Editorial Review

Elizabeth, a beautiful princess, lives in a castle and wears fancy clothes.Just when she is about to marry Prince Ronald, a dragon smashes her castle, burns her clothes with his fiery breath, and prince-naps her dear Ronald.Undaunted and presumably unclad, she dons a large paper bag and sets off to find the dragon and her cherished prince. Once she's tracked down the rascally reptile, she flatters him into performing all sorts of dragonly stunts that eventually exhaust him, allowing her to rescue Prince Ronald. But what does Prince Not-So-Charming say when he sees her? "You smell like ashes, your hair is all tangled and you are wearing a dirty old paper bag. Come back when you are dressed like a real princess." (At least he has the courtesy not to mention that the princess's crown resembles a dying sea anemone.) In any case, let's just say that Princess Elizabeth and Prince Ronald do not, under any circumstances, live happily ever after. Canadian author Robert Munsch celebrates feisty females everywhere with this popular favorite, and Michael Martchenko's scratchy, comical, pen-and-ink drawings capture the tongue-in-cheek quality of this read-aloud crowd pleaser. (Ages 4 to 8) --Read more

Reviews (78)

A Fractured Tale
A pretty clever princess outwits a dragon to save a prince.

Very small book
This is the tiniest book ever, and I did not realize that before my purchase. I thought I was getting the regular size paperback, not the 2inch by 2 inch copy. Check before you buy...... I was not informed and the listing does not give that information. What a let down.

not just for princesses
I read this story to my son, 3.5 years old and avid dragon lover.I received this book as a young girl and loved the book because I believed it asserted the princess' independence.As I now read it to my son, I think it relays a different message, people who love you will do anything for you . . . and you need to appreciate it!My son understood that the princess did what she did for love of the prince and at all costs . . . without me telling him!Great story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Dragons    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Prines and princesses    9. Royalty (kingsqueensprincesprincessesknightsetc.)    10. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner   

Reviews (8)

Three stars for lack of illustrations, (almost) five stars for the stories.
Until I read this book, I had not realized how much of the charm for Robert Munsch's stories came from the plentiful illustrations with only a little text on a page. (In other words, this is the Reader's Digest Condensed Books version of all the stories--except that the pictures are what have been condensed.)
The Munschworks Grand Treasury: Stories
My classroom loves these stories. Most stories are on the AR list also.

I love these books!
I love these books and so do my kids.I also read them at "Read A Loud" at my son's school and his classmates really enjoyed them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's stories, American    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Short stories    7. Fiction    8. Humour & jokes    9. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (10)

Lighten up and enjoy the ride!
I first heard this story in my education class while we were learning how to do shared reading in the classroom. Being read to in the child's perspective was interesting enough, but to have this book read was a blast. The pictures are humorous and the story makes children and adults laugh. Everyone knows that parents make you do something you can't stand. We have all seen "The Christmas Story" with the red-rider bb gun and the infamous overly wrapped for winter younger brother. This book reminds me of that hilarious scene. Once the teacher and the principal get in the act it gets all crazy. In the end, just like you would expect a child to do, he jumps right into his snowsuit when it lets him do something he wants to do, play. This is a sweet story, a good read for children.

A Family Favorite
I'm buying a copy for each of my kids to save for them when they're grown. This book has provided wonderful hours of reading and precious fits of laughter. It's also been an avenue to open conversations about acceptable behavior. I disagree with the review that it teaches children disrespectful behavior, actually I teach my children acceptable behavior and to discern when they are out of line. Thomas is definitely a way for them to bring that lesson home, in a hilarious way! Everyone needs to laugh and I love that this book appeals to the very young (my two year old loves to say no! with Thomas)and to the very old (my grandma read it to the kids the other night and cackled along with them!). Lighten up and enjoy life! That's the message of Munsch!

Great Laughs!
Young readers and preschoolers love irony as much as adults - that's what the best humor is based upon.Munsch and Martchenko excel in bringing that irony to the printed page in this book.Exageration is at its best as Thomas asserts his independence, and the rhythm of language pairs beautifully with the witty illustrations to keep kids and adults laughing throughout.My kids have treasured this book since it first landed at our house several years ago. As a child psychiatrist, I find it to be a great ice breaker when working with my young patients.It's a great book for breaking out the grins! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Clothing and dress    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. School & Education    7. Baby books    8. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner    9. Picture books   

Reviews (5)

Grammy to 9 - 6 girls
It's great to find books for girls that give them an alternative to the princess personna that is prevalent even today.I'm glad my granddaughters have choices like this book along with the more traditional "girl" stories that are still much in evidence today.

