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The Princess and the Pizza
It's tough to be an out-of-work princess.
After her royal father decides to retire and become a wood carver, Princess Paulina has no idea what to do with herself. She can't survey the kingdom from her leaky cottage roof, and no one waves back when she proceeds through the town on her father's cart.
When she hears that a neighboring queen is seeking a bride for her son, Prince Drupert, Paulina sees her chance to get back to princessing. But it will take all her wit and determination to pass the Queen's tests. . . . and in the end, maybe there are better fates than a royal marriage.
Full of tongue-in-cheek references to stories like Rapunzel, Snow White, and the Princess and the Pea, this fractured fairy tale is an hilarious twist on traditional tales in which a young woman's practicality, good humor, and intelligence let her shape her own happy ending— with extra cheese and all the toppings her heart desires.
After her royal father decides to retire and become a wood carver, Princess Paulina has no idea what to do with herself. She can't survey the kingdom from her leaky cottage roof, and no one waves back when she proceeds through the town on her father's cart.
When she hears that a neighboring queen is seeking a bride for her son, Prince Drupert, Paulina sees her chance to get back to princessing. But it will take all her wit and determination to pass the Queen's tests. . . . and in the end, maybe there are better fates than a royal marriage.
Full of tongue-in-cheek references to stories like Rapunzel, Snow White, and the Princess and the Pea, this fractured fairy tale is an hilarious twist on traditional tales in which a young woman's practicality, good humor, and intelligence let her shape her own happy ending— with extra cheese and all the toppings her heart desires.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
33 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jane Auch
48 books70 followersMary Jane Auch also writes as MJ Auch.
The thought of becoming a writer never occurred to MJ Auch as a child. Her only literary efforts in those days were the plays which she and her girlfriend, Noreen, wrote for their marionettes. They produced these extravaganzas in Noreen’s garage and organized the neighborhood boys into a sales force to sell tickets and refreshments.
Summer visits to both of MJ’s grandmothers led to her fascination with chickens. One grandmother had a small backyard flock and the other grandmother and two bachelor uncles had a large farm that supplied eggs to half of Long Island. MJ learned that a flock of chickens had almost the same range of personalities that could be found in a classroom, from the quiet, shy chicken to the big bully.
MJ loved books and read constantly. She wrote stories, drawn in comic book style with speech balloons for the dialog. Her interest in drawing continued through high school, and she went on to become an art major at Skidmore College. After graduation, MJ headed for New York City to seek fame and fortune, but after a year of designing prints for men's pajamas, she decided she wanted to do something more meaningful with her life. She enrolled in the Occupational Therapy program at Columbia University, which led to some wonderful years of working in a children's hospital near Hartford, Connecticut.
On a brief stop home to visit her parents before transferring to a new job in Denver, she met Herm Auch, a graphic artist and editorial cartoonist for the Rochester newspaper. It was love at first sight, and MJ never made it to Denver. They were married in 1967 and within a few years had produced a daughter, Katrin and a son, Ian. They moved from the city to a small farm, complete with chickens, ducks, and geese. Armed with a huge collection of Mother Earth News and absolutely no practical experience, they tackled farm life with gusto, gaining much comedy material for books MJ’s future books.
As the children grew older, MJ began to look for work in her original field of art. Like Jenna's mother in Mom Is Dating Weird Wayne, she had a brief stint as a “zit zapper” at a school picture factory. Then she started illustrating for Pennywhistle Press, a national children's newspaper, and this sparked her interest in illustrating children’s books.
In the summer of 1984, MJ took a week-long children's writing conference on Cape Cod. She tried to write a picture book manuscript to take to the conference, but instead found herself writing a middle-grade novel. When her instructor, Natalie Babbitt, told of starting out as an artist and finding she could paint better pictures with words, something clicked. MJ finally knew that she wanted to a writer.
She started sending manuscripts to publishers, writing four full-length novels before she sold the first one. Then she sold a second book to another publisher that same week. It had taken two years and thirteen rejections, but MJ had finally reached her goal!mShe continued writing books for older kids and abandoned her dream of illustrating for a while. Then, after nine books, she wrote and illustrated The Easter Egg Farm. This set in motion a series of picture books featuring poultry involved in the arts.
