Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Little Princess

Little Princess is a beloved series of children's picture books written and illustrated by British author , centering on a spirited young princess who lives in a grand castle with her royal parents, loyal maid, and various quirky companions as she tackles the everyday trials of childhood, such as potty training and routines, often with humorous mishaps and valuable life lessons. The series debuted with the book I Want My Potty! in 1986, published by Andersen Press, and has since expanded to over 40 titles, including popular entries like I Want My (2002) and I Don't Want to My Hands! (2017), each exploring themes of independence, curiosity, and family support through simple, engaging narratives and Ross's distinctive pastel illustrations. These books, aimed at children aged 2 to 6, are praised for their relatable portrayal of emotions and behaviors, helping young readers navigate common developmental milestones. In 2006, the series was adapted into a critically acclaimed animated television program produced by The Illuminated Film Company for Channel 5's block in the UK, featuring voice acting by as the Little Princess and narration by in early seasons, with the show running for five series from 2006 to 2020 and emphasizing positive messages about growth and empathy. The adaptation has aired internationally, including on and Amazon Video as of 2023, and contributed to the series' enduring popularity, spawning merchandise like sticker books and board book editions that reinforce interactive learning. Tony Ross, renowned for illustrating over 1,000 books including works by and , drew from his own experiences as a father to create the , whose stubborn yet endearing personality has resonated with generations, earning commendations such as for the inaugural book in the Children's Book Award. The series stands out in for its blend of whimsy and , avoiding overly saccharine tropes while promoting and the of asking questions in a child's quest to understand the world.

Story and Characters

Plot Summary

The Little Princess series revolves around the everyday adventures and challenges of a young, inquisitive princess living in a grand castle. Each book and episode presents a self-contained story focusing on common toddler experiences, such as potty training in the debut book I Want My Potty! (1986), dealing with dentist visits in I Want My Tooth (2002), or learning hygiene in I Don't Want to Wash My Hands! (2017). The narratives typically begin with the Princess expressing a strong desire or reluctance—"I want..." or "I don't want..."—leading to humorous mishaps, interactions with her family and castle inhabitants, and eventual resolutions that impart gentle lessons on independence, emotions, and family bonds.) The TV adaptation, airing from 2006 to 2020, mirrors this structure in 11-minute episodes across five series, emphasizing themes of , , and through the Princess's problem-solving journeys. While lighthearted and whimsical, the stories avoid , instead portraying realistic childhood frustrations and joys to help young audiences navigate developmental milestones. The series connects to broader fairy-tale traditions but grounds them in relatable, dynamics.)

Main Characters

The Little Princess features a small, recurring cast centered on the royal family and castle staff, each contributing to the Princess's world with distinct personalities that enhance the humorous and educational tone. The titular Little Princess is a spirited, four-year-old girl known for her determination, curiosity, and occasional tantrums. Voiced by in the TV series, she drives each story by pursuing her wants or resisting routines, growing through with endearing stubbornness.) Her ** is patient, nurturing, and supportive, often mediating the Princess's escapades with calm wisdom and affection. The King (father) is a well-meaning but somewhat bumbling figure, providing comic relief through his attempts to handle royal duties alongside parenting challenges.) The Maid serves as a loyal, practical companion and caretaker, assisting with daily tasks and offering gentle guidance amid the chaos. , the Princess's beloved , acts as her confidant and , symbolizing comfort and imagination in her adventures.) Animal characters include Puss, the clever castle cat (voiced by Julian Clary in early series), who adds mischief and wit, and Scruff, the energetic dog, contributing playful energy. The General, a stern military advisor, provides structure and discipline, contrasting the Princess's free spirit. These characters, illustrated in Tony Ross's signature style, foster a warm, ensemble dynamic that underscores themes of community and support.)