Not my cup of tea I guess
I really did not find anything original or humorous in the story.There is a bratty, demanding girl who insists that her grandfather row across the river to buy her socks. When she stubbornly refuses to wash them, people and animals react in an exaggerated manner until her friends take the matter into their hands.The reviews sounded great but I probably will donate this book to the library.No it isn't a princess story but it could still have someone with redeeming qualities.

Another great book by Robert Munsch
Robert Munsch is my daughter's favorite author (and one of mine too!).As soon as I see his name, I am assured the story will be great and have great humor and great characters.We enjoyed this book very much it is a really close second to my daughter's all time favorite (ZOOM!).Thanks so much! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Cleanliness    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Munsch, Robert    8. Socks    9. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (11)

Funny story
I love Robert Munsch and this is one of his books that the kids in my 2nd grade class loved the most!

A classic Munsch
This is a good book for when bringing home baby.We bought it for our toddler as a fun way to explain that we are bringing him a baby brother from the hospital.

Alligator Baby
I really liked this book, because it was funny.Kristen's parents kept bringing home animal babies from the zoo instead of a people baby.Kristen saved the day because she went to the zoo and got the right baby from the gorilla's cage.But it was funny at the end when all the mommy animals break into the house to get their babies back ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Babies    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Family - New Baby    7. Fiction    8. General    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Zoo animals    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (6)

Dramatize with your student musicians
What kid wouldn't love this book?In my music classroom, half of the kids play the stair climbing sound effects on the xylophones, while the others take on the roles of Mortimer, Mortimer's father, mother, brothers and sisters, and police.Lots of fun and I'll guarantee they'll understand the concepts of upward and downward melodic direction when you're done!Plan to laugh a lot!

Music education
This book is great for helping music educators teach direction of pitch.I love to use it with a tone bell ladder or other instrument that actually shows the high and low pitches.The children LOVE to play up and down the ladder as Mortimer travels up and down the stairs.There are many giggles as we play.The children can certainly relate to the story!

Is sooooo funny
Bing Bang rattle bing bang.... I'm gonna make my noise all day!!! It's so cute.My son loves it. He sings the silly song over and over... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bedtime    2. Bedtime & Dreams    3. Bedtime Stories    4. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    5. Children: Babies & Toddlers    6. Fiction    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner    9. Picture books   

Reviews (1)

Makeup Mess Review
Makeup Mess is a very good book! I liked it because it was funny to see how the character Julie, portrayed a real little girl. That is because the author wrote it about his daughter Julie. I would definitely recommend this book to little girls. I don't think little boys would enjoy this particular book. But since I'm all for kids reading at young ages, I would recommend the book Pigs. It too, is written by Robert Munsch! I think all kids will enjoy this book. Overall I think Makeup Mess is a very good book and deserves 4 stars! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty, Personal    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Cosmetics    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Self-perception    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (4)

If your child likes fire trucks
Then this is a great book. My four year old loves it. He giggles when the children get so dirty they have to "stay in the bath for 3 days."He loves the idea of the kids hiding out in the back of the fire truck and getting to go to a real fire. Very cute story!

A wonderful tale for any child!
Every child will love this book even if they are not particularly interested in fire stations.This is the story of a little boy who is convinced by a mischevious friend to stowaway aboard a firetruck and follow the firemen to a fire at a paint factory.There are wonderful, colorful illustrations of the little boy and girl getting so covered with paint that their parents don't recognize them, and then taking big sudsy baths with huge bubble and splashes of paint when they get home.The children I know who love this book enjoy both the adventure of the plot and the vivid illustrations.

Great story about a very forward girl
This is a great story for kids who love fire engines, kids who are irrepressible, or kids who know another kid who just won't take no for an answer.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Fiction    4. Fire engines    5. Fire stations    6. Humorous Stories    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner    9. Picture books   

Reviews (10)

No! No! No!
Andrew's parents ask him frequently if he needs to "Pee."He always says, "No!"But, a few minutes later the answer is "Yes, right now!"We liked this book because of it's realism.It is a typical problem for moms and dads of preschoolers.This book has a similar twist to his other books.The ending is not expected.

Take a munch out of this Munsch!
This is one of Robert Munsch's best books. It deals with a subject every kid must face: having to go pee at the worst imaginable times. It is a very effective cacophony of laughs, that everyone can enjoy. I ain't in the single digit ages no more, but this is still a highly enjoyable gem of Canadian literature. Best read through Munsch's audio cassette narration. He's such a believable storyteller.

