Diana, Princess of Wales, Paper Doll: The Charity Auction Dresses (Dover Royal Paper Dolls)
Dover Royal Paper Dolls Series
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
This paper doll collection by artist Tom Tierney honors Princess Diana’s philanthropic efforts by featuring 31 of her evening dresses auctioned for charity in June 1997. The dresses, worn at various official events, were designed by distinguished designers like Catherine Walker, Bruce Oldfield, and Victor Edelstein. Each dress is accompanied by descriptive notes, highlighting Diana's elegance and humanitarian endeavors. This collection celebrates the Princess's compassion, as demonstrated by her donation of these gowns, suggested by her son Prince William, to raise $5.5 million for AIDS and cancer centers. This keepsake treasure, which includes iconic dresses like the ink-blue gown worn at a White House dinner, appeals to paper doll collectors and admirers of Diana’s style and benevolent impact on the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Diana, Princess Of Wales
Discussion points
Why do you think Princess Diana chose to auction her dresses for charity?
How do different dresses tell different stories about the events she attended?
What kind of feelings do the colors and styles of the dresses evoke in you?
Why is it important to help others, and how can small actions make a big difference?
If you had a special outfit, which charity would you support by auctioning it off and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each dress, discussing what each design might represent about Princess Diana's life and charitable work.
Discuss the concept of charity with your child, and explore various ways they can contribute to causes they care about, drawing parallels to the book's themes.
Ask your child to describe their favorite dress and imagine the kind of event it might be worn to, helping them connect fashion with social occasions and charitable acts.
Use the book as a starting point to talk about empathy and kindness, relating those values back to Princess Diana’s actions and legacy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: Through the depiction of Princess Diana and her charitable works, the book highlights her compassion and empathy towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the importance of caring for others and can be encouraged to participate in charitable activities in their communities.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The variety of dresses from different cultures and designers in the book introduces children to diverse fashion and cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This exposure can help children develop an appreciation for different cultures and encourage them to explore and respect cultural diversity.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book provides a glimpse into the historical context of the late Princess of Wales and her era, helping to educate children about recent history.
Real-World Application: By learning about historical figures and events, children can better understand the world they live in and how past events shape our present.
Example Lesson: Importance of charity
Explanation: The focus on charity auction dresses underscores the importance of charitable events and the positive impact they can have.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting charitable causes and may be inspired to contribute through fundraisers or donations within their own capabilities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: The artistic paper dolls and diverse dress designs allow children to explore fashion as a form of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to express themselves creatively, whether through their clothing choices, art projects, or other creative endeavors.