Reading is an important part of growth and development for people of all ages. For Disney princesses, reading often plays a key role in their stories. From Belle’s love of books to Rapunzel’s discovery of the outside world through books, Disney princesses demonstrate how reading can open our minds to new ideas and experiences.
Belle
One of the most avid readers among the Disney princesses is Belle from Beauty and the Beast. As a bookworm living in a small village, Belle often escapes into the pages of her favorite stories. When we first meet Belle, she is walking through town with her nose in a book, oblivious to the world around her. Belle’s passion for reading separates her from the other villagers, who think she is odd for always having her head in a book.
Belle’s love of reading leads her to the Beast’s enchanted castle, where she discovers his enormous library filled with books. This library becomes a place of refuge and joy for Belle as the Beast’s prisoner. She reads tales of romance, adventure, and faraway places that fuel her imagination. Belle’s reading even helps her look beyond the Beast’s frightening exterior to the kind heart within. The library in Beauty and the Beast symbolizes the transformative power of reading.
Rapunzel
Rapunzel from Tangled also has books to thank for helping her see there is a big world beyond the tower where she is held captive. Rapunzel spends her days alone in the tower, limited by the confines of her room and the walls around her. Her main companion is Pascal the chameleon. That all changes when Rapunzel asks Mother Gothel to bring her back paints for her birthday – she slyly uses the paints to paint the walls of the tower with illustrations inspired by the books she reads.
Through pouring over books about the outside world, Rapunzel gains knowledge of places, people, and ideas beyond what she has experienced. Her books take her on adventures and give her a glimpse into life outside her lonely tower. They fill her with curiosity and wonder, even if she doesn’t get to experience those things herself. Reading fuels Rapunzel’s courage to eventually leave the tower and discover the world for herself.
Cinderella
Most Disney princesses are avid readers, but Cinderella is an exception. She does not have much time for reading as she toils endlessly doing chores for her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. Cinderella’s difficult home life means books are not easily accessible for her. She is too busy cooking, cleaning, and fetching to have a chance to read.
We can imagine that if Cinderella did have time to read, she would likely lose herself in fantastical tales of romance, faraway kingdoms, and fairy godmothers. Books would provide a temporary escape from her life of drudgery. While Cinderella does not get to demonstrate a love of reading like Belle and Rapunzel, she seems like she would eagerly read if given the chance.
Snow White
Snow White, the fairest of them all, does not explicitly showcase a love of books. However, given her kind and sweet nature, she would likely enjoy reading tales of adventure, romance, and friendship. Snow White reminds us you don’t have to be a huge reader to appreciate a good story now and then.
We can picture Snow White settling down with a book of stories after a long day of housework and singing with her animal friends. She seems to have a vibrant imagination that would come alive through reading. Books could keep her entertained as she awaits her prince or passes time in the dwarfs’ cottage.
Jasmine
As an intelligent, independent-minded princess, Jasmine would enjoy books that let her imagination run free. Cooped up in the palace for years, stories would give her a glimpse of life outside Agrabah. Jasmine likely feels confined by the expectations placed on her as a princess – reading would allow her to escape into exciting new worlds.
We can picture Jasmine with her tiger Rajah, lounging in the palace gardens and getting lost in tales of adventure and exploration. She would appreciate stories with strong female protagonists who demonstrate courage and determination like herself. Reading would fuel this feisty princess’ spirit.
Ariel
Mermaid princess Ariel has a vast collection of human artifacts and treasures that showcase her curiosity about the human world. Among her collection, she likely has human books that offer glimpses of life above water. Ariel would pore over books looking for information and stories about the mysterious world of humans.
Since Ariel craves adventure and longs to be part of the human world, she would love books that could transport her above the waves. Stories about Prince Eric’s kingdom and other faraway lands would capture her imagination. Of all the princesses, Ariel would most appreciate the escape reading provides from her constrained underwater life.
Tiana
As a hardworking, entrepreneurial young woman, Tiana may not make reading a huge priority. However, she would certainly appreciate a good book now and then when she has time to relax. She would likely enjoy tales of romance, adventure, and overcoming obstacles through perseverance.