The Auchs have now become a family of artists. Their children are grown and pursuing art careers of their own. Kat, a graphic artist, is now working as Associate Art Director for Scrapbook Answers Magazine in San Francisco. Ian has been a graphic artist and 3-D animator and is now Assistant New Media Editor for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. Ian is also a metal artist and created the chicken-sized beauty parlor chair for [b:Beauty and the Beaks|1918127|Beaut
The thought of becoming a writer never occurred to MJ Auch as a child. Her only literary efforts in those days were the plays which she and her girlfriend, Noreen, wrote for their marionettes. They produced these extravaganzas in Noreen’s garage and organized the neighborhood boys into a sales force to sell tickets and refreshments.
Summer visits to both of MJ’s grandmothers led to her fascination with chickens. One grandmother had a small backyard flock and the other grandmother and two bachelor uncles had a large farm that supplied eggs to half of Long Island. MJ learned that a flock of chickens had almost the same range of personalities that could be found in a classroom, from the quiet, shy chicken to the big bully.
MJ loved books and read constantly. She wrote stories, drawn in comic book style with speech balloons for the dialog. Her interest in drawing continued through high school, and she went on to become an art major at Skidmore College. After graduation, MJ headed for New York City to seek fame and fortune, but after a year of designing prints for men's pajamas, she decided she wanted to do something more meaningful with her life. She enrolled in the Occupational Therapy program at Columbia University, which led to some wonderful years of working in a children's hospital near Hartford, Connecticut.
On a brief stop home to visit her parents before transferring to a new job in Denver, she met Herm Auch, a graphic artist and editorial cartoonist for the Rochester newspaper. It was love at first sight, and MJ never made it to Denver. They were married in 1967 and within a few years had produced a daughter, Katrin and a son, Ian. They moved from the city to a small farm, complete with chickens, ducks, and geese. Armed with a huge collection of Mother Earth News and absolutely no practical experience, they tackled farm life with gusto, gaining much comedy material for books MJ’s future books.
As the children grew older, MJ began to look for work in her original field of art. Like Jenna's mother in Mom Is Dating Weird Wayne, she had a brief stint as a “zit zapper” at a school picture factory. Then she started illustrating for Pennywhistle Press, a national children's newspaper, and this sparked her interest in illustrating children’s books.
In the summer of 1984, MJ took a week-long children's writing conference on Cape Cod. She tried to write a picture book manuscript to take to the conference, but instead found herself writing a middle-grade novel. When her instructor, Natalie Babbitt, told of starting out as an artist and finding she could paint better pictures with words, something clicked. MJ finally knew that she wanted to a writer.
She started sending manuscripts to publishers, writing four full-length novels before she sold the first one. Then she sold a second book to another publisher that same week. It had taken two years and thirteen rejections, but MJ had finally reached her goal!mShe continued writing books for older kids and abandoned her dream of illustrating for a while. Then, after nine books, she wrote and illustrated The Easter Egg Farm. This set in motion a series of picture books featuring poultry involved in the arts.
The Auchs have now become a family of artists. Their children are grown and pursuing art careers of their own. Kat, a graphic artist, is now working as Associate Art Director for Scrapbook Answers Magazine in San Francisco. Ian has been a graphic artist and 3-D animator and is now Assistant New Media Editor for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper. Ian is also a metal artist and created the chicken-sized beauty parlor chair for [b:Beauty and the Beaks|1918127|Beaut
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
October 23, 2017
After a princess learns that her father has abdicated for a quieter life, she is forced to acclimate to the pauper lifestyle. However, when a proclamation seeking a wife for the new prince is made, our heroine rushes to fill the void. She passes the ‘pea in mattress’ test, as well as the glass slipper ritual and is left with only one test; to create a feast fit for a (future) king. However, with two fierce competitors left alongside her, all the decent fixings for food are taken, leaving a few odds and ends. It is with these items that our dear princess creates something entirely by accident. Neo loves pizza and I think he was even more taken when he saw this book in the library. It is funny, cute, and entirely up his alley. A great read for those children who enjoy laughing out loud with their fairytales.
November 22, 2019
Princess Paulina must give up princessing when her father, the King, gives up his throne by becoming a wood carver. Paulina misses being a princess. When she hears that Queen Zelda of Blom is looking for a bride for her son, Prince Drupert, Paulina jumps at the chance to become a princess. Queen Zelda sets test for the prospective princesses to pass: the pea in the mattresses test, the glass slipper test, and a cooking contest. Three princesses are left for the cooking contest. The princess with the long braid trips Paulina. By the time Paulina gets back up, the only food left if "flour, yeast, water, three overripe tomatoes and a chunk of stale cheese." What kind of feast can she make with these ingredients?
