For ages 6–8 • Perfect for gifting
Meet Princess Alexandria Von Shmincess, who would rather bang on drums than practice proper posture! When this adventure-seeking royal gets swooped away by a dragon with a big secret, Alex discovers that the fearsome dragon isn't really a monster—she's just afraid to be herself.
A delightfully rebellious tale about following your heart and marching to the beat of your own drum.
✦ As Seen at SXSW 2026 ✦ The Female Quotient BookSHElf ✦
Reviews & Praise
Book Excellence Award Winner
Princess Shmincess is one of two titles selected as a winner in the Children's Inspirational/Motivational category — recognized for celebrating authentic leadership and empowering young readers to embrace who they truly are.
5-Star Readers' Favorite Review
"I really enjoyed reading Princess Shmincess by Julie Keshmiry. I like how it’s not the usual princess narrative. Alex’s laugh, dislike of piano lessons, and stubborn streak make her feel like a real kid. She’s very relatable. The writing is light but still addresses some big ideas about courage, identity, and what it means to be “proper.” As an educator, I could see it used to discuss gender roles, expectations, and happiness. Kids could also compare Alex’s story to a traditional one, such as Cinderella, draw their favorite part of the book, or create a character who doesn’t always follow the rules. Mariia Furdei’s illustrations are colorful, silly, and very engaging. I especially appreciated Alex’s wild pink hair and the expressive dragon. Fans of twisty fairy tales or girl-power stories will love this fun, layered, and very satisfying read that celebrates individuality."
Celebrates Authentic Leadership
"Princess Shmincess is exactly the kind of story we need - one that shows girls they don't have to choose between being powerful and being themselves. Julie Keshmiry has created a delightful tale that celebrates authentic leadership and reminds young readers that their unique voice is their greatest strength."
— Takai Tyler and Simone Marean, Co-CEOs of Girls Leadership
A Joyful and Empowering Tale
"When I founded Free the Children at age 12, I believed that young people could lead with purpose by being true to themselves. Princess Shmincess is a joyful and empowering tale that reminds children and adults that our unique voices are our greatest strength. Julie Keshmiry has created a story that celebrates authenticity as the foundation of leadership, courage, and change."
— Craig Kielburger, New York Times Bestselling Author & Founder of Free the Children
About the Author
Julie Keshmiry wrote Princess Shmincess out of bedtime story frustration — too many damsel-in-distress princess books that didn't quite cut it. She's a marketing executive, advocate for women and children, and mom based in Redwood City, CA.
Events
Visiting schools and bookstores across the Bay Area: Redwood City, San Carlos, Palo Alto and beyond. Where will Julie and Princess Alex be next?
Yep, there's a blog
I'll be honest, I almost didn't add a blog to this site.
I'm a marketer by trade, which means I know the advice. Post consistently. Build a content calendar. Show up every Tuesday at 9am. I get it.
But this whole project — Princess Shmincess, Alex, the dragon, all of it — started because I "went outside the coloring lines" and wrote the story I actually wanted to tell. So it felt a little hypocritical to kick off a blog with a rigid posting schedule I'd quietly abandon.
Here's what you can expect from this space...