Story For All Ages
This story really makes you laugh. Why does it make you laugh? It makes you laugh because everyone can relate at one time or another in their life. Bathroom talk is a subject that some people are embarrassed to discuss, but it's a necessity of life. Everyone should read Robert Munsch's story because, "We all have to go PEE!" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bedwetting    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Fiction    5. Health & Daily Living - Toilet Training    6. Humorous Stories    7. Toilet training    8. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner    9. Picture books   

Reviews (10)

Awful Book for Kids - Scared my 4 & 5 Year old!! Terrible Images!!
I ordered this book through a book club. I thought is sounded like a good book that my girls could relate to - it was terrible!The tooth fairy looks scary, and the descriptions of teeth being pulled are awful for kids!Children are concerned about losing their teeth, if it will hurt, etc.These pictures and text only added to their fears!! I read "Love You Forever" by this author, and so I thought this would be a gentle, sensitive tale of teeth coming out - UGH!Once I finished reading the book, my 5 year old said:"Mom that is just scary. I don't like it!"

My sons favorite
My 7 year old (almost 8) loves this book.He laughs every time we read it.His favorite part is the illustrations, especially the last pages where the tooth is traveling by and through everything.Many, Many great detailed pictures!It really is funny, although unrealistic - which is why it is so funny.I am now trying to find and buy more books by this author and illustrator for him for gifts.

Our favorite loose tooth book
Since my daughter was 5 1/2 and her friends started getting loose teeth, we have checked out about every book on the subject and this is the one we like the best. It is just so darn funny. My daughter has a loose tooth now that is taking forever to come out and she loved the idea of Andrew's indestructible tooth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Health & Daily Living - Tooth Loss & Tooth Fairy    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Teeth    9. Tooth Fairy    10. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (5)

Refreshing, fun
You might expect a book about a girl in a wheelchair to have some socially correct message -- something about how the "differently abled" are people, too, so we should all be nice to them. Or maybe how we should try to imagine life from their perpective, so we can count our blessings. Yada yada yada.
Great Book!
My daughter adores this book!She checked it out of the school library so many times the librarian asked me if she would consider reading something different.I decided to purchase her own copy to avoid conflicts.She reads it constantly.I adore the fact that Robert Munsch has the foresight to reflect real life children in his books.The star of this story is a little girl in a wheelchair.As soon as I see Robert Munsch as the author of a book, I know that we are in for a great story with good humor and the story will take us on a fun ride.My daughter knows this too.Keep up the great work!

Another Great Munsch Book
Once I saw a Munsch book that dealt with a child in a wheelchair, I just had to get it for my daughter.We just got her first wheelchair and it was a great book to not only have her look at the pictures, but to read to other friends and family that see her in her chair and I see they are curious about it.It was a fun book and it's great to see a book out there that shows children with a disability having fun.I'm sure once she outgrows the wheelchair she has now, she will want a super fast one just like the girl in the book!Umm, thanks.:) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Munsch, Robert    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Social Situations - Special Needs    13. Speed    14. Wheelchairs    15. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Humorous Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Munsch, Robert    8. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (2)

For the kid who likes to laugh
My 3 year old loves this book.She "reads" it to me now.The words are repetitive and simple, making it easy for her to identify words.The main character, Anna, is spirited and loves to climb.Her parents say "Be Careful, Don't Climb."Anna climbs anyway.In the end, she is able to make fun of her parents, but repeating these words back to them.This always makes my daughter laugh.The family has four kids, which is unusual to see.The pictures are brightly colored and whimsical while still being realistic.There are funny little pictures throughout (e.g. baby birds sky jumping from their nests) whichs makes the story even more enjoyable.

Robert Munsch scores again!
Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko have teamed up for another OUTSTANDING children's book.Kids of all ages will enjoy the tree climbing adventures of Anna. Although Anna is told by her parents not to climb, she continues to climb anything in and outside the house.It was like being reunited with an old friend when I read Munsch's favorite kid response come out of Anna's mouth,'No, no, no, no, no!'The details found in the illustrations always amaze me as I recognize pieces from past Munsch/Martchenko creations. Anna makes every parent smile as she works to help her wounded parents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Tree climbing    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (8)

funny, irreverent story
Yes, everyone does dumb things.It seems that underestimating pigs is a dumb thing to do.Megan, unfortunately, has to learn the hard way.
Not his best
My 3 1/2 year old daughter is a huge Munch fan and likes this one well enough, but it's my least favourite.She tends to memorize books and quote them constantly, and I'm not thrilled with the "hey, you dumb...." mantra.This is kind of minor, but how was it that the pigs showed up at school after Megan locked them back in at home? If you're wanting to add to your Munch collection, he's written better.Alligator Baby and Thomas's Snowsuit are fun without the insults and a little more logically consistent.