This story gives a new twist on the fairytales of Snow White, the Princess and the Pea, Rapunzel and Cinderella. The illustrations are vibrant and comical. The texts has hilarious moments. I liked Paulina's witty, intelligent remarks. I feel kindergarten and up will enjoy this book, especially if they like pizza.
This story gives a new twist on the fairytales of Snow White, the Princess and the Pea, Rapunzel and Cinderella. The illustrations are vibrant and comical. The texts has hilarious moments. I liked Paulina's witty, intelligent remarks. I feel kindergarten and up will enjoy this book, especially if they like pizza.
January 21, 2011
A clever but predictable twist on "The Princess and the Pea," a princess whose father has abdicated the throne to become an unsuccessful woodworker (ok, really??) decides to go to the princess try-outs to make some money by marrying the prince. One good modern twist was that though the princess does win the contest, she decides to turn down the marriage in favor of making her own way by opening a pizza shop. Other than that, the art was just ok. It was a clever story, but I didn't think it was the most imaginative thing I've read.
October 3, 2014
I thought this book was quite fun. I loved the humor of it and how she would state her disapproval or frustration of the task. My favorite part was when she decided to take a nap instead of bake the pizza and she took the pea out from under all the mattresses. I am not sure why but I found this part to be really funny. I loved the fun and bright illustrations, I also loved how this book was unique in the princess not getting the prince because she doesn't want him. It was a fresh view. I also liked how the book had a message that the easy road, like becoming a princess, is not the best road. There is more in this life for us and our talents.
October 1, 2014
Can I just say that I wish pizza had really been created this way? This book is so so funny and I love the way the author tied in references to other commonly known fairy tales. Not only do you see comparisons to other stories, but this is so funny! The princess has a little bit of sass to her which makes for a good laugh on every page. Also, the artwork that is done in this book is so cool! It's detailed (but not too detailed) and creatively portrays the story being told. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. I might go buy a copy just for myself!
December 11, 2013
Reading this to Brendan. He really likes it and so do I. The references to other fairy tales kept me entertained. But the part I liked best was the strong female character. I loved her personality and the creative start to pizza. I did wonder why the king quit his job...some scandal? trying to impose a new health care system that doesn't work? Hee hee.
June 17, 2019
My kids absolutely adore this book. We borrowed it from the library and they ask to read it every single day! It’s a clever little story that incorporates multiple fairy tales with a fun story line of its own! I definitely recommend this for young children!
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June 24, 2014What I honestly think about this book, its very interesting it talks about Prince Drupert needs a true princess to be his bride; Princess Paulina knows the perfect candidate herself. But when Paulina arrives at Bloom Castle, eleven other princesses are also vying for the job, and what an unusual group they are. One has brought along seven strange little man. Another wears her incredibly long hair in a braid that Paulina keeps tripping over. Surely Paulina can beat out this kind of competition. I like this book in the way that they new exactly how to talk things out in a correctly way. Also, the way they explain the setting. Its a good book too read i enjoyed it i'm pretty sure you guys will as well.
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June 13, 2015The princess and the Pizza is an entertaining and funny book. The fictional story starts out by a king who gave up is crown to be a commoner. His daughter missed being a princess. Word came that a prince from a far away land is looking for a princess and so she thought that this was her chance. She had competition from 11 other ladies, but the princess moved up the line to the final two. She had to make a meal for the queen. She ended up making a pizza and won the crown. However, she denied the crown to go and open up her pizza shop. This is a silly story which would keep kids listening intently. The illustrations are good, using expressions with each character.
I would recommend this book for 1-3rd grade.
I would recommend this book for 1-3rd grade.
August 24, 2024
Ever since her father left his throne and became a woodcarver, Princess Paula has missed all her favorite things about royal life. When the chance comes for her to marry a prince and regain a throne, she heads to the castle, but she wasn't expecting so much competition! At the end of a long contest, Paula is left with only a few ingredients and the threat of beheading if she fails, so she has to find a way to impress the prince and queen with only some flour, yeast, and tomatoes.
This is a perfectly silly story with good foreshadowing and quality backstory. The first line is compelling, the exposition funny and short, and the adventure rooted in tradition and new ideas. It's a lot of fun to read, and I understand why this book is used frequently as an example in picture book writing classes.
