Princess Minna : The Wicked Wood
Princess Minna Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Princess Minna loves to sort out mix-ups and mishaps in the kingdom! In this full-colour illustrated chapter book, join her on her hilarious quest to escape the Wicked Wood! Princess Minna lives in Castle Tall-Towers with the King and Queen, Raymond the Wizard and her best dragon friend, Lorenzo. There are often mix-ups and mishaps in the kingdom and Princess Minna loves to sort them out! She can tame unicorns, kiss frogs and fight dragons (apart from Lorenzo) and she is very good at fixing things before it's time for bed. In 'The Wicked Wood', the King and Queen have DISAPPEARED! The townsfolk saw them and Lorenzo the dragon disappearing into the Wicked Wood and they haven't come back. One by one, Minna's friends set off to find them. But they don't come back either! So Minna takes a deep breath and heads into the middle of the Wicked Wood, where she finds everyone eating the gingerbread walls of the house of the Wicked Witch! Quick - everyone must get home before nightfall! But how can they fly home when Lorenzo has eaten so much gingerbread that he can't get off the ground? Full of colourful illustrations, these short, funny stories are perfect for readers just moving on from picture books and visual readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Princess Minna
Discussion points
Why do you think Princess Minna was brave to go into the Wicked Wood?
What would you have done if you were in Princess Minna’s place?
How did Princess Minna's actions change the way others in the story viewed her?
What does courage mean to you, and how did Princess Minna show courage?
How do you think the story would have changed if Princess Minna had made different decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the themes to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to increase their engagement and critical thinking skills.
Ask your child how they felt at various points in the story to help them express and understand their emotions.
Use praise liberally to encourage your child as they express their thoughts and ideas about the book.
Draw parallels between the bravery shown by Princess Minna and real-life situations that require courage.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Princess Minna shows bravery as she navigates the challenges within the Wicked Wood, confronting fears and obstacles head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and overcoming challenges, whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Minna encounters creatures needing help, and despite her own fears, she assists them, demonstrating compassion.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to help others in need, promoting empathy and understanding in interactions with classmates and friends.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks in the forest, Minna remains determined and does not give up, ultimately finding her way through.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, be it in completing a tough homework assignment or mastering a new skill in sports.
Example Lesson: Friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Minna learns the importance of working together with the friends she makes in the forest to solve problems and face challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork and how cooperation can solve complex problems, both in school projects and in group activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The Wicked Wood, despite its name, is a place filled with beauty and life, which Minna grows to respect and cherish.
Real-World Application: Instills in children an appreciation for the environment and the importance of protecting and respecting the natural world around them.