Around the Christmas break, I went to see the movie, Moana on the big screen and it is in a word… AMAZING!
A tribute to the Polynesian culture and mythology, and full of heroic exploits of the heroes and heroines that Kiwis will be familiar with, namely Maui, the demigod. The plot follows the adventure and journey of Moana , a spirited teenager, who like most Disney princesses has a lot on her plate. This involves sailing out on a daring mission to save her island, restore the heart of Te Fiti – the island goddess, fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest and save the world. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures against impossible odds. Once again, Disney has put together a movie of epic proportions filled with quirky and memorable characters, as well as an amazing cast, including Kiwi actors, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement and Oscar Kightley. Kids, if those names don’t ring a bell, ask your parents and a Disney Princess in the form of Moana who embodies the qualities of an adventurous, headstrong, practically fearless, and physically capable heroine. An 8/10 all the way!
Also check out these youtube clips from the movie soundtrack: “How far I’ll go” and “You’re Welcome!”
This book is really good but I think I am a little bit old for it. It’s about a princess a dragon and a paper bag. How can that all go together? Read and find out!!! I recommend it to children 6 to 9. Have Fun!
5 stars
Reviewed by Peehoo from Johnsonville and Johnsonville School , 11 years old
This is a magnificent story about how the princess saved the prince.
I think the author named it the “Paper bag princess” because a dragon blew her castle with fire and she was going to save Ronald prince but the only thing she could wear was the paper bag. The prince and princess did not marry because the prince said something mean. I learnt from this book that do not be mean like Ronald. I recommend this book people who are mean like Ronald.
5 stars
Reviewed by Enerel from Newtown and Newtown School , 6 years old
Miri is just another girl living on Mount Eskel. She is very shocked when a Royal Soldier comes to the mountain and informs everyone that every girl on the mountain must attend a Princess Academy. At first, Miri is shocked, but she soon finds out what the academy is like and wants to come home even more. This is a great book told about friendship, love, family and the meaning of life.
5 stars
Reviewed by Caitlin from Island Bay and St Francis De Sales School , 11 years old
I LOVE fractured fairytales, especially ones like The Paper Bag Princess! In this twisted fairytale, Elizabeth, the princess, is about to marry Prince Ronald. Unfortunately, a dragon smashes her castle (good timing, dragon) and burns all her clothes with his fiery breath. Somehow he doesn’t burn HER! But he does carry off her groom-to-be.
Elizabeth sets off on a quest to get her beloved back. She has nothing to wear, and so has to be contented with a paper bag. The dragon leaves a trail of burnt forests and horse’s bones, and so naturally is easy to follow. She finally comes to a cave with a large door (which is so obviously the dragon’s cave) with a knocker on it. She knocks. The dragon tells her that he does love princesses, but he has already eaten a whole castle and to come back tomorrow. (Wow. That dragon is not very smart).
Unlike the dragon, Elizabeth is a very smart princess, and tricks the dragon into falling asleep (out of pure exhaustation, actually. By the way – spoiler alert – that dragon is not only dumb, but also very proud). Elizabeth rushes into the castle to rescue her prince, to find he is only disgusted that she is wearing a paper bag and her hair is messy. Whereupon the princess quickly dumps him. (And about time too. I personally would not have put up with him for two seconds). They don’t get married after all.
I think this book is funny and relatable – I especially like the bit at the end when Elizabeth dumps Ronald, and calls him a bum!
5 stars
Reviewed by Raya from Cummings Park and Raroa Normal Intermediate , 11 years old
This story is about a princess, a prince and a dragon. When the princess’ castle got burnt down the only thing left was a paper bag. She went to find the dragon’s home and get the prince back.
I love the book because I like the princess and I want to be the princess. She was brave and clever and smart. She knew where the dragon’s house was. It was exciting.
I love princesses and stories about princesses.
I like the pictures of the characters especially the princess in her pretty dress. I didn’t like the dragon looking at the princess.
The funny part about the book is the end when Elizabeth said something to the prince.
I learnt that some princesses don’t get married.
I recommend this book to children who pretend to be princesses and princes and to real princesses and princes.
5 stars
Reviewed by Zahra from Karori and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School , 6 years old
“A tiny bead of blood bloomed where the knife point pressed against the tip of her finger”
Oh no! The princess of Nova is accidentally poisoned by her own love potion. It’s the chance of a lifetime for Sam’s alchemist family, who have been mixing magic potions for generations …but can Sam find the cure and save their crumbling reputation?
With the nation’s media watching her every move, Sam overcomes incredible dangers and impossible dilemmas in order to hunt down the ingredients: a mermaid’s pearl, pink jasmine, Eluvian ivy, hair from an abominable and a unicorn’s tail.
Can Sam save the now dangerously powerful princess by winning the contest? And just how close are she and her handsome enemy Zain willing to get in the meantime?
Grab this new book from your local library today or head on over to the catalogue to reserve a copy!
(Note: this book is ideal for older children and young teens)
This time Abby and her little brother goes into Cinderell’s story. Alos they have to help her do something. Read on to find more about the siblings adventure.
A tribute to the Polynesian culture and mythology, and full of heroic exploits of the heroes and heroines that Kiwis will be familiar with, namely Maui, the demigod. The plot follows the adventure and journey of Moana , a spirited teenager, who like most Disney princesses has a lot on her plate. This involves sailing out on a daring mission to save her island, restore the heart of Te Fiti – the island goddess, fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest and save the world. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures against impossible odds. Once again, Disney has put together a movie of epic proportions filled with quirky and memorable characters, as well as an amazing cast, including Kiwi actors, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement and Oscar Kightley. Kids, if those names don’t ring a bell, ask your parents and a Disney Princess in the form of Moana who embodies the qualities of an adventurous, headstrong, practically fearless, and physically capable heroine. An 8/10 all the way!