This is a perfectly silly story with good foreshadowing and quality backstory. The first line is compelling, the exposition funny and short, and the adventure rooted in tradition and new ideas. It's a lot of fun to read, and I understand why this book is used frequently as an example in picture book writing classes.
December 4, 2021
We were all reminiscing about picture books we had loved when my kids were little, and this book started a lot of discussion. We ALL remembered this one fondly, even my mother. That's got to be the sign of a quality picture book, if a bunch of teens and adults all still remember the story.
How did pizza get to be named "pizza"? Princess Paulina is in the habit of exclaiming "for Pete's sake!" whenever she is exasperated (and she's exasperated A LOT because she has exactly zero patience for everyone else's nonsense). So when the Queen of a neighboring realm asks her what it's called, she says "oh for Pete's sake!" The Queen hears "pizza," and away we go!
How did pizza get to be named "pizza"? Princess Paulina is in the habit of exclaiming "for Pete's sake!" whenever she is exasperated (and she's exasperated A LOT because she has exactly zero patience for everyone else's nonsense). So when the Queen of a neighboring realm asks her what it's called, she says "oh for Pete's sake!" The Queen hears "pizza," and away we go!
December 2, 2022
First sentence in this book- "Princess Paulina needed a job. Her father had given up his throne to become a wood-carver and moved them to a humble shack in a neighboring kingdom." How incredibly idiotic.
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December 26, 2025This was one of my favorite books as a kid, and now that I’m reading it to my nieces, I’m understanding better why😂 Paulina is a great character, and I’m falling in love with this story all over again!
May 20, 2024
low key canceled…felt awkward reading it
October 5, 2014
A funny and quick witted fractured, fairytale about Princess Paulina whose desire to return to the life of a princess is great since her father left the throne in search of a normal life for his family. Princess Paulina tries to bring her princess life to the humble life provided by her father, but to no avail. Then Queen Zelda declares a formal search for a true princess for her son, Prince Drupert. Princess Paulina prepped for the competition, but when she arrived there were eleven others there, including Rapunzel, Snow White, and Cinderella. The competition began with a Princess and the Pea event. The princess candidates must sleep on sixteen mattresses to see which ones get a good night’s sleep. Since Princess Paulina was a true princess she advanced to the next round, along with four others. A glass slipper fitting was the second event and all passed. The next event was a cooking round and Princess Paulina began to argue with Queen Zelda. By the time the argument was finished, her food chooses were slim. Princess Paulina made a delicious pizza by accident and she won the competition. However, she saw an opportunity to build a life of her own and declined the offer to marry Prince Drupert. She then opened a pizza shop. The only thing she had to worry about was Queen Zelda becoming her step mother since she was spending a lot of time with Princess Paulina’s father.
I love this fractured fairytale for its humor, wit and the way they included other fairytales into the story. There is Rapunzel with the long hair and Snow White with the seven little men. There is the glass shoe fitting and the princess search for the prince to match Cinderella. And of course the Princess and the Pea. Princess Paulina’s outspokenness and desire to have something of her own, is a great role model for children. She did not sit around waiting for love to find her, she went in search of it and then found her true love was to build a life of her own.
A teacher could go several directions with this book. You could have the children continue the fractured fairytale by asking what they think happened between Queen Zelda and Princess Paulina’s father. Do you think Princess Paulina married Prince Drupert? There is a math lesson here as well. If a teacher is about to introduce fractions, you could have the children play with pretend pizzas while discovering the different fractions. As a history lesson, you could learn about where pizza came from. A teacher could also have them list the different fairytales that are included within the story.
I love this fractured fairytale for its humor, wit and the way they included other fairytales into the story. There is Rapunzel with the long hair and Snow White with the seven little men. There is the glass shoe fitting and the princess search for the prince to match Cinderella. And of course the Princess and the Pea. Princess Paulina’s outspokenness and desire to have something of her own, is a great role model for children. She did not sit around waiting for love to find her, she went in search of it and then found her true love was to build a life of her own.
A teacher could go several directions with this book. You could have the children continue the fractured fairytale by asking what they think happened between Queen Zelda and Princess Paulina’s father. Do you think Princess Paulina married Prince Drupert? There is a math lesson here as well. If a teacher is about to introduce fractions, you could have the children play with pretend pizzas while discovering the different fractions. As a history lesson, you could learn about where pizza came from. A teacher could also have them list the different fairytales that are included within the story.