!!!!~~~~~@@@@@####$$$$%%%%^^^^&&&&****(((())))
I liked this book (somewhat) because meagan kept on getting squshed and how they ended up in the pig-pen.I would recomend this book to people with pigs because they would know that pigs cant do all that stuff and would actually think it is funny I think that is one of the worst robert munsch books, even though it was ok(there are better book's) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Pigs    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Pigs    8. Readers - Beginner    9. Animal stories    10. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner    11. Picture books   

Reviews (2)

Another winner from Munsch/Martchenko
Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko are a winning team in childrens' books, and this is another one of their terrific partnerships.Munsch's well-paced tales coupled with Martchenko's vivid and funny artwork encourage preschoolers and young grade schoolers to reread their books many times over. Wonderful Wonderful story
I have my own daycare and this is one of the children's favorite stories to read.They love to participate with our reading activities and this book gives them just that opportunity.I would highly recommend this book to anyone.It is a fun story about a young boy who's appetite is endless.This is one of my favorite Robert Munsch stories that we own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Contests    4. Fiction    5. Humorous Stories    6. Hunger    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Munsch, Robert    9. Pies    10. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (1)

Lots of fun!Read it and laugh with your kid
This is my first Robert Munsch book, and I'm hooked!I read it to my son's kindergarten class yesterday and it made me look like a hero.They ATE IT UP.We laughed so hard we cried.Olivia is a great little heroine, and the kids could identify with her and were tickled with the "trouble" she cooked up.Read more

Subjects:  1. Birthdays    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Family life    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Wishes    9. Juvenile Fiction / Readers / Beginner    10. Picture books   

Reviews (14)

Not great if younger siblings are listening
This is one of my 6 year old's favorite books.Unfortunately my 3 year old has memorized it & thinks it's appropriate to say, "If you don't give me ....., I'm going to yell and scream!" and, "If you don't let me have those....., I'm going to knock them down."I wasn't thrilled about the sexist ending either.Robert Munsch often starts with a great premise, but goes overboard with the rude language.There are so many other ways to get kids to laugh; it's too bad that he resorts to this so often.

Wrong Message!
I read this book to my son for the first time today, and it will be the last.He is 4 years old and has shown me he is greatly affected by what I read to him in books.He has imitated words as well as actions from stories we have read together.Therefore, I'm careful as to what I expose him to at this young age.Maybe when he's older, he'll understand more about the world and know enough to realize when an author is writing in jest - but for now...I can just see him taking his clothes off in school because he wants to "share" them with another classmate!!! A "MUST HAVE" in every KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM!
This book is a "must have" for any Kindergarten teacher or a kindergartener.My students love to hear this story about sharing...over and over and over! I usually introduce it the first week of school when I am reviewing class rules and expectations.It is humourous, age appropriate,and a class favorite! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Fiction    4. First day of school    5. Humorous Stories    6. Kindergarten    7. School & Education    8. Schools    9. Sharing    10. Social Situations - Values   

Reviews (6)

Are You Kidding Me?
Anyone who gives this book a bad review is not using it in the setting it was meant for.Robert Munsch is a storyteller.His books are best enjoyed in a group setting.I've been reading books outloud and telling stories for many years.This book has stood the test of time.It remains one of my students' favorites.It surprises me how much upper grades enjoy the book, but I especially like using it with children grades Pre-K - 1st.The repetion is delightfully addicting and the whole idea of pulling one over on adults fascinates children.Don't buy this book if Love You Forever is the only Munsch book you've read.This book is more true to Robert Munsch's writing style.If you enjoy Stephanie's Ponytale, Thomas' Snowsuit, or Purple, Green & Yellow then this book is for you!

This book sends a poor message...
It's a pitty Robert Munch hasn't continued to deliver the same beautiful messages he brought to us in Love You Forever in his recent books. Meant to be read aloud.
"Mmm.. cookies" is meant to be read aloud.The repetition and sounds allow the younger children to anticipate the simple plot - you can literally see eagerness on their faces build up to the "YUCK! PWAH! SPLICHT! PLAY CLAY! GLA-GLA-GLA-GLA!" Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Cookies    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Tricks    8. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

excellant
my son (5yrs) just loves this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Easy Readers    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Librarians    10. Pirates    11. Readers - Beginner    12. Short Stories   

Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Literature - Classics    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Dragons    6. Fiction    7. History - Other    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile English Language    10. Juvenile History    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Language Arts - Composition & Creative Writing    13. Princesses    14. Juvenile Fiction / Fairy Tales & Folklore / Single Title