Paper Princess

From Publishers Weekly
A paper-doll princess designed by a little girl blows away in the wind before the doll is completed. Her far-flung adventures are illustrated with mixed-media collage. "Youngsters will no doubt be inspired to fire up their crayons, markers and paints after this outing," said PW. Ages 3-8. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


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, ILCopyright 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


From Kirkus Reviews
The illustrator of Dorros's Abuela (1991, ALA Notable) again depicts an aerial journey. Here, a paper doll blows away before the child who is making her finishes her hair. As she wafts along, the doll tries on her head such things as a candy wrapper and a bit of cloud; she's brought to earth by a boy in a Ferris wheel, nearly destroyed by a girl who colors green hair for her by mistake, and rescued by a friendly jay; then, with a bit of luck and the help of her maker's nice brother, she finds her way home. Imaginatively detailed and told with an appealing blend of realism and whimsy, the classic lost-and-found scenario once again makes a satisfying tale; but best here are the illustrations in Kleven's familiar decorative style--the gaily patterned princess sails through a flower-bedecked world fairly sparkling with stylized creatures, smiling children, cheery fabric designs, and light. Fine for reading aloud or alone. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


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PreS-Gr 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


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