November 22, 2015
Auch, Herm & Auch, Mary Jane. The Princess and the Pizza. Holiday House, 2002. 32 p. Gr. 1-4
Plot Summary: Princess Paulina is no ordinary princess, in fact her father, the king, gave up his crown so they could live a more humble life. Adjusting to a simpler life wasn’t easy for Paulina, she missed being a princess and the luxuries that went along with it. Soon fate intervened, Queen Zelda, from a neighboring kingdom, was in search of a princess to wed her beloved son, Drupert. Paulina jumped at the chance to become a princess again and headed off to marry the prince with her tiara and garlic clove for good luck. Upon her arrival, the Queen subjected Paulina and all the other princesses to a series of unfair tests, such as cooking a royal meal, causing Paulina to become very annoyed and exhausted. Without the slightest clue how to cook, Paulina frantically throws together the few ingredients she has, concocting an unusual delicacy which came to be known as Pizza. The Prince and Queen are impressed by the unique cuisine and request Paulina to wed Drupert, however Paulina has had enough of silly tests and decides she would much rather live in a humble town and open up her own Pizzeria.
Classroom Connections: In a 4th grade class this book could be used in an interdisciplinary manner, by pairing art and along with a math lesson on fractions using pizza slices. First the students will create their own pizza using construction paper and markers, topping it off with their favorite garnishes. Once students have completed this step, the teacher will then laminated it so they can have to solve math problems using their personal pizza creation at home and in school. By tying the reading to math and art students will find the lessons much more engaging and interactive.
The teacher could also pair the reading of The Princess and the Pizza with the original tale of The Princess and the Pea, then as a class discuss the differences they see between the two. For younger grades they can collaborate as a class while the teacher records their observations on an anchor chart, which will be hung up in the classroom. Older students in 3rd and 4th grade can create a Venn diagram, identifying the differences and the similarities between the two tales using complete sentences. By engaging in this activity students will learn to compare and contrast, as well as work on their writing skills.
October 6, 2014
Summary: Ex-princess Paulina needed work. But, what she really wanted was to become a princess again. She applies to become the bride of Prince Drupert. In order to do this, Paulina must past several tests. The last test was to win a cooking contest and cook the best feast for the Prince. Paulina made a pizza and won the contest. Instead of marrying the Prince, she ditches him and his mother—and starts her own pizza shop!
Personal Response/Critical Response: This book is a fractured tale of the “Princess and the Pea.” I like it. Children will respond effectively to the comedy of this book. It’s quite funny and witty in nature. I’m not exactly sure how I would incorporate this into my classroom. I would probably read, “The Princess and the Pea” to my students first explaining to them that it’s the first story and it’s a form of traditional literature. Then I would read “The Princess and the Pizza” and explain to them that it’s a fractured tale of “The Princess and the Pea”—and how the two relate and differ.
Description of Illustrations: The illustrations are colorful and bold. It looks to me like the pictures are done in marker and oil pastel.
Classroom Connections: I will probably not use this in fractured tale in my classroom. BUT, if I did…I would incorporate it with the original version of the traditional literature book “The Princess and the Pea.” I would have the class as a whole construct a Venn diagram. I will stand at the board and draw it out. I will ask the students.. “What is the same or similarities about the two tales? What is different?” The class will compare and contrast and see the difference between the original version of a tale and the fractured version.
Personal Response/Critical Response: This book is a fractured tale of the “Princess and the Pea.” I like it. Children will respond effectively to the comedy of this book. It’s quite funny and witty in nature. I’m not exactly sure how I would incorporate this into my classroom. I would probably read, “The Princess and the Pea” to my students first explaining to them that it’s the first story and it’s a form of traditional literature. Then I would read “The Princess and the Pizza” and explain to them that it’s a fractured tale of “The Princess and the Pea”—and how the two relate and differ.
Description of Illustrations: The illustrations are colorful and bold. It looks to me like the pictures are done in marker and oil pastel.
Classroom Connections: I will probably not use this in fractured tale in my classroom. BUT, if I did…I would incorporate it with the original version of the traditional literature book “The Princess and the Pea.” I would have the class as a whole construct a Venn diagram. I will stand at the board and draw it out. I will ask the students.. “What is the same or similarities about the two tales? What is different?” The class will compare and contrast and see the difference between the original version of a tale and the fractured version.