Development and Release

Development

The Little Princess book series was created by British author and illustrator , inspired by his experiences as a father, particularly an incident where his young daughter refused to leave her potty to go to bed, leading to the debut title I Want My Potty! in 1986. Published by Andersen Press, the series features Ross's watercolor illustrations and simple narratives addressing common childhood challenges like independence and routines, drawing from his background in and prior work illustrating over 1,000 books for authors including . Ross developed the character's stubborn yet endearing personality to blend whimsy with realistic behaviors, expanding the series over decades to more than 40 titles, such as I Want My Tooth (2002) and I Don't Want to Wash My Hands! (2017), each reinforcing themes of and family support through engaging, humorous stories aimed at ages 2–6. The animated television adaptation was produced by The Illuminated Film Company, with Lee Marriott and directors Foster (series 1–3) and Sue Tong (series 4–5), adapting Ross's books into 10-minute episodes emphasizing positive messages about growth and empathy. Voice acting featured as the Little Princess and narration by in early seasons, with the soundtrack composed by and others to enhance the fairy-tale feel.)

Release History

The book series debuted with I Want My Potty! on 1 October 1986, exclusively through Andersen Press in the , quickly gaining popularity and winning the 1989 Nottinghamshire Children's Book Award for its inaugural title. Subsequent releases followed irregularly, with international editions in multiple languages, contributing to millions of copies sold worldwide by the . The TV series premiered on 9 October 2006 on Channel 5's block in the UK and in , running for five series totaling over 130 episodes until 2017, with international broadcasts on networks like . Special episodes and merchandise, including board books and sticker activity sets, were released alongside to extend the series' interactive appeal.) Reruns continued into the 2020s, and as of 2025, the books remain in print with periodic reissues.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

The Little Princess book series has been widely praised for its humorous and relatable portrayal of toddler experiences, with critics highlighting Tony Ross's distinctive illustrations and simple narratives that address developmental milestones like potty training and handwashing. Individual titles have received positive feedback on review platforms; for example, I Want My Potty! holds an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 on Goodreads based on over 370 reviews. The series is commended for promoting independence and empathy without saccharine tropes, earning acclaim as a staple in children's literature for ages 2-6. The 2006 animated television adaptation received a mixed but generally positive reception, with an IMDb user rating of 5.5 out of 10 from 465 reviews as of November 2025. Viewers praised the voice performance by as the and the show's modernization of the books' charm, though some noted repetitive episodes. It earned multiple BAFTA nominations for children's animation and was lauded for its educational value in fostering emotional growth.

Cultural Impact and Re-releases

The Little Princess series has had a lasting cultural impact, selling millions of copies worldwide since its 1986 debut and inspiring generations of young readers to confront everyday challenges with and . Tony Ross's creation has influenced by blending whimsy with realistic depictions of family dynamics, while the expanded through merchandise like sticker books and board editions that encourage interactive learning. The television series, produced by The Illuminated Film Company, aired from 2006 to 2017 across five seasons on Channel 5's block and was broadcast in over 160 territories internationally, amplifying the books' global reach and emphasizing themes of and . Its legacy includes heightened popularity during the , when I Don't Want to Wash My Hands! experienced a 2,000% sales increase in March 2020 as parents sought resources for hygiene education. Re-releases and anniversary editions have sustained the series' vitality; Andersen Press celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2021 with new editions of classic titles and tie-ins to the TV show. As of 2025, the books continue to be reissued in various formats, including updated board books, maintaining their relevance in preschool education and . Books illustrated by Ross, including the series, achieved sales of 2,109,594 units valued at £12.2 million in 2016 alone.

