she is able to be a princess in charge of her own kingdom, and empowered to make her own rules and accomplish her own goals. The ending is endearing and sweet, and we are left wondering if perhaps Deborah believes along with Frances Hodgson Burnett that all women are princesses, no matter their age.
We will be sure to look for more Deborah Underwood storybooks in the future.
This book is about a little girl who must follow all of the family rules during the day, (don't play in mud puddles etc) however by night she is able to be a princess in charge of her own kingdom, and empowered to make her own rules and accomplish her own goals. The ending is endearing and sweet, and we are left wondering if perhaps Deborah believes along with Frances Hodgson Burnett that all women are princesses, no matter their age.
We will be sure to look for more Deborah Underwood storybooks in the future.
July 19, 2020
I'm a little torn on this one. During the day, the girl is your average sister and daughter, but at night (while sleeping?) she becomes this amazing princess. I like the things she does at night as a princess (problem solving, bravery, diplomat, diving, cute boy she might marry later but she's too busy (hetero-normative if you're watching out for that), etc) but she can't do these things day? And her mom is in on this fantasy life because they both have sparkles in their hair? The rhyming (or lack there of) didn't do it for me either. I like the idea but not great execution. Still, a worthy read to your young ones.
February 27, 2020
At night, a normal little girl imagines she is a princess, but not just a princess who wears pretty gowns and goes to balls. She also gets to fight dragons and tame trolls. But one morning she wakes up and begins to think maybe her royal adventures aren't so imaginary after all... From the best-selling author of The Quiet Book, this jacketed picture book is perfect for every little girl who dreams of being a princess.
March 29, 2021
We bought this book whilst we were on holiday in California and it has remained one of our favourite picture books ever!
The story is about a little girl who turns into a princess at night and has exciting adventures with dragons and trolls. The illustrations are brilliant and really bring the story to life.
The story is about a little girl who turns into a princess at night and has exciting adventures with dragons and trolls. The illustrations are brilliant and really bring the story to life.
November 2, 2017
This princess does it all. She's active and energetic and fights fires as well as charming dragons. She may be an ordinary girl by day, but at night she becomes quite the princess.
Great tale of imagination.
Great tale of imagination.
October 22, 2020
Kaitlin is a princess-loving kid and I’m always happy when I can indulge that with a book that has an active, adventurous princess character. This princess specializes in calming down dragons and dancing with trolls, which is definitely a win in my books.
February 1, 2026
offers meaningful lessons (i swear) on (among other things) restorative justice/anti-carceral + decolonial feminist politics. fire illustrations. i would love to take a bubble bath with a dolphin. idk.
December 12, 2017
Very cute! I really liked the story about a little girl who turns into a princess at night. It is whimsical, colorful, and inventive.
March 12, 2020
This was a fun book...regular kid by day and princess by night with a very familiar queen who pays a visit.
May 14, 2020
Regular girl by day - princess by night. Fighting dragons, hosting balls, and putting out fires are all in a night's work for this youngster.
August 26, 2020
This is a cute princess book, where the little girl saves castles from dragon fires at night, but is an ordinary little girl during the day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews