Discover Our Story
“Mommy, how come most princesses don’t look like me?”
With that tender question, a daughter voiced what so many little Black girls have felt when turning pages or watching the big screen. That moment became heartbreakingly real one Halloween night, when one of England Avi-Zuri Raphael’s daughters asked to have her face painted white—“like a clown”—so she could be a “real” princess. Her twin sister agreed, and in that instant, England’s heart broke.
Her reply was filled with love, wisdom, and affirmation: princesses come in many shades, with curls, coils, locs, and braids—and their beauty shines from within.
A Princess Like Me is a lyrical call-and-response between mother and daughter, celebrating the limitless beauty of complexions—espresso, cocoa, mocha, caramel, cinnamon, and champagne, to name a few—and affirming that true royalty is not found in mirrors, but in courage, brilliance, and compassion.
The story first bloomed in 2006, inspired by England’s twin daughters who longed to see themselves in the fairytales they adored. England— later watched those daughters grow into proud University of Michigan graduates. For children seeking both reflection and direction, A Princess Like Me is mirror and map. Like a honeybee hidden in a garden, its message hums softly yet powerfully:
THE CROWN HAS ALWAYS BEEN YOURS. ※
Our Inspirational Beginning
In 2007, I crafted "A Princess Like Me" after a tender moment with my twin daughters, who yearned to embody Belle and Snow White for All Hallows' Eve. Snow White's innocent request to be painted "clown white" to fulfill her princess fantasy ignited a profound journey. This book, a testament to healing, lay dormant for years as I navigated personal transitions, including divorce. Embracing my new identity as England Avi-Zuri Raphael, honoring my late mother's wishes, has rekindled this creative flame. My name encapsulates a journey: England, my mother's desired name for me; Avi, representing the sun and air; Zuri, embodying beauty; Raphael, symbolizing divine healing. As I pursue my dreams and prioritize happiness, I invite you to join me in embracing your own journey. My name is England Avi-Zuri Raphael, and this is more than a tale—it's a testament to transformation and the power of self-discovery.