As a kid, I loved Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and just about any story with a princess.
There was always a small problem, though. None of the princesses in the books had brown skin. I know Jasmine came along eventually, but I was somewhat older by then. Princess Tiana made her long overdue debut last year and became the first African American Disney princess. While I’m definitely happy about new princesses, I found a few classic books retold with princesses of color that might make you smile and make your little princess feel valued, too.
The Princess and the Pea
By: Rachel Isadora
Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora
I love this classic folktale/fairytale, and I love it even more since it’s set in Africa.
This beautiful story is a retelling of an age old Hans Christian Andersen fairytale where a girl proves she is a real princess by feeling a pea through twenty mattresses.
Rapunzel
By: Rachel Isadora
Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora
You know the story. Rapunzel is trapped and has to let down her hair so her prince can come to her rescue. Well, this one is slightly different. Rapunzel’s skin has been kissed by the sun, and her hair is not golden but wonderfully thick and braided. I know your little princess will enjoy reading this story.
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
By Rachel Isadora
Illustrated by: Rachel Isadora
The story hasn’t changed, but its location has. This classic folktale/fairytale is set in Africa. The princesses secretly meet up every night to dance until one day their secret is discovered. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
I also found a great modern princess story, but it’s due out in early 2011; so we’ll revisit that one then.
Know of any great princess stories? Feel free to share.
Happy Reading!
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Can we climb to the moon? Lazo a la Luna/Moon Rope is a Peruvian folktale that answers that question. This bilingual text follows Fox and Mole as they try to climb a grass rope to the moon. Do they make it? Sorry, no spoiler here. You’ll have to read to find out and discover the moral of the story. Don’t worry. You won’t be disappointed. The cut-out illustrations in deep, rich colors are vibrant and sure to capture your child’s attention.
