Baby bear & I love books. We read every single day multiple times per day. And so, I am always on the lookout for more! It was my brother who actually sent this book (Not All Princesses Dress In Pink) over to us for Christmas and instantly.. I fell in love.

Let's back up for a second. As we all know, little girls are constantly bombarded with princesses and prince charming. While I do enjoy some of these fairy tales. I never, EVER want my daughter to grow up thinking she must always be perfect and primes, that she must only do "girly" activities or that she has to wait for a man to make her happily ever after.

Big words to say. I know.

So when I get the chance, I am always on the lookout for something outside the normal. I prefer that not everything she owns have a princess on it or be frilly and pink and perfect.

Enter this book.

When I first read the title "Not All Princess Dress In Pink" I was immediately intrigued. And after reading it, I was oh so joyous.  And here are the main reasons why:

This book addresses girls fashion

It talks about princesses not having to be in gowns constantly. But instead in "stinky socks" or "overalls" or "over large shirts".

It also talks about fashion choices saying that some princesses "when they choose, never pick out fancy shoes".

I love it.

The book addresses activities

It chats about a princess playing baseball, rolling in the mud and getting dirty. It shows young girls that you don't have to only play with dolls or look perfect but instead you can go outside and play. You can be a kid regardless of gender. You can use power tools and play sports. It's free of gender stereotypes.

The gives an anything's possible outlook

 Part of the book says "in chain mail they easily fight an evil sorcerer or a knight". The princess doesn't call for help. She fights them. On the next page she "escapes a stony tower using all her princess power". I think these messages are perfect. The message that little girls (princesses) can do anything. They can play, they can fight the can be brave or dance or whatever else.

This book is simple. It's a cute and rhyming book (not a full out story) that I adore. I really truly love it because, while my daughter is currently a bit young to understand it. I can't wait until she's old enough to read it herself.

I always want to give her the impression that baby bear can be whatever she likes. If she wants to dress like a princess that's fine but she can also play in the mud, get dirty and fight her own battles. And that's exactly what I take from this book.

If you haven't got a copy of Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple's Not All Princess Dress In Pink pick one up. It'll be one you read over and over.

Do you have a favorite book? What is it?