Parents' Guide to

Princess Smartypants

By Peter Lewis, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

A high-spirited tale full of humor.

Book Babette Cole Fairy Tale 1986
Princess Smartypants Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

hockeygirl1489
hockeygirl1489 Adult
January 22, 2012
age 4+

Favorite book from childhood

I used the read this book all the time when I was little. It was nice to see a princess that didn't fit the Disney mold.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

This princess doesn't want to be a queen: She likes her motorcycle, her dragon pals, and freedom! In this feminist reworking of a classic fairy-tale theme, Princess Smartypants goes against her parents' wishes, outwits her suitors, and remains a happy single gal. The writing and the art are high-spirited and full of humor.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

A cast of goofy characters, meticulously rendered in ink and cheerful, gleaming watercolor, populate author/illustrator Babette Cole's artwork. There's also a wealth of funny details that keep busy eyes active.

Princess Smartypants may be a smart-aleck, but she's sincere and full of life and charm. Prince Swashbuckle is her perfect foil: urbane, traditional, and -- under all the suavity -- insincere. His efforts to win Princess Smartypants have more to do with ego than affection (one of the medals on his uniform is shaped like a pig, just the kind of detail that adds humor and depth to this feminist tale). The ending comes as a surprise. It seems Princess Smartypants has finally met her match, until she pulls that last trick out of her bag. A cry of "Yahoo!" went up during a read-aloud when a group of 5-year-olds came to this subversive moment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about fairy tales and their common elements. How are Princess Smartypants and Prince Swashbuckle different from characters in traditional fairy tales?

Book Details

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