February 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book because it is an interesting twist on the story of The Princess and the Pea. This book taught me that no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what we're given, and no matter what people expect from us we can still be successful. The princess in this story continues to do things right and then she is placed in a situation where she is set up for failure. However, she uses the skills and resources she has and tries her best and is able to succeed in this trial she has been given. I feel that this is an important concept to teach children because they will always run into people who may purposefully set them up for failure or who will not believe that they have the ability to succeed. Every person has the ability and capacity to be successful in this world. Success does not mean doing everything perfectly, being famous, or changing the world. Success comes from trying your best in the circumstances you find yourself in. This book is a wonderful story to teach this concept.
June 24, 2014
This book is a good book to read to little kids.It has good pictures and it has a lot of colors. This book talks about a princess who wants to be a princess again. Her father had given up his throne to become a wood-carver. Since her dad was still learning how to carve wood his carvings would not sell. One day a page rode past the shack announcing that queen zelda of blom was seeking a true princess for her son. To become the princes you had to past some test and one of the challenges was to cook food. So they triped princess paulina and tooke everything and only left her with flour yeast, water, three overripe tomatoes and a hunk of stale cheese. They tasted her pizza and she won but she didnt want queen zelda as her mother in law so she opened a restaurant and sold her pizza.
February 7, 2017
a cute take on princess story.
October 27, 2013
I adore fractured, feminist fairy tales. This is fun to read aloud.
October 22, 2023
For one of this week's folk tale literature, I read the book titled The Princess and the Pizza by Mary Jane Auch. This book is about an ex-princess, Paulina, who would do anything to get back into a castle. She finds herself in a competition to become a prince's wife. Throughout the competition, she must sleep on twelve mattresses (referencing the Princess and the Pea), try on a glass slipper (referencing Cinderella), and cook a meal. She wonders how she is going to compete with the little men who keep disappearing (a reference to Rumplestilkson), and the girl with a long blonde hair braid (a reference to Rapunzel). She comes up with a meal using dough, cheese, and tomatoes which is pizza as we know it. Paulina ends up winning the competition but realizes she would rather own a pizza shop than be a princess with an evil mother-in-law. I gave this book five stars because I used to read this book all the time when I was younger and was one of my favorites. This was the first book I thought of when we were discussing folk literature in class and I can say I still enjoyed reading the book as much (maybe even more) as I did when I was younger.
I would use this book in a second or third-grade classroom because those are the grade levels in Ohio that teach folktales and fables. An activity I would do in a third-grade classroom with this folk tale book is picking another fairytale book and having the students compare the two stories using a graphic organizer. The students then could use their graphic organizers to write a compare-and-contrast summary with similarities and differences and tell which book they liked better and why.
I would use this book in a second or third-grade classroom because those are the grade levels in Ohio that teach folktales and fables. An activity I would do in a third-grade classroom with this folk tale book is picking another fairytale book and having the students compare the two stories using a graphic organizer. The students then could use their graphic organizers to write a compare-and-contrast summary with similarities and differences and tell which book they liked better and why.
November 20, 2019
After her father, the King, takes up wood carving and moves them into a shack, Princess Paulina finds that she misses her former princess activities/life. When she hears that Queen Zelda is looking for a wife for her son Prince Drupert, Paulina sees a chance to return to the life to which she was accustomed. When she gets to the palace, however, there are eleven other princesses competing for Drupert's hand, and the princess trials (as well as the Queen mother) are extremely tiresome. Paulina perseveres, however, and is one of finalists. Their last test is to make a feast fit for the Prince. The other princesses get all the best ingredients, and Paulina is left with the dregs. Also, she gets locked in her room without access to a proper kitchen. She's ready to throw in the towel (there's no way she can make a feast!), when the Queen announces that the losers will be beheaded. Without any escape, Paulina makes the best of a bad situation - baking her gooey, doughy mess of a feast in the fireplace. The result, however, is DELICIOUS, and she wins the competition. But, having had enough of the Queen, decides not to marry Drupert after all, and returns to her father and his shack and uses her new recipe to open up the kingdom's first pizza parlour. This makes her into quite the celebrity, which is just as good as being a princess. Fun and funny story that includes lots of references to other fairytales with which kids may already be familiar. They'll enjoy it, regardless, if they're familiar with pizza! Used in a pizza-themed storytime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2020
In this mash-up of traditional fairytale stories, ex-Princess Paulina misses life inside the castle, and she aims to get back to princessing through a competition for the hand of Prince Drupert. Through a hilarious competition, she discovers what is important in her life and accidentally invents a delicious food!
