About this episode’s KidLit Classic: The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Muncsh, and Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole, are two classic 1980s picture books that played with fairytale conventions and presented princesses as strong, resourceful and clever, with just a little bit of sass. Children's picture book author Tracey Dembo discusses how these two books won a place in her heart with their humour, lively illustrations, strong messages, and matter-of-fact subversion of what a 'princess' should be. We have a dramatic reading, and Tracey takes us through the process and launch of having her two new picture books come out one month apart. About Tracey Dembo: Tracey has a strong interest in children’s early learning and development, and is passionate about igniting children’s imaginations and helping our future leaders to find their own voice. She is the author of 2023 picture books This Book is a Time Machine and An A-Z of Dreaming Differently. Connect with Tracey: Instagram: @traceydembo / Website: https://traceydembo.com/ Connect with host Sam-Ellen Bound: Instagram @samellenb / Website www.samanthaellenbound.com Buy The Paper Bag Princess here Buy Princess Smartypants here Key titles mentioned in Podcast: The Princess in Black (series) by Shannon Hale Bethan Woolven picture books That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell Enjoying KidLit Classics? Like, share, subscribe, leave a review! Interested in being a guest? Get in touch with me via my contact page, or send an email to [email protected]. Credits: Opening and Outro music: ‘Funny Whimsical Music’ by MoodMode, accessed via Storyblocks. Purchased and used under Storyblocks’ Royalty-Free Individual License Agreement. Sound files: Please see https://www.samanthaellenbound.com/post/tracey-dembo-talks-the-paper-bag-princess-princess-smartypants-kidlit-classics-s2-episode-17 for full list of sound credits. Thanks for listening! Stay up to date - Instagram @Samellenb https://www.samanthaellenbound.com/kidlitclassicspodcast