Book Review: Ultimate Princess Boxed Set of 12 Little Golden Books (Disney Princess)
Ultimate Princess Boxed Set of 12 Little Golden Books (Disney Princess) – A Magical Collection for Young Readers
Introduction: A Treasure Trove of Fairy Tales
There’s something undeniably magical about Disney Princess stories—they whisk us away to enchanted castles, daring adventures, and timeless lessons about courage, kindness, and self-discovery. The Ultimate Princess Boxed Set of 12 Little Golden Books brings together beloved Disney heroines in a beautifully curated collection that’s perfect for young readers and nostalgic adults alike.
Whether you’re introducing a child to these classic tales for the first time or revisiting them yourself, this boxed set is a delightful keepsake. But does it live up to the Disney magic? Let’s dive into this enchanting collection and see what makes it a must-have for fairy tale lovers.
Plot Summary: A Dozen Tales of Courage and Dreams
This set includes twelve abridged versions of Disney Princess stories, each condensed into the classic Little Golden Book format. The selection spans from the earliest Disney princesses like Snow White and Cinderella to modern favorites like Moana and Rapunzel (Tangled).
Each book follows the core storyline of the original films, simplifying them for younger readers while retaining the heart of the narratives. Snow White escapes the Evil Queen’s jealousy, Ariel trades her voice for legs, Belle tames the Beast with love, and Tiana learns that hard work and dreams go hand in hand.
While these are shortened versions, they capture the essence of each tale—making them ideal for bedtime reading or early independent reading practice.
Character Analysis: From Damsels to Dynamic Heroines
One of the most fascinating aspects of Disney Princess stories is how they’ve evolved over time. This collection showcases a spectrum of personalities, from the classic grace of Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) to the fiery independence of Merida (Brave).
- Classic Princesses (Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora) – These early heroines embody kindness and resilience, though their stories often center on external rescues.
- Transitional Heroines (Ariel, Belle, Jasmine) – These characters begin to show more agency—Ariel defies her father, Belle values intellect over appearances, and Jasmine refuses an arranged marriage.
- Modern Princesses (Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana) – These protagonists drive their own destinies. Tiana builds her own business, Rapunzel seeks adventure beyond her tower, Merida challenges tradition, and Moana saves her people through sheer determination.
This progression reflects Disney’s shift toward more empowered female leads, making the set not just entertaining but also a great conversation starter about character growth.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simple Yet Enchanting
The Little Golden Book format means these stories are written in straightforward, rhythmic prose perfect for young readers. The language is accessible, with short sentences and vivid descriptions that maintain the fairy tale atmosphere.
Each book follows a similar structure:
- Introduction to the princess and her world
- The central conflict (villain, curse, or personal challenge)
- The journey toward resolution
- A happily-ever-after ending
While some may argue that the abridged versions lose depth, they serve as excellent introductions to the full-length films. The pacing keeps young readers engaged, and the familiar Disney charm shines through.
Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just Fairy Tales
Beneath the sparkle and songs, these stories carry meaningful lessons:
- Courage & Self-Belief (Mulan, Moana) – True strength comes from within.
- Love & Sacrifice (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid) – Love isn’t just romance; it’s about understanding and sacrifice.
- Independence & Dreams (Tiana, Rapunzel) – Hard work and self-discovery lead to fulfillment.
Parents and educators can use these books to discuss resilience, empathy, and perseverance—making them more than just bedtime stories.
Personal Reading Experience: Nostalgia & New Discoveries
Reading this collection was a trip down memory lane. As someone who grew up with The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, flipping through these books brought back warm childhood feelings. But what surprised me was how much I enjoyed the newer additions—Moana’s story, in particular, felt fresh and inspiring.
The illustrations are vibrant and true to the films, adding to the nostalgic charm. My only minor critique? Some classic scenes are understandably condensed, so purists might miss certain details. Still, for young readers, these versions are perfectly paced.
Comparison to Other Princess Collections
Compared to other Disney book sets, this one stands out for its:
✅ Compact, high-quality format – Sturdy hardcovers in a neat box.
✅ Diverse princess lineup – A mix of classic and modern tales.
✅ Perfect length for young attention spans – Not too short, not overwhelming.
Other collections might offer longer stories or additional content (like activity books), but this set excels as an introductory primer to Disney Princess lore.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔ Beautiful illustrations – Faithful to Disney’s iconic animation.
✔ Diverse representation – From Mulan to Tiana, it celebrates different cultures.
✔ Great for gifting – The boxed set makes it a perfect present.
Minor Weaknesses:
❌ Abridged storytelling – Some fans might prefer fuller adaptations.
❌ No new material – Strictly retellings, no behind-the-scenes extras.
Still, for the intended audience (ages 2-7), these are hardly dealbreakers.
Target Audience: Who Will Love This Set?
- Parents of young children – Ideal for bedtime stories or early readers.
- Disney collectors – A charming addition to any fan’s shelf.
- Educators & librarians – Great for teaching themes of courage and kindness.
Memorable Quotes & Passages
While these are condensed versions, some lines still capture the magic:
- “Remember, you must never let anyone dim your light.” – Tiana, The Princess and the Frog
- “The ocean chose me for a reason.” – Moana
- “All it takes is faith and trust… and a little bit of pixie dust!” – Peter Pan (included in Tinker Bell tie-in editions)
Cultural & Historical Context
Disney Princess stories have always mirrored societal values. Early tales (Snow White, Cinderella) reflect mid-20th-century ideals, while newer entries (Moana, Frozen) embrace independence and cultural authenticity. This collection provides a fascinating snapshot of how storytelling—and perceptions of heroism—have evolved.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Disney Fans
The Ultimate Princess Boxed Set of 12 Little Golden Books is a delightful celebration of Disney’s most iconic heroines. While purists might miss the depth of the full films, these condensed versions are perfect for introducing young readers to the magic of fairy tales.
With stunning illustrations, timeless lessons, and a mix of classic and modern stories, this set earns its place on any child’s bookshelf—or any Disney lover’s collection.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions for Readers:
- Which Disney Princess do you think has the most empowering story?
- Do you prefer classic fairy tales or modern reimaginings?
- How do you think Disney Princess narratives will evolve in the future?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 👑✨
For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.
For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.