Tiana has a grounded, practical nature, so she may not have the vivid fantasy life of some other princesses. But she understands the value of a well-told story. We can picture Tiana cozying up with a favorite book after working hard all day at her restaurant. Reading would recharge her batteries.
Moana
The brave explorer Moana would enjoy books about adventurers traveling the high seas and discovering new lands. She would appreciate tales of heroes who use their courage and determination to save their people.
Reading would provide fuel for Moana’s adventurous spirit and her desire to voyage beyond her island home. She seems to have a vivid imagination that would come alive through stories of other worlds and cultures beyond her own. Books would inspire her to continue seeking out the unknown.
Mulan
Mulan is an intelligent, resourceful woman who disguise herself as a man to join the Chinese army. She would enjoy books that feature bold, clever heroines who chart their own destinies. Tales of women breaking gender barriers to accomplish great deeds would appeal to Mulan.
Reading would reinforce Mulan’s courage and determination to use her wits and skills to defend her family’s honor. Stories of female empowerment could inspire her as she carves her own path. We can picture Mulan stealing away with a good book whenever she needs a mental pick-me-up.
Pocahontas
Free-spirited Pocahontas has a deep connection to nature and her spiritual traditions. She would enjoy reading tales that reflect those values – stories emphasizing living harmoniously with the earth and each other. Books celebrating native cultures would appeal to Pocahontas.
As an open-minded peacemaker, Pocahontas would also appreciate stories about people from vastly different worlds coming together. Reading provides a way for her to explore new mindsets and possibilities beyond her own experience. We can picture Pocahontas reading under her favorite tree by the river.
Aurora
The gentle, graceful Princess Aurora might enjoy losing herself in books of poetry and fairy tales. She seems to have a whimsical, dreamy personality that would thrive through reading tales of romance and magic.
Stories featuring far-off lands, courageous heroes, and powerful magic would suit her fanciful nature. Reading would provide Aurora an escape from her isolated life deep in the forest. Curled up with a book, she can let her imagination wander freely before her duties as a princess call her back.
Merida
The fiery, independent Merida would find motivation and inspiration in books with bold, rebellious female protagonists. Stories of women who chart their own paths would resonate with her refusal to be forced into traditional roles.
As someone who loves archery and outdoor adventures, Merida would also enjoy thrilling tales of exploration and survival. Reading gives her fuel to continue bucking outdated traditions and being true to herself. Curled up with her bow and a good book, Merida can immerse herself in stories that feed her courageous spirit.
Reading Habits Overview
Though they come from vastly different worlds, the Disney princesses share a common appreciation for the escape and enlightenment reading can provide. For princesses confined by space or societal conventions, books open windows to new ideas, places, and possibilities. Reading allows every princess to become the heroine of her own story.
Here is an overview of the key reading habits for several major Disney princesses:
| Princess | Key Reading Habits |
|---|---|
| Belle | Passionate bookworm who always has her nose in a book |
| Rapunzel | Eagerly reads books to learn about the outside world beyond her tower |
| Cinderella | No time for reading because of chores, but would love books if she could read |
| Snow White | Enjoys reading the occasional story as a pleasant pastime |
| Jasmine | Appreciates tales of adventure and strong female protagonists |
| Ariel | Pores over books to learn about the human world that fascinates her |
| Tiana | Reads romance and adventure stories when she has free time |
| Moana | Inspired by books about explorers and faraway lands |
| Mulan | Draws courage from books with bold, clever heroines |
| Pocahontas | Appreciates stories promoting environmentalism and cross-cultural unity |
| Aurora | Enjoys fairy tales and whimsical stories that fuel her imagination |
| Merida | Relates to rebellious heroines who forge their own paths |
The Transformative Power of Reading
For Disney princesses both past and present, reading offers enrichment that can change how they see themselves and the world around them. Belle’s devotion to books leads her to look beyond the Beast’s appearance to the heart within. Rapunzel’s reading gives her courage to leave her tower and discover life for herself. And Mulan draws strength from tales of bold women who accomplish great things.
Reading allows princesses to find role models, escape unfulfilling circumstances, and expand their horizons. These stories inspire girls everywhere to pick up a book and start dreaming. Through everyday magic, reading can transform anyone into the heroine of her own story.