A coloring book about a girl with two dads who imagines herself as a “princess ballerina” reminds us that princesses come in many forms and have many strengths, separately and together.
Following up on last year’s picture book What Does a Princess Really Look Like
Most of the images are of Chloe, but a few are of her and her dads, who support and encourage her and remind her that “Everyone makes mistakes — even princesses!” Readers are also invited not only to color in the images, but also to bring their own selves to the pages, drawing in their own family, clothes, or hair style, for example, or adding words or pictures showing themselves sharing an opinion, standing up for someone else, working with a team, or taking responsibility for a chore.
Loewen, a gay dad and father of a girl himself, as well as a therapist in private practice, has brought a thoughtfulness to the work from both his personal and professional experiences. I particularly like the page stating “Princesses rely on each other for help! Draw a team of princesses working together!” It’s a good counter to all of the movies and other stories that have only one significant female character (I’m looking at you, Star Wars: A New Hope) or otherwise fail the Bechdel-Wallace test. The only thing more frightening to the patriarchy than a strong woman is a team of strong women. This little coloring book encourages both.