This book is an entertaining introduction to sarcasm, and I also like spotting hidden references to other fairytales hidden throughout. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. They add to the story so much. Finally, I like the storyline itself. There are priorities greater than marrying any old fairytale prince.
I would recommend this for 5-8-year-olds. This age range will find the story humorous and entertaining as well as likely having sufficient background knowledge to know the fairytales. If not, of course, this is also a good introduction to several traditional tales popular in the U.S. Due to the lack of representation in the story, though, I do not think this is a book that I would choose for my classroom.
This book is completely empty when it comes to diversity. Lower socioeconomic status is portrayed as inferior. The townspeople, royalty, page, and all 7 of the princess candidates are fair-skinned and Paulina is the only one with a conventionally “beautiful” body type. One thing I do like is how many red-headed characters are featured. It is not often that I see a book full of gingers like me :p
This book is an entertaining introduction to sarcasm, and I also like spotting hidden references to other fairytales hidden throughout. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. They add to the story so much. Finally, I like the storyline itself. There are priorities greater than marrying any old fairytale prince.
I would recommend this for 5-8-year-olds. This age range will find the story humorous and entertaining as well as likely having sufficient background knowledge to know the fairytales. If not, of course, this is also a good introduction to several traditional tales popular in the U.S. Due to the lack of representation in the story, though, I do not think this is a book that I would choose for my classroom.
This book is completely empty when it comes to diversity. Lower socioeconomic status is portrayed as inferior. The townspeople, royalty, page, and all 7 of the princess candidates are fair-skinned and Paulina is the only one with a conventionally “beautiful” body type. One thing I do like is how many red-headed characters are featured. It is not often that I see a book full of gingers like me :p
August 21, 2017
First sentence: Princess Paulina needed a job. Her father had given up his throne to become a wood-carver and moved them to a humble shack in a neighboring kingdom.
Premise/plot: Princess Paulina misses princessing--doing all the things that princesses do. So she is happy to hear that Queen Zelda of Blom is seeking a 'true princess' to be the wife of her son, Prince Drupert. She feels that she needs all the luck she can get, so she tucks a piece of garlic and some fragrant herbs into her bodice. All of the princesses undergo various tests. Not all princesses pass; soon Princess Paulina is one of the few finalists remaining. What will her final test be? Could it have something to do with cooking?!
My thoughts: In this variation of The Princess and the Pea, the princess being tested accidentally discovers the best food ever--pizza. The book is definitely on the predictable side for adults. I'm guessing it would be for children as well. The title does give it away after all! But I thought this story was silly and fun. And if your little one LOVES pizza and playing princess, then you may need to give this one a chance.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: Princess Paulina misses princessing--doing all the things that princesses do. So she is happy to hear that Queen Zelda of Blom is seeking a 'true princess' to be the wife of her son, Prince Drupert. She feels that she needs all the luck she can get, so she tucks a piece of garlic and some fragrant herbs into her bodice. All of the princesses undergo various tests. Not all princesses pass; soon Princess Paulina is one of the few finalists remaining. What will her final test be? Could it have something to do with cooking?!
My thoughts: In this variation of The Princess and the Pea, the princess being tested accidentally discovers the best food ever--pizza. The book is definitely on the predictable side for adults. I'm guessing it would be for children as well. The title does give it away after all! But I thought this story was silly and fun. And if your little one LOVES pizza and playing princess, then you may need to give this one a chance.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
March 20, 2019
Genre: Fairytale
Awards: None
Audience: 3rd-5th Grade
A: This book belongs in this specific category because it holds the base storyline of the average childhood fairytale that has a lot of imagination. The Princess and the Pizza is a fun and childlike story that includes their imagination to participate.
B: The colors in this book are all very vibrant and beautful when they are around the princess and her pizza. However, the illustrator draws darker colors around the antagonists and parts of the castle that are meant to be gloomy and not as inviting. The whole time though the princess is meant to be the focal point so all of the uses of color really fixes the eye.
