Kid’s Corner: The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven

#ThePaperPrincess #NetGalley

Children’s Fiction

32 pages

Description:

from the publisher

“The best book yet from this talented author/illustrator, and one that children will love.” — School Library Journal, starred review

“Consistently beautiful.” — The New York Times

A deluxe reissue of a classic picture book about creativity, courage, and imagination, perfect for children who love art, storytelling, and meaningful adventures.

A gust of wind sends a handmade paper princess flying. “Wait! I didn’t finish you,” cries the little girl who made her. “I’ll finish myself,” calls the princess as the wind carries her away—over a meadow and river, to a carnival and a playground, and finally back home.

This beloved picture book by Elisa Kleven follows one small paper princess on a vibrant, imaginative journey of self-discovery. Told with lyrical simplicity and illustrated in Kleven’s signature mixed-media collage, the story celebrates creativity, resilience, and belonging as the princess learns to find her own way in the world.

Here’s what makes The Paper Princessa timeless treasure:

•A Beloved Classic Returns: Back in print after years of reader demand, Elisa Kleven’s cherished story continues to inspire a new generation of children.

• A Princess Unlike Any Other: This imaginative heroine doesn’t rely on castles or crowns. She discovers her strength through creativity, curiosity, and determination.

• Stunning Mixed-Media Artwork: Elisa Kleven’s signature collage illustrations create vibrant miniature worlds filled with texture, color, and playful detail.

• A Story About Courage and Belonging: Through her journey, the princess learns that confidence and character grow from within.

• A Deluxe Gift Edition: Featuring foil stamping and sculptural embossing, this edition makes a beautiful keepsake for families and classrooms.

The Paper Princess is a beautiful picture book about imagination, creativity, and finding your way, perfect for young readers, classrooms, and anyone who believes in the power of art and storytelling.

My thoughts:

Sometimes a lot of thought can go into a short book. That certainly is the case here in the story of a girl, the paper doll that she created and that doll’s adventures when she blows away. Young listeners will hope that the two will be reunited.

Kleven has written a title that pulls the reader right in with its appealing imagery. There is a drawing with “socks like starry skies,” for example. The rest of the text is similarly engaging and imaginative.

I absolutely adore the illustrations in these pages. They are very sweet, detailed and colorful.

This would make a lovely read for an adult and small child. There is also lots that could be talked about in the illustrations.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio-Tiny Torch Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Editorial Reviews:

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-A little girl draws and cuts out a picture of a princess. When the paper doll is blown away by a gust of wind, she travels far and wide and finally, through a coincidence worthy of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, ends up with her own little girl again. Kleven has taken this simple story and given it style and heart. The events, some of which are either purely fanciful or highly unlikely, all seem authentic. Giving an inanimate object a believable personality is not an easy feat, and the author does a fine job of it. Her graceful phrases add a lyrical air, and emotions are described with a light and delicate touch. Her multimedium collages have never looked fresher or more interesting. The world she creates is not necessarily free from danger or sadness, yet it is predominantly full of beauty and sunlight. All the elements of the visual arts-texture, pattern, shape, color, and line-come alive in her skillful hands. The best book yet from this talented author/illustrator, and one that children will love.
Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5-7. A little girl draws a brave and friendly looking princess on a piece of paper and then cuts her out. But before the child can decide what kind of hair to give her new friend, the wind sweeps down and carries the paper princess away. Flying over the city, searching for the perfect hair and her way back home, the princess learns a lot about life and the ways of the world. With her shoes like watermelons and her dress like a forest, the paper princess is both childlike and princesslike (indeed, she is friendly and brave). Kleven’s collage artwork is as spectacular as it was in Abuela (1991): it celebrates family, diversity, and individuality. This magical world, in which blue jays have feathers of Florentine paper and princesses have sweaters to wear when they go flying, is full of the spirit of creativity and the importance of play in defining one’s home. Kathryn Broderick