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The Gypsy Princess
Cinnamon is a gypsy girl who can read fortunes in a cystal ball, speak to the wind, and dance with a bear. But Cinnamon longs to be a princess.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
4 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Phoebe Gilman
33 books52 followersWhat can I tell you about myself? I like to make up stories and draw pictures. I like to go ice skating, to the movies and I love reading books.
I was born and grew up in the Bronx, New York. My Mother loved to read so it was only natural that my brothers and I got our own library cards as soon as we were able to print our names. My favorite books were fairy tales. When the pictures didn't match the images that the words had painted in my head, I would cover them up with my hands. I still do that.
I prefer the words to the pictures, which is a little odd since I think of myself as an artist rather than a writer. All of my formal training has been in art. I went to The High School of Art and Design. From there, it was a short skip and a jump over to The Art Student's League, after a brief detour to Hunter College. I spent fifteen years at the Ontario College of Art, teaching others how to draw and paint. It still surprises me to be called a writer.
As soon as I was able, I started to travel. I like meeting new faces and going to new places. One of the nice things about being an artist is that it is a very portable profession. I have lived for extended periods of time in both Europe and Israel.
Shortly after coming to Canada in 1972, I met and married Brian Bender. We have three children, Ingrid, Jason and Melissa, two granddaughters, Ariana and Emily and a cat, Minoo.
It was because of my daughter, Ingrid, that I became an author. When her balloon burst on a tree branch, I wished the tree would magically sprout balloons. It didn't...what sprouted was an idea in my head. Why not write a story about a tree that blossoms balloons? And that's how I came to write my first book, The Balloon Tree.
It is not how I came to be published. That took fifteen years and umpty zillion rejection slips to accomplish.
My advice to any aspiring author is:
•Get a balloon and let it go.
•Read. Read. READ!
•Write. Write. WRITE! (To do anything well takes practice.)
•Don't give up. Keep on trying.
•Don't be afraid of criticism. Learn from it.
From the author's website
I was born and grew up in the Bronx, New York. My Mother loved to read so it was only natural that my brothers and I got our own library cards as soon as we were able to print our names. My favorite books were fairy tales. When the pictures didn't match the images that the words had painted in my head, I would cover them up with my hands. I still do that.
I prefer the words to the pictures, which is a little odd since I think of myself as an artist rather than a writer. All of my formal training has been in art. I went to The High School of Art and Design. From there, it was a short skip and a jump over to The Art Student's League, after a brief detour to Hunter College. I spent fifteen years at the Ontario College of Art, teaching others how to draw and paint. It still surprises me to be called a writer.
As soon as I was able, I started to travel. I like meeting new faces and going to new places. One of the nice things about being an artist is that it is a very portable profession. I have lived for extended periods of time in both Europe and Israel.
Shortly after coming to Canada in 1972, I met and married Brian Bender. We have three children, Ingrid, Jason and Melissa, two granddaughters, Ariana and Emily and a cat, Minoo.
It was because of my daughter, Ingrid, that I became an author. When her balloon burst on a tree branch, I wished the tree would magically sprout balloons. It didn't...what sprouted was an idea in my head. Why not write a story about a tree that blossoms balloons? And that's how I came to write my first book, The Balloon Tree.
It is not how I came to be published. That took fifteen years and umpty zillion rejection slips to accomplish.
My advice to any aspiring author is:
•Get a balloon and let it go.
•Read. Read. READ!
•Write. Write. WRITE! (To do anything well takes practice.)
•Don't give up. Keep on trying.
•Don't be afraid of criticism. Learn from it.
From the author's website
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 3, 2014
While the book is fun on superficial level, it is troubling on a deeper one. Phoebe Gilman's story relies on the stereotype of the "wandering Gypsy" to tell her "grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" narrative. There are few accurate depictions of Roma people in children's literature, and this book gives a very inaccurate depiction of Roma life. For example, most Roma are actually settled, not wanderers and have been so for hundreds of years.
More troubling, the Roma have been subjected to racism for hundreds of years, from laws banning them from parts of Germany with the death sentence as punishment for violating them, to the enslavement of entire populations of Roma in Spain and Romania in the past to that Nazi's attempt to exterminate the Roma people, which they call the Porajmos (the Devouring).
Gilman spun a bright happy little tale, here. But the stereotypes depicted in it belong on the same dust heap as "the noble savage" or the "inscrutable Asian".
