Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

Written by Carmela LaVigna Coyle
Illustrated by Mike Gordan
Rising Moon, 2003
Ages 3-7
4/5

In this book, a little girl asks all kinds of questions about being a princess: Do princesses wear hiking boots? Do they climb trees? Do they do chores? Do they eat their crusts? Her mother replies in rhyme, explaining that princesses do all the things every little girl does and that "A princess is a place in your heart."

This is a simple book with great repetition and rhythm for reading aloud. The pictures are lively and bright, full of the vivacious personality of the little girl. The story contains a positive message about being yourself and believing in your "inner princess" that I think is very valuable in this heyday of Disney princesses.