The Princesses I Know on December 6th 2013 Pages: 24
Purchase: Barnes & Noble
Add to Goodreads
In this beautifully illustrated book, Ayla Mae Wild draws upon her own experiences leading wilderness trips, and creates a series of memorable princesses who overcome obstacles, fears and injury as they interact with the wild. Girls and boys alike will enjoy the adventures, from rock climbing and boating to hiking and exploring slot canyons. Beneath the surface story of these adventures is the underlying theme of self-rescue; the "princesses" in Wild's book do not stick around in high towers waiting for a prince. In one lovely illustration, we see a tower left vacant, a rope out the window, and we imagine the princess "on belay". From glitter as magic to rainbows to campfire ballet, 'The Princesses I Know' will delight, empower and inspire.
— Melanie Bishop, author of 'My So-Called Ruined Life'
Review
If you’re looking for an empowering picture book for girls (or boys!), Ayla Mae Wild’s The Princesses I Know is a great place to start. The princesses in Wild’s book aren’t sitting around waiting for a prince; they’re out living their lives and having adventures. These are princesses “[w]ho are their own guide. Who seek adventure. Who rescue themselves.”
They’re also not princesses in the fairytale sense. Each vignette is based on one or more real young women whom Wild has met as a a wilderness trip leader. From hiking to climbing, boating to campfires, these princesses overcome real-life challenges and explore the natural world with grit and gusto.
Wild’s text is simple but evocative, and her whimsical watercolors, in the naive style, add to the book’s charm. The Princesses I Know would be a wonderful addition to any young girl’s or boy’s bookshelf.
Full disclosure: Author/illustrator Ayla Mae Wild was one of two leaders on a three-week wilderness (off-trail) backpacking trip my daughter took last summer — Robin’s first experience with backpacking and camping. (She describes the trip as “freakin’ awesome!”) If you read The Princesses I Know, Robin is the ballerina princess. In hiking boots. It’s because of Robin that I even heard of this book, and I’m glad I did. I’m already planning to give it to any little girls that may come along in my life.
The Princesses I Know is self-published through Lulu.com, and is available in paperback only.
Skyline Spirit
pretty nice blog, following 🙂
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
Thank you! And welcome to The Bookwyrm’s Hoard.
Bea
I like the sound of this, seems like a good choice for my school. And congrats to Robin for being in the book!
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
I think it would be great for a school — a good book to get children thinking. Thanks for stopping by!
Jan @ Notes from a Readerholic
This sounds like a wonderful book, Lark. I’m going to see about getting this book for one of my nieces. Thanks for a great review and how exciting that Robin is in the book!
Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard
I hope you and your niece will enjoy it, Jan!