The Paper Bag Princess: The Story Behind the Story

by Robert Munsch, Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)

The book was an instant success and has since sold millions of copies in dozens of languages all over the world. To celebrate the 25th birthday of this modern classic, Annick presents the familiar story of The Paper Bag Princess along with more than 30 pages of never-before published behind-the-scenes features all presented in a new bigger format. Jump into The Paper Bag Princess 25th Anniversary Edition and learn the story behind the story. Discover how Munsch—once on a path to becoming a priest—became one of the most famous children’s authors of all time. Learn how an extra space on a gallery wall landed Martchenko his first, and most legendary, children’s book gig ever. Meet the real Elizabeth and see what she’s up to today. You’ll also find never-before published sketches and paintings that take you through the process of the book’s creation. Further sections explore the book’s critical success, international popularity, and responses from fans old and new, including some who’ll surprise you. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or only just discovering The Paper Bag Princess this very special edition is sure to capture your heart more than any flashy prince ever could.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Princesses, Fantasy, Dragons, Canada, Feminism

64 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2005

About the author

Robert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.

He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.

Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)

Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little late, but I want to congratulate "The Paper Bag Princess" on reaching her 40th birthday this month. Robert Munsch has created many wonderful stories, but this is definitely my favorite. This book gives us not only the storybook in its entirety, but also the story behind the story. Learn about Munsch and Michael Martchenko, the illustrator. How did the princess get the name Elizabeth? How does a storybook get made? What sorts of creative spinoffs have come from this unusual tale? How have kids responded to this world famous book? All of your questions and more in this 25th anniversary edition. Check it out today!

[J.D. Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to get copies of this book (or another edition of it) for all my libraries. The Paper Bag Princess is a classic, worthy of staying in print. I read the story for my general storytime this morning, and it really seemed like a hit, especially with one of the girls. This may not be a solution to my "princess problem" (where all the little girls demand pink things and princess/Disney books), but it's fun, different, and a great read-aloud.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you and/or your child are fans of Paper Bag Princess, you'll surely enjoy this book as well. In addition to the story, it tells how the book came to be. There are brief bios of the author, the illustrator, and the girl who inspired the tale. It describes how children's books are made, then shows and discusses some of the original sketches for the book.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely overview of the history of the writing and publishing process through the lens of a terrific book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people.

[Teddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Elizabeth lived in a castle and was to marry Prince Ronald. He was a spoiled Prince. One day a dragon came and ruined the castle, burned all of Elizabeth's clothes, and took off with the Prince. Elizabeth makes a paper bag dress for herself to wear and goes to rescue her prince.


This is the 25 year edition full of how the story came to Robert Munsch and the real life Elizabeth who inspired the story. There was also a very interest biography on both Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko. I enjoyed all the background information as much as the story.

This is a fun story with a twist at the end. The illustrations were beautiful. I want to thank Mr. Munsch for making the main character Princess Elizabeth a strong female with thoughts of her own. this is a must read, for little girls especially. Highly recommended!

[Margot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book through feminist author Peggy Orenstein. The story follows a princess who's castle is burned down and fiance kidnapped by a dragon. Oh, and all her clothes are reduced to ashes in the dragon attack. So, clothed in a paperbag--the only thing she could find--she sets off to the dragon's lair to rescue her fiance.

This is, as you might guess, an amusing story and a nice change from the typical dragon/princess story where the helpless damsel gets rescued by the prince. I also enjoyed the personal stories of the author and the illustrator included in the 25th Anniversary Edition.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apparently this is a highly rated book because it's the princess who saves the prince from the dragon. Some problems I had with the story: her castle is burned, her clothes are burned and all she can find to wear is a paper bag. Why did the paper bag not get burned? She's very clever to have the dragon use up all his fire, but how does she do that? By having him burn up 150 forests. That's a good thing?

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elizabeth's plotline with the Prince is the moral core of the story ("Clever princess rescues prince-in-distress, then shrugs him off for being a prat"), but her plotline about outwitting the dragon takes up most of the space, and it doesn't really resound with the point of the story. It's fun, but it's filler.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completely skipped everything in this book but the actual story itself.

It's girl power and role-reversal before it became trendy. This princess is scorched by a dragon and has her prince carried off. But instead of waiting as a damsel in distress, she charges off to set things right.

Illustrations are okay.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting bits and pieces about how Robert Munsch's famous princess came into being. The original story is also included. This is a must read - and special treat - for all Robert Munsch fans!

[Robin LMD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Paper Bag Princess is the best children's book ever.
I love the feminist ending with spunky Elizabeth giving nasty Ronald the boot. It was fun finding out all about the real Elizabeth. Munsch's earlier work, including Paper Bay Princess, far outshines more recent offerings.

[Brecka]

From Stephanie Smith

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes:
both my kids (boy and girl) love this book
this version has lots of info about what it's like to write/publish a book

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that the princess in this story is the hero, not the wimpy victim requiring rescue.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the feisty, independent proncess. This edition has tons of "extras" from author bio (Munsch studied to be a priest! Cool!) to the idea-to-shipment of books.