What will Maya be when she grows up? A rocket scientist? An olympic athlete? A brain surgeon? She wants to be a princess... But it's not a fairytale princess that Maya has in mind.
Author Events
Invite me to share the magic of storytelling with author readings. Step into the story with Maya and her Mum and learn about some inspirational women who changed the world. Find out what they did and how you can be just like them.
It’s going to be a wonderful, empowering event for your little ones (and their dreams!)
Events include an interactive reading – and lots of Maya’s
playful mischief! – and an opportunity for everyone to experience the wonder of storytelling and think about what they might want to be when they grow up. I will also be weaving elements of non-fiction into the event, exploring the female figures from Black history who have inspired the book, as well as those who have inspired my own life and career.
Children can look forward to themed activities too, including helping Stephanie and Maya discover what makes all of us strong, bold and brave...
To organise an event please contact:
Rebecca Mason - Senior Publicist Manager at Nosy Crow
“Stephanie's picture book 'I'm Going to be a Princess' is a warm and witty celebration of the lives of amazing Black women. - Laura Henry-Allain MBE
What will Maya be when she grows up? A rocket scientist like Annie Easley? An Olympic athlete like Alice Coachman? A brain surgeon like Alexa Canady? In this heart-warming and funny story, Maya discovers the achievements of some incredible Black women . . . but it’s a brave Nigerian princess who really captures her imagination!
This uplifting and empowering picture book is the perfect gift for any young reader.
Amusing, informative, and relatable, for young readers and caregivers alike.
A Black mother and daughter discuss role models.
A young girl named Maya dreams of being a princess, much to the consternation of her mother, who shares examples of amazing Black women through history to coax her daughter away from what she sees as a stereotypically feminine desire. Wouldn’t Maya rather be a doctor, like Alexa Canady? Or a dancer, like Misty Copeland? Or a rocket scientist, like Annie Easley? As the two walk home from school, Mom offers more examples of women whom she hopes Maya will emulate. Though these women are fantastic, Maya is steadfast about wanting to be a princess. And at the end of the story, she tells her mother she wants to be just like Princess Amina, a warrior princess who, centuries ago, ruled the Zazzau Kingdom in West Africa—a fearless leader, she was devoted to her people and worked tirelessly for them. This satisfying conclusion flips the narrative and upends assumptions about who a princess is and what she might look like; caregivers of princess-obsessed kids may chuckle at the reveal. The text is conversational, accompanied by lively illustrations that set a light, fun tone. The book strikes a good balance, including subjects that readers may not be familiar with as well as better-known names. Backmatter offers more information about the women featured in the book.
On her way home from school, Maya announces to her Mum that she wants to be a princess when she grows up. While Mum thinks that’s a fun idea, she encourages her daughter to consider some other roles. Perhaps she could be a surgeon like Dr Alexa Canady or an award-winning ballerina like Misty Copeland? Mum also suggests becoming a vet, an athlete and even a rocket scientist, but Maya won’t budge, she’s determined to be a princess. Though, to Mum’s surprise, it’s not the usual fairy tale princess Maya has in mind. It’s a bold and brave Nigerian princess who has inspired this ambitious youngster.
This joyous picture book is a beautifully illustrated funny story which gets young readers thinking about what they would like to be when they grow up. It covers a range of careers and industries including performing arts healthcare and athletics, in a child-friendly, approachable way. The backmatter includes mini biographies of each of the inspirational real-life Black women mentioned in the book.
A witty and empowering celebration of the lives of amazing Black women, which includes an adorable surprise ending bound to leave readers with a huge smile on their face.
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