One of the books that was chosen in the 2024 prix Peuplier category was Pas de chevaux dans la maison! La vie audacieuse de l’artiste Rosa Bonheur (No Horses in the House! Te Audacious Life of Artist Rosa Bonheur) by re- nowned Canadian author Mireille Messier, illustrated by Anna Bron. Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) was a pioneer-
ing French painter renowned for realistic de- pictions of animals and rural life. Working in a male-dominated art world, Bonheur faced numerous challenges, yet her passion for art defied all gender-based conventions. In 19th- century France, societal norms dictated strict gender roles, and women were expected to wear dresses. For a year and a half, Bonheur dressed in tailored suits and trousers in order to sneak in and sketch horses at a horse fair held weekly in Paris. Bonheur was one of only 12 women in
1850s France who were given special per- mission by the police to wear trousers. Her reasons were practical – as an animal painter who oſten worked outdoors, Bonheur need- ed freedom of movement to capture equine subjects in their natural settings. Wearing pants allowed her to navigate environments with ease, especially during visits to rural
areas and livestock fairs. Bonheur’s bold de- cision to defy oppressive dress restrictions for women not only showcased an artist’s commitment to her craſt but also made her a symbol of women’s liberation, advocating for autonomy and self-expression. Bonheur’s story reminds us of the importance of chal- lenging societal norms and the power of pur- suing one’s identity. Another story chosen for the 2024 prix
Peuplier category was Papa est une princesse by Canadian author Dana Blue (illustrated by Catherine Petit). In a modern twist on classic narratives, Papa est une princesse reinterprets the Cinderella fairy tale through the eyes of a young girl accompanying her drag per- former father to a performance. Tis story highlights themes of identity, transformation and acceptance. As the father prepares for his drag show, the narrative explores the beauty of self-expression and challenges traditional gender roles. Blue’s work encourages read- ers to embrace diversity and celebrate the unique identities that each individual brings to the world. Students easily found connections be-
tween Rosa Bonheur’s story and Papa est une princesse. By comparing Bonheur’s practical
defiance of gendered clothing norms with the drag-performing father, students recog- nized powerful parallels across time periods and narratives. Both stories illustrate how clothing choices become acts of personal au- tonomy and political resistance. Bonheur’s rejection of gendered clothing restrictions helped forge a path toward greater gender expression freedom. Her trailblazing cour- age to prioritize authenticity over convention established precedents that eventually en- abled modern celebrations of gender fluidity, like the proud drag performance depicted in Papa est une princesse. Comparing the stories deepened students’ critical consciousness by revealing how individuals challenge restric- tive societal expectations through personal choice, creative expression, courage and cel- ebration of self. Te stories we tell about historical figures
shape our students’ understanding of their identity, resilience and potential for change. As educators, it is vital to approach the narra- tives of others – particularly those from his- torically marginalized communities – with a critical lens. Te story of Viola Desmond serves as a poignant example of how a singu- lar lens can obscure a broader legacy.
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