Princess Bubble- BOOK REVIEW
by Wayne S. Walker
for Stories for Children Magazine
BOOK: Princess Bubble
WRITTEN BY: Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb
ILLUSTRATED BY: Maria Tonelli
PUBLISHED BY: Bubble Gum Press (2006)
ISBN-10: 0-9650910-0-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-9650910-0-8
READING LEVEL: Ages 2-8 but single women may enjoy it too
REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker
Being an "old-fashioned" type of person and having read some of the promotion for this book, I was not sure that I would like it. However, I determined to read it with an open mind. Behold, I found that I did like it. Most every little girl wants to grow up to be a Princess who finds her Prince Charming. And most parents would like this for their little girls. Yet, it is plain that it does not always happen for everyone. For those young ladies who must learn to be content with their singleness, there is Princess Bubble, who graduates from college, gets a job, buys a palace of her own, and watches several of her friends get married.
Many of her married friends begin to ask her why she has not found a prince yet, and eventually her mother tells her that it is time for her to find a prince. She does try and makes many new friends in the process, but finally learns from her fairy godmother that "living happily every after is not about finding a prince. True happiness is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already." So, what will Princess Bubble do with what she has learned? This is a lovely story with an important message for girls (and for their parents) who can read it to help be prepared whatever may happen.
Website: www.PrincessBubble.com
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Princess Bubble (minus Prince Charming)
Courtesy of PrincessBubble.com
When "Princess Bubble" crossed my desk I wasn't sure what to think of it. The little book follows the adventures of Princess B as she journeys, prince-less, to acceptance that her life is great as it is and that she doesn't need a prince to be happy.
This isn't a man-hating book at all, just a kid-friendly rewrite of the usual fairytale. Princess Bubble travels, makes friends, loves her family, and is content with where she is in the romantic department, as are co-authors Kim Webb and Susan Johnston. It's a "happiness comes from within" story that would make a great gift for your flower girl.
I'm torn about the idea of gifting it to your bridesmaids. I love the message, but they'd have to be the right girls for the book, and your relationship would have to be solid. Anything else would seem downright condescending, since you're the one getting married.That said, the book's authors write from experience: Susan, who is from Griffin, says she has been a maid SEVENTEEN times, giving new meaning to the phrase "always a bridesmaid." So it's a message they've lived themselves, and that makes all the difference.
Courtesy of PrincessBubble.com
When "Princess Bubble" crossed my desk I wasn't sure what to think of it. The little book follows the adventures of Princess B as she journeys, prince-less, to acceptance that her life is great as it is and that she doesn't need a prince to be happy.
This isn't a man-hating book at all, just a kid-friendly rewrite of the usual fairytale. Princess Bubble travels, makes friends, loves her family, and is content with where she is in the romantic department, as are co-authors Kim Webb and Susan Johnston. It's a "happiness comes from within" story that would make a great gift for your flower girl.
I'm torn about the idea of gifting it to your bridesmaids. I love the message, but they'd have to be the right girls for the book, and your relationship would have to be solid. Anything else would seem downright condescending, since you're the one getting married.That said, the book's authors write from experience: Susan, who is from Griffin, says she has been a maid SEVENTEEN times, giving new meaning to the phrase "always a bridesmaid." So it's a message they've lived themselves, and that makes all the difference.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Auburn Alumna writes fairy tale book with message
By Sarah Loveless
Once upon a time, Auburn alumna Susan Johnston decided it was time to show women of all ages that they could have just as much joy without a "prince charming" as they would with one. So, she wrote a book, Princess Bubble.
Johnston graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in public relations, and is a forth generation Auburn graduate.
Her Auburn experience with public relations equipped her with the skills needed to do most of the publicity for Princess Bubble.
The book, written with friend, Kimberly Webb and illustrated by Maria Tonelli, has acquired a national audience and tells a story on an educated, world-traveling single woman.
Just like many students facing the "real" world, Johnston didn't know what her plans were after she graduated. She decided to become a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines because she had a passion for traveling and wanted to see the world.
The book paralleled most aspects of Johnston's life as princess Bubble is a flight attendant for The Royal Heir Line.
Princess Bubble has become a great source of comfort for many women, just as Johnston and Webb had hoped.
"Countless women of all demographics have not only loved the message of Princess Bubble, but have gone out of their way to help us get the word out," Johnston said. "Many women have told us that their marriage actually improved once they were reminded that their husband is not responsible for their entire happiness, but a gift to share their happiness with."
Princess Bubble's success has allowed Johnston and Webb to travel to many different cities around the Southeast.
They have been guest on numerous shows including "Good Day Atlanta,' "Better Mornings" and "The Today Show."
"The Today Show' was a once in a lifetime opportunity to truly feel like a today princess," Johnston said. "We sat next to Matt Lauer in makeup. He is too cute."
Along with the newly found recognition, the author has also been met with criticism because of its feminist message. Johnston acknowledges that she is "the first to want to be treated like a lady," but she would rather be unmarried than married to the wrong person.
