Me, the Queen and Christopher
My Little Princess Series
What’s inside...
What happens when a seven-year-old girl gets an invitation to have tea at Buckingham Palace with the Queen? Nothing ordinary, if the girl is Freya. We learn that the Queen likes to boogie, eats beans on toast (with the inevitable result) but is also compassionate and understanding. Told with Giles Andreae's trademark warmth and humour, but with an added poignancy when the Queen meets Christopher, Freya's brother, this is a perfect celebration of the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee in June 2012.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Queen and Christopher learned from each other?
How do you think the main character felt when meeting the Queen?
Why is friendship important according to the story?
What would you do if you met a queen or a king?
How can we help friends who feel left out or alone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine themselves in the protagonist’s shoes to deepen empathy. Highlight the significance of diverse friendships and inclusivity as demonstrated in the book. Lastly, make connections to real-life figures of authority and discuss respect and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases the unique friendship between the main character and Christopher, highlighting understanding despite differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives and backgrounds in their interactions at school and in the community.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: The characters embark on an imaginative journey, encouraging bravery and exploration.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to explore new activities and ideas, pushing beyond their comfort zones in safe environments such as school projects or family trips.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book dives into a whimsical adventure, igniting the creative minds of young readers.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play and learning, which can enhance problem-solving skills and artistic expression.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: The bond between the characters demonstrates the importance of loyalty and supporting friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of maintaining friendships through trust and mutual support in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: As the characters plan their adventure, they show taking responsibility for their roles in the quest.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and decisions, both in collaborative settings and individual tasks.