Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

By Ariel

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Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? By Carmela Lavigne Coyle

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? is the simple story of a vivacious little girl, wondering if she could be a princess. She likes riding tricycles. But that doesn’t seem very lady-like. Do princesses ride tricycles? She likes climbing trees. But that doesn’t seem like a regal pastime. Do princesses climb trees? With each question her mother assuages her fears. Of course princesses wear hiking boots, when they wish to take the scenic routes. Of course princesses climb trees, is there a better way to catch the breeze? The books concludes with her real question, “Do princesses seem at all like me? Look inside yourself and see. A princess is a place in your heart.”

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? does its part to break down gender stereotypes without going overboard. It offers a gentle reminder of self-acceptance without bashing you over the head. With a lilting rhyme scheme that is pleasant to read, and adorable illustrations of the would-be princess’s escapades, the book is sure to please. Though perhaps not with little littles. While the book is able to keep my nineteen month old’s attention, she does not gravitate towards it. As the Bean grows I believe the story will grow with her, though.

My only true criticism of the book is that the binding is poor quality. Now, granted, I have a child hell-bent on the destruction of every board book that makes it through our front door, but still this is the only book with this specific issue. The glossy page adhered to the sturdy board is delaminating by the binding, making it clumsily floppy to hold. Based on this alone I give it 3 eggs. To me board books should be able to withstand the fury of my toddler’s tiny fists and this one simply doesn’t.

Part of a series that includes such quirky titles as, Do Princesses Really Kiss Frogs? and Do Princesses Make Happy Campers? I will be sure to seek out the other titles but wary to purchase because of the shoddy binding.

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela Lavigna Coyle A sweet story about a young girl unsure or herself. Do princesses look at all like her?

Coyle, C. L. (2003). Do princesses wear hiking boots? Taylor Trade Publishing/Rowman & Littlefield: Lanham, MD.

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