C: I would read this to a group of children or alone with a child just as a fun version of a fairytale to tell the children. This is a good book to take up time and may be good for discussion but it does nit hold too much of an underlying message. However, it would bring some laughs and fun images to look at.
D: State what makes the village people love the princess so much.
Answer: Her Delicious Pizza
Awards: None
Audience: 3rd-5th Grade
A: This book belongs in this specific category because it holds the base storyline of the average childhood fairytale that has a lot of imagination. The Princess and the Pizza is a fun and childlike story that includes their imagination to participate.
B: The colors in this book are all very vibrant and beautful when they are around the princess and her pizza. However, the illustrator draws darker colors around the antagonists and parts of the castle that are meant to be gloomy and not as inviting. The whole time though the princess is meant to be the focal point so all of the uses of color really fixes the eye.
C: I would read this to a group of children or alone with a child just as a fun version of a fairytale to tell the children. This is a good book to take up time and may be good for discussion but it does nit hold too much of an underlying message. However, it would bring some laughs and fun images to look at.
D: State what makes the village people love the princess so much.
Answer: Her Delicious Pizza
February 8, 2023
This is, unfortunately, a poorly written book. The story itself does not make much sense and the characters are quite unbelievable. There is not much to admire about this book. The King no longer wants his responsibilities and decides to be a poor woodcarver - no explanation why. The Princess views “Princessing” as walking a peacock, looking at the kingdom from her window, and waving to crowds. It all seems so shallow. Paulina is also portrayed as trying to be modern - “For Pete’s sake, you never heard of sneakers?” Etc. modern minded in an ancient setting, but it is not pulled off in an convincing way. The Queen Zelda is over the top, harsh, and proud. Nothing is really known about Prince Drupert. He is completely overshadowed by his mother’s dominating character. He is hardly a desirable or virtuous Prince! Truly, it is little wonder that Paulina has no interest in marrying him. There is some potential in the story elements, but little to no skill in execution. This is not a book I would want my kids to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
The Princess and her father become poor somehow (can't remember all the details, we read this a while ago and I forgot about the review until now). Deciding the poor life isn't for her, when a neighboring kindgom is looking for a princess to marry their prince, she signs up for the contest thinking she'll easily win.
She doesn't expect the competition, but quickly figures out each of the 'tricks' the queen tries to test the princesses to see whether they're worthy of her precious son. She gets to the final test, which is cooking. She sleeps through nearly the entire allotted time and hastily throws the ingredients together, accidentally making pizza - something that has never been seen before. The prince absolutely loves pizza and so does the queen. Realizing she can make herself happier by selling pizza than being married to the prince and his miserable mother, she rejects him and opens up a pizza parlor.
She doesn't expect the competition, but quickly figures out each of the 'tricks' the queen tries to test the princesses to see whether they're worthy of her precious son. She gets to the final test, which is cooking. She sleeps through nearly the entire allotted time and hastily throws the ingredients together, accidentally making pizza - something that has never been seen before. The prince absolutely loves pizza and so does the queen. Realizing she can make herself happier by selling pizza than being married to the prince and his miserable mother, she rejects him and opens up a pizza parlor.
May 9, 2018
I'm sure you thought that the test to find out the real princess stopped with the pea-under-the-mattress trick, but it doesn't. That's only the beginning. When you have several girls that all pass that portion, what can you do but move on to the glass slipper test and several others!
A fun story that mixes several fairy tales!
Ages: 4 - 9
Cleanliness: "For Pete's sake" is said throughout 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.
A fun story that mixes several fairy tales!
Ages: 4 - 9
Cleanliness: "For Pete's sake" is said throughout 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.
June 13, 2021
Pincess Paulina's father has stepped down from the throne, and now they live as commoners. Paulina misses the princessing life. When a queen holds tryouts for a bride for her son, Paulina applies. One of the contests is cooking. The other competitors take the good ingredients, and, with what she's left with, Paulina accidently creates pizza. The pizza wins, but the contest is such a hassle that Paulina decides to open a pizza restaurant instead.
Wordy and roundabout. Satirical. I haven't actually read my girls the old staples like Cinderella or The Princess and the Pea because there are so many modern female-positive stories I'd rather read. So they didn't really get the satire. Your mileage may vary.
Wordy and roundabout. Satirical. I haven't actually read my girls the old staples like Cinderella or The Princess and the Pea because there are so many modern female-positive stories I'd rather read. So they didn't really get the satire. Your mileage may vary.
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