Princess Bubble is not "anti-prince," Johnston explained.
"The truth of the matter and the point of Princess Bubble is that happiness is not a destination, it is the journey," she said.
www.PrincessBubble.com
By Sarah Loveless
Once upon a time, Auburn alumna Susan Johnston decided it was time to show women of all ages that they could have just as much joy without a "prince charming" as they would with one. So, she wrote a book, Princess Bubble.
Johnston graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in public relations, and is a forth generation Auburn graduate.
Her Auburn experience with public relations equipped her with the skills needed to do most of the publicity for Princess Bubble.
The book, written with friend, Kimberly Webb and illustrated by Maria Tonelli, has acquired a national audience and tells a story on an educated, world-traveling single woman.
Just like many students facing the "real" world, Johnston didn't know what her plans were after she graduated. She decided to become a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines because she had a passion for traveling and wanted to see the world.
The book paralleled most aspects of Johnston's life as princess Bubble is a flight attendant for The Royal Heir Line.
Princess Bubble has become a great source of comfort for many women, just as Johnston and Webb had hoped.
"Countless women of all demographics have not only loved the message of Princess Bubble, but have gone out of their way to help us get the word out," Johnston said. "Many women have told us that their marriage actually improved once they were reminded that their husband is not responsible for their entire happiness, but a gift to share their happiness with."
Princess Bubble's success has allowed Johnston and Webb to travel to many different cities around the Southeast.
They have been guest on numerous shows including "Good Day Atlanta,' "Better Mornings" and "The Today Show."
"The Today Show' was a once in a lifetime opportunity to truly feel like a today princess," Johnston said. "We sat next to Matt Lauer in makeup. He is too cute."
Along with the newly found recognition, the author has also been met with criticism because of its feminist message. Johnston acknowledges that she is "the first to want to be treated like a lady," but she would rather be unmarried than married to the wrong person.
Princess Bubble is not "anti-prince," Johnston explained.
"The truth of the matter and the point of Princess Bubble is that happiness is not a destination, it is the journey," she said.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Pregnancy Pact
You probably read about the teen “pregnancy pact” in Gloucester, MA. At least 17 high-school girls expecting babies, including many aged 16 or younger.
What would lead these girls to make life altering decisions like this? This story made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because I believe these girls were searching so hard for something to complete them. Now, they will just be completely exhausted and overwhelmed for many, many years to come.
We at Princess Bubble believe “True Happily Ever After comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already.” Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.”
Was this a result of these girls following Jamie Lynn Spears or the movie Juno? If media has this major of an impact on our children; isn’t it time for a new message for these kids? Reminding our youth not only that they are special and valuable; but teaching our children self respect, responsiblity and that you can not expect someone else to fulfill all your needs. Happiness begin from within.
One teen mother interviewed on The Today Show, when asked what advice she would give to other teen girls mentioned that having a baby would not allow you to go out everynight. Go out? That is the least of these girls concerns! What about providing for the child? The mother finishing her education? The responsiblity for the rest of your life…The teen mother interviewed obviously has not faced her own reality yet.
Speaking of reality,the new show “Baby Borrower” could not come at a more perfect time for teens or the shows ratings. I have not seen this show but if I understand correctly a teen couple borrows a baby and experiences parenthood first hand. But, this is a couple and will the MA teens have any help from the fathers of their babies? The girl that conceived with a homeless man probably will not receive much assistance from him and I pray that a baby is the only medical condition he gave this girl!
I know so many couple waiting to adopt a baby I can only hope some of these teens will be willing to make the best of their mistakes and fulfill the dreams of adult parents that long deeply to adopt.
www.PrincessBubble.com
You probably read about the teen “pregnancy pact” in Gloucester, MA. At least 17 high-school girls expecting babies, including many aged 16 or younger.
What would lead these girls to make life altering decisions like this? This story made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because I believe these girls were searching so hard for something to complete them. Now, they will just be completely exhausted and overwhelmed for many, many years to come.
We at Princess Bubble believe “True Happily Ever After comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already.” Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.”
Was this a result of these girls following Jamie Lynn Spears or the movie Juno? If media has this major of an impact on our children; isn’t it time for a new message for these kids? Reminding our youth not only that they are special and valuable; but teaching our children self respect, responsiblity and that you can not expect someone else to fulfill all your needs. Happiness begin from within.
One teen mother interviewed on The Today Show, when asked what advice she would give to other teen girls mentioned that having a baby would not allow you to go out everynight. Go out? That is the least of these girls concerns! What about providing for the child? The mother finishing her education? The responsiblity for the rest of your life…The teen mother interviewed obviously has not faced her own reality yet.
Speaking of reality,the new show “Baby Borrower” could not come at a more perfect time for teens or the shows ratings. I have not seen this show but if I understand correctly a teen couple borrows a baby and experiences parenthood first hand. But, this is a couple and will the MA teens have any help from the fathers of their babies? The girl that conceived with a homeless man probably will not receive much assistance from him and I pray that a baby is the only medical condition he gave this girl!