References

  1. [1]
    Tony Ross - Andersen Press
    He is perhaps best known for his much-loved Little Princess series, which has been adapted for TV and is currently showing on Channel 5's Milkshake, and for his ...
  2. [2]
    Tony Ross Books | The Little Princess & More Children's Books
    15-day returnsThe first of his forty picture books following the trials and tribulations of the Little Princess, I Want My Potty , was issued in 1986 and commended for the ...
  3. [3]
    I Don't Want to Wash My Hands! - Andersen Press
    Sep 7, 2017 · Tony Ross. The Little Princess loves getting her hands dirty. The trouble is, she hates washing them. Until she learns all about the nasties ...
  4. [4]
    My Little Princess Series by Tony Ross - Goodreads
    I Want My Light On!( A Little Prince Story), I Want My Potty! (Little Princess), I Want My Mom! (A Little Princess Story), I Want My Tooth, I Want My Pu...
  5. [5]
    All the Little Princess Books in Order | Toppsta
    The books are perfect for little princes and princesses aged 2+. All the Little Princess books in order: Book 1: I Want My Potty! (1986) Book 2: I Want to ...
  6. [6]
    About Little Princess Series
    Little Princess is based on the best-selling children's books by award winning author/illustrator Tony Ross. Little Princess is full of energy, charm and ...
  7. [7]
    Little Princess Board Book - Bedtime - Andersen Press
    Tony Ross has chosen vivid pastels to illustrate the new adventures of the Little Princess in these four board books for very young children. The simple stories ...
  8. [8]
    Little Princess Dressing Up! Sticker Activity Book - Andersen Press
    Jun 7, 2018 · Little Princess Dressing Up! Sticker Activity Book. Tony Ross. Pirate, doctor or famous explorer... Dress-up and decorate with over 400 ...
  9. [9]
    Tony Ross - Illustrator, Books, Biography and more | Toppsta
    His very first picture book was published by Andersen Press in 1976, and since then he has gone on to illustrate more than 1000 books. A TV adaptation of his ...
  10. [10]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess Review - RPGFan
    Aug 25, 2023 · Party members now have skills that cost HP, and magic can be used via the newly designed Puppet system.Missing: mechanics | Show results with:mechanics
  11. [11]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess Review - RPGamer
    Aug 25, 2023 · Rhapsody II offers three different difficulties, but even on Normal the game is fairly easy to complete with a short run time of around twelve hours.Missing: mechanics | Show results with:mechanics
  12. [12]
    LITTLE PRINCESS - MARU OUKOKO NO NINGYOU HIME 2
    Nippon Ichi Software. Publisher, Nippon ... The tactical role-playing game battle system of Rhapsody was discarded for a more traditional RPG battle system.<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Guide :: Rhapsody II walkthrough - Steam Community
    Apr 23, 2024 · Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess walkthrough and 100% achievement guide ... The game start as Princess Kururu escape from her room.Missing: mechanics | Show results with:mechanics
  14. [14]
    Take the initiative! Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess.
    Oct 19, 2023 · Overall, 7.5/10: Take the initiative! Find true love! Save the world! Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess is a solid, classic RPG with a musical twist.Missing: mechanics magic rewards
  15. [15]
    Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles | NIS America
    Complete with more songs, a new turn-based battle system, and a story both new yet familiar, Rhapsody II is ready to make its magical debut in the West.Missing: details | Show results with:details
  16. [16]
    Little Princess: Marl Oukoku no Ningyou Hime 2 - Story Translation
    Now look into those rooms where the cooks were locked. In one of them you'll find a knight-looking puppet. Save your game and talk to him.) Duke : Do you have ...
  17. [17]
    Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles - NIS America
    As the daughter of the king and queen of Marl Kingdom, Kururu dreams of finding her own valiant prince, just like her mother before her.
  18. [18]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess - Wikipedia
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess is a role-playing video game developed and published by Nippon Ichi Software for the original PlayStation and is ...
  19. [19]
    https://www.nippon-ichi-universe.fandom.com/wiki/Etoile_Rosenqueen
  20. [20]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess (1999) - MobyGames
    Jan 20, 2009 · Character Design (キャラクターデザイン). Ryōji Nomura (野村良治). Scenario (シナリオ). Sohei Niikawa (新川宗平). Scenario Data (シナリオデータ化).
  21. [21]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess (2023 Video Game)
    Aug 29, 2023 · The Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess Cast ; Kururu / Kurusale Cherie Marl Q voice Kururu / Kurusale Cherie Marl Q · voiced by Madeline ...Missing: Etoilia | Show results with:Etoilia
  22. [22]
    Series: Marl Kingdom - Hardcore Gaming 101
    A full color, 420 page hardcover book covering over 900 movie licensed games! Bitmap Books' A Guide to Japanese RPGs. Back in stock! A full ...
  23. [23]
    Little Princess: Marl Oukoku no Ningyou Hime 2
