A good friend of mine has always called my daughter “Princess” – a moniker I chafed at because, to me, it connoted spoiled Disney-like images. However, once she explained that in her native country of India, “princess” means a strong, empowered female, I changed my tune. That’s a princess I can get behind.
And that’s exactly the kind of princess depicted in this new book series.
The Guardian Princesses were created by a mom and Media Studies professor who refused to accept the current princess culture marketed to American girls. She decided to transform the social meaning of “princess” and wrote the first book for her daughter’s fifth birthday.
The books illustrate a range of heroines from different cultures who take responsibility for protecting a part of the planet. Rather than focus on beauty or love relationships, each story promotes individual talents, knowledge of the world and taking action to help others.
Sofie and I read two of the books in the inaugural trilogy: Princess Vinnea and the Gulavores and Princess Mariana and Lixo Island. Sofie enjoyed the traditional “once upon a time” story infused with ethnic content, songs and the triumph of nature. I enjoyed the deeper symbolism ripped from today’s headlines (in Princess Vinnea, the antagonist Danga and his “special food” epitomizes Monsanto and GMOs).
The Guardian Princesses are picture books geared toward ages 6-9 with colorful illustrations that will capture the attention of younger ones, too. Another bonus is that the series meets Common Core State Standards with a supplemental glossary, questions and activities at the end of each book.
These books are a great gift idea for the young girl in your life… and the perfect alternative to Disney princesses.
You can buy The Guardian Princesses online individually or combined in the inaugural trilogy—a beautiful, 8×10″ hardback book that will stand out in any child’s collection.
cheap copies available on amazon