Princesses Break Free
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
A fun, wild adventure challenging the stereotypical image of the poised, preened damsel; this princess takes life into her own hands without waiting around for anybody else.
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! “This puny prison can’t hold me!” 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.
Creators
Timothy Knapman is a children’s writer, lyricist and playwright. 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's titles are often featured on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. He lives in Surrey. Find him online at timothyknapman.co.uk and on Twitter and Instagram as @TimothyKnapman.
Jenny Løvlie is inspired by the wild Scandinavian landscapes of Norway where she grew up. Jenny brings her Scandi chic sensibility to her intricately imagined illustrations with their ice-cream colour palette. 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 south west London. Find her online at lovlieillustration.com on Instagram @lovlieillustration and Twitter @jennylovlie.
Reviews
Featured in the Bookseller children’s previews for January 2023
The Bookseller
Much of the joy in this effervescent story lies in the wonderfully detailed and humourous illustrations. […] Readers from 5 or 6 upwards will enjoy sharing this book and revisiting the pictures to find new treasures every time.
English 4-11