    Nov 19, 2008 · Twelve years pass, and the sheltered little princess finally wants to find a knight of her own. Characters. Kururu. The twelve-year-old ...Missing: designer | Show results with:designer
  24. [24]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess Original Soundtrack - VGMdb
    Aug 30, 2023 · The Little Princess' Resolve, Rainbow of Hope Ver. 14, The Akurjo Family. 15, Let's Go On, Etoile Ver. 16, Karkanski and Bakenekov. 17, Let's Go ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Interview with Tenpei Sato (August 2010) - Game Music
    Tenpei Sato: For Little Princess: The Puppet Princess of Marl's Kingdom 2, I raised the quality of the music and wrote more pieces, so in its variety and ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess - Gematsu
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess is a turn-based role-playing video game developed and published by Nippon Ichi Software. It is published by NIS ...
  27. [27]
    Little Princess: Marl Oukoku no Ningyou Hime 2 – Box Scan
    Platform: PlayStation ; Genre: Role-Playing » Japanese-Style ; Developer/Publisher: Nippon Ichi Software ; Release: November 25, 1999 ; Also Known As: · Little ...
  28. [28]
    Marl Okoku no Ningyo Hime 2 Official Guide Book / PS2 | eBay
    Little Princess: Marl Okoku no Ningyo Hime 2 Official Guide Book / PS2. Ceresty Japan (10054). 99.5% positive feedback. $32.46. or Best Offer. $22.80 shipping.Missing: Oukoku Ningyou
  29. [29]
    Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles | NIS America
    Following the events of Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, join young Kururu, the daughter of Cornet and Ferdinand, on her quest to find true love in Rhapsody II: ...Missing: characters | Show results with:characters
  30. [30]
    Little Princess: Marl Ōkoku no Ningyō Hime 2 - RPGFan
    Nippon Ichi Software. Publisher(s). N/A; Examu; N/A. Release Date(s). N/A; November 25, 1999; N/A. Also Known As. Little Princess ... The second ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
  31. [31]
    Save 50% on Rhapsody II - Ballad of the Little Princess - Steam
    Title: Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess ; Genre: Adventure, RPG. Developer: Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., Engine Software BV. Publisher: NIS America, Inc ...
  32. [32]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess | Marl Kingdom Wiki | Fandom
    It first released for the PlayStation on November 25, 1999 in Japan. It would get a release for i-αppli-compatible mobile phones on December 18, 2006 in Japan.
  33. [33]
    You Can Thank A Musical For The Dawn Of Disgaea - TheGamer
    Jun 20, 2023 · Adam Johnson, NIS America's senior business development director, tells me that Rhapsody and La Pucelle are precursors to Disgaea. Though ...
  34. [34]
    Save 50% on Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure on Steam
    Rating 4.5 (157) · 14-day returnsDive back into your NIS roots and experience a game that laid the foundation for the beloved Disgaea series with Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure.Missing: connection | Show results with:connection<|control11|><|separator|>
  35. [35]
    I translated a "unique" scene from Little Princess 2, which never ...
    Oct 9, 2016 · This game is the direct sequel to Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, where you play as Cornet and Fernidad's daughter. No, it was never brought to the west.Missing: Ballad fan art import
  36. [36]
    Rhapsody 2: Ballad of the Little Princess | All Songs [English]
    Aug 25, 2023 · This game doesn't dub the songs, the songs are in Japanese with English subtitles. View our guides: https://bai-gaming.com/game-guides/ All ...Missing: characters Kururu Crea Cello Etoilia
  37. [37]
    Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles | NIS America, Inc.
    Following in the footsteps of her mother Cornet, young Kururu sets out on a journey to find her own prince in Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess.
  38. [38]
    Review: Rhapsody - Marl Kingdom Chronicles - Hardcore Gamer
    Aug 25, 2023 · One common issue that has come up with older turn-based games coming to newer hardware is needing a fast-forward or full-on auto battle system ...
  39. [39]
    Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles Review - Noisy Pixel
    Aug 25, 2023 · Rhapsody II picks up after the events of Rhapsody. You assume the role of Kururu the daughter of the previous protagonist Cornet, who now rules ...<|separator|>
  40. [40]
    Rhapsody: 25th Anniversary Collection announced for PS5, Switch
    May 29, 2024 · It will launch physically on August 29 in Japan for 10,978 yen, and includes a set of original artwork reprints, an art book, the original ...
  41. [41]
    Rhapsody II: Ballad of the Little Princess - PCGamingWiki PCGW
    Aug 30, 2025 · This page was last edited on 30 August 2025, at 18:20. Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike unless ...
  42. [42]
    Rhapsody 25th Anniversary Website Launched By NIS - Noisy Pixel
    Jan 12, 2024 · Developer Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) has launched the 25th-anniversary website for the Rhapsody franchise.Missing: reference | Show results with:reference