I am sure some people reading this review will want to counter with "It's just a kid's book". My response to this is that children are constantly constructing their knowledge of the world. They do not have the schema to identify that this story is showing an inaccurate depiction of Roma people. While they know from their own knowledge and experience that talking animals are not real for example, chances are they have never met a Roma people, and will not know the truth of things. And chances are, they will never learn the truth about them in school either.
More troubling, the Roma have been subjected to racism for hundreds of years, from laws banning them from parts of Germany with the death sentence as punishment for violating them, to the enslavement of entire populations of Roma in Spain and Romania in the past to that Nazi's attempt to exterminate the Roma people, which they call the Porajmos (the Devouring).
Gilman spun a bright happy little tale, here. But the stereotypes depicted in it belong on the same dust heap as "the noble savage" or the "inscrutable Asian".
I am sure some people reading this review will want to counter with "It's just a kid's book". My response to this is that children are constantly constructing their knowledge of the world. They do not have the schema to identify that this story is showing an inaccurate depiction of Roma people. While they know from their own knowledge and experience that talking animals are not real for example, chances are they have never met a Roma people, and will not know the truth of things. And chances are, they will never learn the truth about them in school either.
Read
April 3, 2013Great storybook for school-aged children. Great illustrations. The protagonist learns to like what she has and what she is. Greener grass on the other side...
August 4, 2022
Before I go into more details I want to address the title of this book. This book was written almost 30 years ago. Some of this shows for example in the use of "Gypsy" instead of what is considered the appropriate term (i.e Roma). Some ways the main character is portrayed as per other reviews is stereotypical. I do not know much about the subject other than basic research but some themes which may fit into the "Stereotypical" category are "being very closely tied to nature", "having mystic abilities", "liking to dance", "living in caravans". I think some of these things like Roma peoples being nomadic are accurate, but based on other reviews I understand that some of these themes were not portrayed accurately.
Saying this, I didn't read this for historical accuracy or even to recommend to children I know. I read this for purely personal enjoyment. Knowing some of the harmful stereotypes I would recommend perhaps looking into alternatives if you are looking for something to read to your children. This author has a book which is called "the balloon princess' which is one of my all time favorite children books. That might be a book option if you want something similar to this (and with the same amazing art) but with no harmful stereotypes.
"The Balloon Princess" is the reason I picked this up at a thrift store. I don't know if I even registered the title when I picked it up. I saw the image, immediately recognized the art and for 25c I got it.
I rated this 5 stars based on nostalgia, the beautiful writing (i.e the prose) and the amazing art. If I was rating this as an education resource, for a classroom, or for parents thinking of buying it the rating would be different.
As for the contents of the book, apart from the aforementioned problems with this book the message was very sweet. It was about being true to who you are and that riches doesn't necessarily make you happy. To some this might be tarnished by the problems mentioned.
As an adult I could critically read this and spot the inaccuracies and potentially harmful stereotypes. Again, a child might not have the capacity to fully do this and as such perhaps another book would be best. I am sure there is kids books written about the Roma peoples out there which could teach the real history and culture.
If you are intending to pick this up second hand for nostalgia sake or just to look at beautiful images I highly recommend. It really did give similar vibes to the Balloon princess and the art is incredible! Just be aware of the inaccuracies and maybe like me use it as an opportunity to read up and learn more on the topic.
Saying this, I didn't read this for historical accuracy or even to recommend to children I know. I read this for purely personal enjoyment. Knowing some of the harmful stereotypes I would recommend perhaps looking into alternatives if you are looking for something to read to your children. This author has a book which is called "the balloon princess' which is one of my all time favorite children books. That might be a book option if you want something similar to this (and with the same amazing art) but with no harmful stereotypes.
"The Balloon Princess" is the reason I picked this up at a thrift store. I don't know if I even registered the title when I picked it up. I saw the image, immediately recognized the art and for 25c I got it.
I rated this 5 stars based on nostalgia, the beautiful writing (i.e the prose) and the amazing art. If I was rating this as an education resource, for a classroom, or for parents thinking of buying it the rating would be different.
As for the contents of the book, apart from the aforementioned problems with this book the message was very sweet. It was about being true to who you are and that riches doesn't necessarily make you happy. To some this might be tarnished by the problems mentioned.
As an adult I could critically read this and spot the inaccuracies and potentially harmful stereotypes. Again, a child might not have the capacity to fully do this and as such perhaps another book would be best. I am sure there is kids books written about the Roma peoples out there which could teach the real history and culture.