I know so many couple waiting to adopt a baby I can only hope some of these teens will be willing to make the best of their mistakes and fulfill the dreams of adult parents that long deeply to adopt.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Princess Bubble duo
Posted by highprincess on June 12, 2008
Susan Johnston & Kimberly Webb certainly get my vote for Princess of the week. Best friends and former flight attendants have co-authored the book: Princess Bubble, in which a Princess learns that “Happily ever after comes from becoming the best person God wants YOU to be with or without Prince Charming”. The book dispels the traditional fairy tale of finding Prince charming, then living “happily every after”. The duo are hoping to raise the self esteem levels of girls everyone by speaking a message of hope.
3 Tiaras up!
http://www.highprincess.com/
Posted by highprincess on June 12, 2008
Susan Johnston & Kimberly Webb certainly get my vote for Princess of the week. Best friends and former flight attendants have co-authored the book: Princess Bubble, in which a Princess learns that “Happily ever after comes from becoming the best person God wants YOU to be with or without Prince Charming”. The book dispels the traditional fairy tale of finding Prince charming, then living “happily every after”. The duo are hoping to raise the self esteem levels of girls everyone by speaking a message of hope.
3 Tiaras up!
http://www.highprincess.com/
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Author's Choice Review
PRINCESS BUBBLE
Text Susan Johnston & Kimberly Webb
Illustrations Maria Tonelli
ISBN 978-0-9650910-0-7
Bubble Gum Press
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Princesses still look for Prince Charming, often believing a prince will make life “Happily ever after.” While there is nothing wrong with finding a life's partner, as Princess Bubble learns, the real “Happily ever after” comes from becoming the best person God wants YOU to be with or without Prince Charming.
A book that dispels the fairy tale of needing a mate to be happy, while opening up the possibilities that with or without a mate, a princess can be happy, just being who she was meant to be.
Fun, yet educational, story with illustrations sure to draw the attention of little princesses.
www.PrincessBubble.com
PRINCESS BUBBLE
Text Susan Johnston & Kimberly Webb
Illustrations Maria Tonelli
ISBN 978-0-9650910-0-7
Bubble Gum Press
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Princesses still look for Prince Charming, often believing a prince will make life “Happily ever after.” While there is nothing wrong with finding a life's partner, as Princess Bubble learns, the real “Happily ever after” comes from becoming the best person God wants YOU to be with or without Prince Charming.
A book that dispels the fairy tale of needing a mate to be happy, while opening up the possibilities that with or without a mate, a princess can be happy, just being who she was meant to be.
Fun, yet educational, story with illustrations sure to draw the attention of little princesses.
www.PrincessBubble.com
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Book review: Princess Bubble
By Jessica Gafkowitz
Princess Bubble, written by Susan Johnson and Kimberly Webb, is a truly unique children's book; it tells a nontraditional fairytale with a modern twist.
Princess Bubble is not only a princess. She graduated from college and is working as a flight attendant to satisfy her desire to travel and meet new people. She buys her own home and frequently spends time with her friends, who are getting married to live "happily ever after". Princess Bubble is different; she enjoys her time traveling and being with her friends. Marriage is not on her mind. Her friends and mother show concern for Princess Bubble, and her status as "prince-less". They convince her to start looking, so she visits http://www.FindYourPrince.com and reads other fairy tales for inspiration. Princess Bubble soon realizes that unlike princesses in these other fairy tales, she is already content with her life and being "prince-less."
Princess Bubble is a realistic portrayal of the struggle many women still face today; the pressure to meet the man of their dreams, get married and like fairy tales, live "happily ever after". This book is incredibly different from all the other fairy tales out there because it is specifically for young girls to teach them that finding a man and getting married should not and cannot be a woman's source of happiness. It is necessary to find your own happiness and share it with others.
By Jessica Gafkowitz
Princess Bubble, written by Susan Johnson and Kimberly Webb, is a truly unique children's book; it tells a nontraditional fairytale with a modern twist.
Princess Bubble is not only a princess. She graduated from college and is working as a flight attendant to satisfy her desire to travel and meet new people. She buys her own home and frequently spends time with her friends, who are getting married to live "happily ever after". Princess Bubble is different; she enjoys her time traveling and being with her friends. Marriage is not on her mind. Her friends and mother show concern for Princess Bubble, and her status as "prince-less". They convince her to start looking, so she visits http://www.FindYourPrince.com and reads other fairy tales for inspiration. Princess Bubble soon realizes that unlike princesses in these other fairy tales, she is already content with her life and being "prince-less."
Princess Bubble is a realistic portrayal of the struggle many women still face today; the pressure to meet the man of their dreams, get married and like fairy tales, live "happily ever after". This book is incredibly different from all the other fairy tales out there because it is specifically for young girls to teach them that finding a man and getting married should not and cannot be a woman's source of happiness. It is necessary to find your own happiness and share it with others.
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