As a mother of a six-year-old girl, I find myself in a constant battle (already!) with the “idealized” female.  In fact, I think the indoctrination of young girls begins at birth, but it hits hardest between the ages of 3-7 when they are literally immersed in the “princess culture”.  So, when I saw the book Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, it was as if the clouds parted and shaft of light broke through.

Princess Bubble, according to the author’s website is a character who is “a well-employed, globe-trotting, good-friend, good-date, helpful-neighbor princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale message that implies she must find her “prince” before she can live ‘happily ever after.’”

Can you say EUREKA?!

I had a chance to speak with Susan Johnston on the phone about her book and she told me her story.  Recently engaged for the first time in her 40’s, Johnston has lived an exciting and fulfilling life as a single woman.  She found herself becoming increasingly disappointed in the conversations she was having with young girls, who consistently told her that they wanted to be princesses–and that it was a requirement to find a prince to be happy.

Johnston talked to her friend Susan Webb (who has four young nieces) about the idea of creating a character that is both a princess and a multi-dimensional woman.  The two developed the character of Princess Bubble who Johnston describes as “a better version of me.”

“She wants to help others and make a difference in the world.  Being a princess is not just sitting on a throne and having a crown.  Princess Diana is remembered more for helping than being waited on.”

Does this mean that Princess Bubble is a raging anti-man, anti-lipstick-wearing, cold-hearted bitch?  Not at all.  “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be pretty and glamorous,” Johnston said.  “And marriage is wonderful.  But marriage can’t BE the dream.  Marriage is a way to SHARE your dream with someone special.”

Young girls need to feel confident to explore new things; gain education and experience; travel and see the world.  They need to be whole and complete themselves before they decide to commit to a lifelong relationship.  Being a woman (and every woman is a princess) means asking questions like:

• Do you feel like a victim?  (Every other fairy tale princess is a victim of some sort.)
• Are you waiting to be rescued?
• Do you have to be rescued to have the fairy tale?
• What makes you truly happy?
• Retail therapy makes everyone happy for an instant.  But what makes you happy long after

Princess Bubble also incorporates an element of faith, something overlooked in almost every princess story.  While written from a Christian perspective, little girls from all religions can benefit from the example of this charming young woman who bases her choices on her beliefs, not on the desperate need to be loved and accepted.

Johnston and Webb financed the publishing of this book on their own because it contains a message that they really believe in.  If you’d like to help a young girl discover more about womanhood than being rescued and looking pretty, buy her a copy of Princess Bubble and help support this wonderful creative endeavor.

Princess Bubble is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local retailers around the country.