If you are intending to pick this up second hand for nostalgia sake or just to look at beautiful images I highly recommend. It really did give similar vibes to the Balloon princess and the art is incredible! Just be aware of the inaccuracies and maybe like me use it as an opportunity to read up and learn more on the topic.
December 16, 2010
This is a cute story about a little gypsy named Cinnamon who is free-spirited and fun. She can play musical instruments and dance with bears, but what Cinnamon has always wanted is to see what it's like to be a real princess. One day her wish is answered when a princess comes to get her fortune told by Cinnamon. The princess is so entertained by Cinnamon that she invites her to come live in the palace. Cinnamon goes to live at the palace obviously and delights in the fancy dresses and parties, but after a while she starts to feel sad and misses the freedom she had as a gypsy. The princess soon tires of her and gets new companions and the gypsy girl starts to feel very homesick. So one day instead of letting the maid dress and fuss over her, she leaves the palace in search of her home. She finds the bear she used to dance with and takes down her hair hoping he'll recognize her, and of course he does and they begin to dance.
This is a great story for young girls because, especially for the 'girly' girls, being a princess is such a big deal. They dress up as princesses, obsess over Disney princesses, and want so badly to be a princess themselves, and it's good to let them explore that part of their imagination. It is also important to let them see or realize the goodness in themselves that they may not necessarily need to be a princess to be great, though playing can be fun.
This is a great story for young girls because, especially for the 'girly' girls, being a princess is such a big deal. They dress up as princesses, obsess over Disney princesses, and want so badly to be a princess themselves, and it's good to let them explore that part of their imagination. It is also important to let them see or realize the goodness in themselves that they may not necessarily need to be a princess to be great, though playing can be fun.
January 27, 2021
This book makes me so sad and frustrated. It was one of my favourite books when I was little. The artwork is stunning. The core message-- sometimes exciting new things aren't as great as they seem from the outside and 'be who you are'-- is still lovely and clearly conveyed. The protagonist also has an impressive amount of agency and gumption.
However, obviously it has a slur in the title, one that it continues to use throughout the book. It relies on the harmful trope of the 'magical' Roma and consistently uses the word 'wild' to describe them and their lifestyle. Big yikes. This book came out in 1995, so I will give Gilman the benefit of the doubt and say ignorance rather than maliciousness drove her to rely on stereotypes. But still.
If there were an updated version with the message and the art, without the stereotypes and slurs, I'd be interested. But alas, I doubt it exists. I originally gave this five stars for nostalgia, but I brought it down to three due to issues. I still love it, but I can't recommend it :(
However, obviously it has a slur in the title, one that it continues to use throughout the book. It relies on the harmful trope of the 'magical' Roma and consistently uses the word 'wild' to describe them and their lifestyle. Big yikes. This book came out in 1995, so I will give Gilman the benefit of the doubt and say ignorance rather than maliciousness drove her to rely on stereotypes. But still.
If there were an updated version with the message and the art, without the stereotypes and slurs, I'd be interested. But alas, I doubt it exists. I originally gave this five stars for nostalgia, but I brought it down to three due to issues. I still love it, but I can't recommend it :(
August 15, 2024
I have mixed feelings about Phoebe Gilman's picture books, mainly for the inclusion of magic (wizards, witches etc), in this book's case, fortune telling. "The Balloon Tree" by the author is a favorite from my childhood and now my children's. This book I couldn't quite remember the storyline, although I'm sure I've read it as a child. I immediately fell in love with the name Cinnamon! (and how well it would pair with Ginger, for twins. Sadly, no twins in my future and my husband can't stand matching names, but I digress ;) Lovely whimsical story about being true to yourself and your roots, and certainly that open-ended outdoor play is better than toys that only serve one purpose. At least that's what stuck out to me. :)
Thanks sis, for this addition to our smaller but more curated picture book collection!
Thanks sis, for this addition to our smaller but more curated picture book collection!
