What Does A Princess Really Look Like? by Mark Loewen

Do you think young girls intrinsically know this? I love that you mention girls also need to have a voice, not only to say kind words but to speak up and stand up for yourself. To me, this is a deeper and more realistic meaning than just thinking about the “diva” attitude that we often think of nowadays when someone is called a princess. But also how they are responsible for the wellbeing of their people. They include the fact that princesses didn’t choose that life, and how they had to find their way and their identity with it. Their children’s stories about princesses seem to be more accurate. We just recently visited Germany, where princesses were an actual part of history. But girls read books with strong male characters all the time. What I do still notice is that books with strong female characters are still considered only for girls. Girl empowerment is big with publishers now, which is one reason why I found interest in my book so quick. I’ve noticed that it’s becoming easier to find children’s books with strong female characters. But I can’t think of male heroes portrayed in this way. Even books or movies with strong females sometimes show that girls are “ditzy” or “clumsy.” I’m reminded of how Disney princesses like Anna and Moana both trip right at the end of a really big song. But I don’t think boys get this message.Ĭhildren’s literature plays into it because it sells. A lady smiled at her and said, “I can see your beautiful eyes through that mask!” And I thought… even specifically dressing as someone strong and brave, people are commenting on her eyes. I remember one time we went to the grocery store and she was wearing a superhero mask. As she grows up, I want her to know that her looks are not the best or most important thing about her. And I agree with them! But it makes me nervous that most people who talk to her when we are out say something about her looks.

Strangers everywhere tell her how pretty she is – all the time. But I really noticed how powerful this was when I observed how people related to my daughter. I think this was one of the male privilege aspects that I always saw, especially growing up in South America. Do you think there is too much emphasis on appearance and playing up to feminine stereotypes in society?ĭefinitely. One take-away lesson is that princesses don’t simply “look pretty.” Being a princess also involves using your brain, as well as being courageous and strong. You hit a lot of powerful topics in this book. Mark Loewen is the author of an amazing new picture book, What Does a Princess Really Look Like? In the book, he breaks gender stereotypes and features a family with two fathers.

What Does A Princess Really Look Like? by Mark Loewen