The Truly Brave Princesses by Dolores Brown - Illustrated by Sonja Wimmer

Smashing the stereotype of what and how a princess should be, is this glorious presentation of seventeen nontraditional "princesses". Each spread introduces a female character, her age, profession and interests. Different ethnic groups are represented here as well as the LGBTQ community and people with disabilities. The princesses also have all kinds of jobs; one is a doctor, firefighter, hairdresser or cashier. None of them wait in a tower for their prince or need waking up! One princess is a divorcee, and another is a widow. This is the first picture book that I've seen that includes a senior citizen as a princess. I was so pleasantly surprised because ageism is predominate in fairy tales and often times the older woman is an evil witch or evil stepmother. Readers will enjoy the subtle hint at the end.

The book is a good size and allows for the gorgeous illustrations to really pop! Colourful characters with dynamic expressions are full of whimsy and charm. The choice of scene selections is fantastic, as is the detailing on the clothes. There is plenty of eye candy--YUM! The cover includes spot varnishing and foiling on title. The Truly Brave Princesses is a celebration of diversity and a light-hearted reminder that everyone is special in their own way.

NubeOcho is a publishing house that specializes in picture books which promote respectful attitudes towards all types of diversity. This book is part of their Égalitè series. "A selection of tales that intend to promote equality. Stories in which gender, race, sexual orientation or being different in anyway is part of the richness of our societies." Recommended for ages 4+.

Amazon
NubeOcho 2018
Hardcover 44p
10.5"x 12"