February 3, 2022
The Gipsy Princess by Phoebe Gilman- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of a wandering Gypsy Girl named Cinnamon who has witnessed the life of a Princess and thinks that the life of the Princess is better than the life of a Gypsy Girl. During her life, Cinnamon is aware of use of herbs for curing ailments, she is able to play musical instruments and dance with a bear, predict fortune from rotation of the ball. She feels that might be the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. She informs her wish to her granny. Her granny prays and the Princess arrives at her travelling barracks to know about her future. Both Cinnamon and the Princess are impressed by each other. The Princess Invites Cinnamon to come and reside in her palace. Cinnamon goes to live at the palace obviously and delights in the fancy dresses and parties, but after a while she starts to feel sad and misses the freedom she had as a gypsy. The princess soon tires of her and gets homesick. So one day instead of letting the maid dress and fuss over her, she leaves the palace in search of her home. In her third attempt, she moves out of the palace. It takes the whole day to reach the location where the Gypsies stayed. She finds the bear she used to dance but because of the new perfume used by her, the bear does not recognize her. She bathes in the lake and walks behind the track of the bear. She follows him for the whole day. Now, the bear recognizes her and dances with her. New Gypsy camp is nearby. She unites with her family. Coloured illustrations of life of Roma people help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.
September 3, 2017
I chose to read this book "The Gypsy Princess" by author Phoebe Gilman, because this was one of my favorite storybooks that my mother read to my siblings and I as a child, and because I enjoy reading it even now and finding the meaning behind this book. I like how in the book the little gypsy girl Cinnamon loves everything that she has, but that she wishes for more and decides to go after her dream of being a princess. In the end, she realizes that she loves being a gypsy even more and appreciates who she is and what she was given. I love this book because it shows children to appreciate who they are and what they have been given in life and that not all dreams or goals is what you will expect and that they might be different than what they originally thought.
May 7, 2023
While there are lower star reviews I must say this book was a staple in my childhood
I often think of this book and how it shaped me. I was gifted this when I was a very young girl and have held this book close to me since.
Someone below said it depicts the narrative "the grass is always greener," but she returns home. She's learned importance of community and family, values, heritage and tradition. She returns home.
I have always and will always love this book.
I often think of this book and how it shaped me. I was gifted this when I was a very young girl and have held this book close to me since.
Someone below said it depicts the narrative "the grass is always greener," but she returns home. She's learned importance of community and family, values, heritage and tradition. She returns home.
I have always and will always love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2018
My grandkids love this author - she writes magic! http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
May 18, 2020
The cutest story.
May 15, 2023
A story about a young girl who dreams of a life counter to hers, finds a way to experience it and then...
June 26, 2024
Loved this book as a child and my daughter enjoys it now too.
September 26, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. This book can be used to introduce students to a culture that they might not have heard/know about before. It can also be used to teach about identity and not losing oneself. This is a great book to read to elementary students.
March 17, 2016
**NOTE : Some spoilers!*
Actual Rating : 5 billion / 5
This is a book from my childhood, possibly my favourite, and so, naturally, I've read through it multiple times. Having re-read it again just recently, I determine that now is the time to finally give this book a proper review.
To say what I love about it, I can list out as three things: the story, the artistry, and the timelessness. Yes, The Gypsy Princess reads just like a fairytale, and a brilliant one at that. The story is simple enough: a gypsy girl dreams of being a princess and finding a better life for herself in the splendour of palaces and the company of handsome princes, but once she actually obtains all that she has ever dreamed about, she starts to discover that perhaps "there are things more precious than a crown of gold".
The execution of the story is what really stands out though, as expressed through the brilliantly crafted art of Phoebe Gilman. Just knowing that this author contributed her own time and effort towards the art of the book makes it all the more impressive and personal, thereby giving the reader an actual feel for the textures and the events taking place. It is all very dreamlike, just like the Rococo style, although obviously not exact or anything. The similarity they share is the hazy, bright-coloured, dreamlike quality, and that it something that not all picture books are able to express. Not that it's the best manner of a picture book for children to be exposed to, but I most definitely recommend it for a relaxing evening.
Which brings us to the timelessness of the novel, my third reason. The most timeless thing about this novel, perhaps intentionally so, is the message: that money/riches/luxury doesn't buy a happy heart, and that happiness can only be found in the most unlikely of places--in what we already have. This is an excellent lesson for children to learn, and is far more effective than simply telling them to "count their blessings". It is the small things in life, often the things that we don't even regularly notice, that count for the most.
All in all, I am drawn into this book again and again over the years, and I sincerely thank Phoebe Gilman for having brought the story to life. It's original, dreamlike, and overall just like a fairytale. More than once, I find myself wanting to literally dive into the world of this book, and live out everything that is happening. It's almost bittersweet in a way, isn't it?
Actual Rating : 5 billion / 5
This is a book from my childhood, possibly my favourite, and so, naturally, I've read through it multiple times. Having re-read it again just recently, I determine that now is the time to finally give this book a proper review.
