A new picture book that challenges gender stereotypes and reinforces positive representation

PRINCESSES BREAK FREE 

Written by Timothy Knapman

Illustrated by Jenny Lovlie 

7th July 2022

Hardback | £12.99 | 3+

ISBN 9781406387605

“This puny prison can’t hold me!”

We begin our story in a fairy tale world like any other – princesses in distress are rescued by valiant and dashing princes and live happily ever after. But for Tilly, sitting around waiting to be rescued by a prince is BORING. So … Tilly simply rescues herself! And it’s not long before word of Tilly’s exploits spreads across the kingdom and inspires other princesses to take their fate into their own hands, too.

From early childhood, children are led down the well-trodden, pre-determined routes that boys are exposed to blue, dinosaurs, transport, animals, and rockets, while girls can expect, pink, princesses, fairies, unicorns, and ponies. In an analysis of the top 100 selling children’s picture books by The Observer, it was found that male characters are twice as likely to take leading roles, often in stereotypically masculine activities, and are given far more speaking parts than females. What’s more, the overall number of female characters is fewer than that of their male counterparts, with three male characters present in each story for every two females. Then there’s the 60% of characters who are non-human, instead being animals, birds, crayons, vegetables, and skeletons, of which the gender pronoun of choice was overwhelmingly male at 73%.

Princesses Break Free is a fun, wild adventure challenging the stereotypical image of the poised, preened damsel; Tilly is a brilliantly imagined, defiant, inspirational, heroine perfect for the twenty-first century. This princess takes life into her own hands without waiting around for anybody else, as she shows princesses – and then princes, witches, and dragons – that they can do anything they want to! Tim tells this story with his trademark humour, unique voice, and compelling narrative.

Timothy Knapman is a children’s writer, lyricist, and playwright whose titles are often featured on CBeebies Bedtime stories. His children’s books have been translated into fifteen languages and include Soon, illustrated by Patrick Benson, Time Now to Dream, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, Dinosaurs Don't Have Bedtimes, illustrated by Nikki Dyson, Can't Catch Me, illustrated by Simona Ciraolo, Follow the Track all the Way Back, illustrated by Ben Mantle, and Big Digger Little Digger, illustrated by Daron Parton. Timothy lives in Surrey. Find him online at timothyknapman.co.uk and on Twitter and Instagram as @TimothyKnapman.

Jenny Løvlie is an artist inspired by the wild Scandinavian landscapes of Norway where she grew up. Her picture book, The Girls by Lauren Ace won the Waterstones Book Prize for the Best Illustrated Book in 2019. She has also illustrated In My Heart by Mackenzie Porter and the Kitty series by Paula Harrison. Princesses Break Free is her first Walker book. Jenny lives in southwest London. Find her online at lovlieillustration.com on Instagram @lovlieillustration and Twitter @jennylovlie.

Ends

Editors notes

Home to books for all ages, Walker Books publishes many award-winning authors, illustrators, and literary franchises including Anthony Horowitz, Angie Thomas, Cassandra Clare, Lucy Cousins, Anthony Browne, Patrick Ness, Guess How Much I Love you by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, and Where's Wally? by Martin Handford. Walker Books is part of the vibrant international Walker Books Group that includes Walker Books Australia; Candlewick Press in America and its new division Walker Books US and Walker Productions