To say what I love about it, I can list out as three things: the story, the artistry, and the timelessness. Yes, The Gypsy Princess reads just like a fairytale, and a brilliant one at that. The story is simple enough: a gypsy girl dreams of being a princess and finding a better life for herself in the splendour of palaces and the company of handsome princes, but once she actually obtains all that she has ever dreamed about, she starts to discover that perhaps "there are things more precious than a crown of gold".
The execution of the story is what really stands out though, as expressed through the brilliantly crafted art of Phoebe Gilman. Just knowing that this author contributed her own time and effort towards the art of the book makes it all the more impressive and personal, thereby giving the reader an actual feel for the textures and the events taking place. It is all very dreamlike, just like the Rococo style, although obviously not exact or anything. The similarity they share is the hazy, bright-coloured, dreamlike quality, and that it something that not all picture books are able to express. Not that it's the best manner of a picture book for children to be exposed to, but I most definitely recommend it for a relaxing evening.
Which brings us to the timelessness of the novel, my third reason. The most timeless thing about this novel, perhaps intentionally so, is the message: that money/riches/luxury doesn't buy a happy heart, and that happiness can only be found in the most unlikely of places--in what we already have. This is an excellent lesson for children to learn, and is far more effective than simply telling them to "count their blessings". It is the small things in life, often the things that we don't even regularly notice, that count for the most.
All in all, I am drawn into this book again and again over the years, and I sincerely thank Phoebe Gilman for having brought the story to life. It's original, dreamlike, and overall just like a fairytale. More than once, I find myself wanting to literally dive into the world of this book, and live out everything that is happening. It's almost bittersweet in a way, isn't it?
June 27, 2011
This was my daughter's book when she was four or five years old. We both loved it. It has a wonderful plot. A gypsy girl longs to leave her troupe and dancing bear behind and live with the wealth and grace of the real princess who passes through the woods. The princess is bored and wants to be entertained by the joy of the gypsy girl, so she asks the gypsy girl to come back to the palace with her. Once in the palace, the gypsy is perfumed and dressed in uncomfortable clothing, just like a princess. She is expected to look like a doll rather than play with one. The gypsy soon realizes that she is trapped in a glittering prison and runs away, slowly losing her princess attire along the way. At first her own people do not recognize her, but as she comes back to herself she finds herself back where she belongs.
I love how the gypsy girl comes to realize the the beauty of freedom and her natural self is better than her desire for the wealth and beautiful things of the palace.
I love how the gypsy girl comes to realize the the beauty of freedom and her natural self is better than her desire for the wealth and beautiful things of the palace.
December 30, 2022
I will always love this one.
Yes. We need to acknowledge the use of the term gypsy is a racial slur for the Romani. Being nomadic doesn't make you a gypsy, you're a nomad. This book is no longer polite.
However, it remains my favorite. It's older than I am, and it was my favorite as a kid. This book, at it's core is about being yourself, and that whole "money can't but happiness" philosophy. I like it. The lesson still hits me like a ton of bricks and the illustrations are still beautiful.
Yes. We need to acknowledge the use of the term gypsy is a racial slur for the Romani. Being nomadic doesn't make you a gypsy, you're a nomad. This book is no longer polite.
However, it remains my favorite. It's older than I am, and it was my favorite as a kid. This book, at it's core is about being yourself, and that whole "money can't but happiness" philosophy. I like it. The lesson still hits me like a ton of bricks and the illustrations are still beautiful.
January 9, 2022
It's just as good as when I had it read to me as a child in '98. It may've been the one to completely ruin me on fitting into polite society. [Hehe] The illustrations are just gorgeous and the message is beautiful.
September 1, 2011
Lovely story and lovely artwork. One from my childhood that i will cherish forever.
January 11, 2013
A childhood favourite.
June 9, 2013
The story is great, and the illustrations are incredible!
November 9, 2013
A real fave. Beautiful illustrations, great story. A must read to girls.
November 6, 2015
I loved this book as a child!
September 9, 2016
Be careful of what you wish for.
March 10, 2008
its awesome!!!!!!
Read
April 26, 2017Unfortunate use of the word "gypsy," but otherwise a lovely little book about being true to yourself. Also, the illustrations are wonderful. Also, there's a wild dancing bear.
Read
April 27, 2017As a kid, it was one of my favourite books. I especially loved the beautiful artwork. Gorgeous.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews