The Happy Princess
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Nicholas Allan, the author of well-known children's books such as The Queen's Knickers and Jesus' Christmas Party, presents The Happy Princess. This book gives young readers an engaging glimpse into the life of Princess Diana, showcasing her story through the lens of a picture book in the Red Fox series.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the princess felt when she helped her friends?
What would you have done if you were in the princess's shoes?
Why is it important to be kind to others?
Can you think of a time when you felt happy by making someone else happy?
What did the princess learn by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open body language and maintain eye contact to show your child that you're interested in their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Praise their responses, whether big or small, to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to extend the conversation and keep them thinking deeper about the themes.
Help them understand the moral of the story by discussing real-life applications of the lessons learned by the princess.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The Happy Princess shows understanding and compassion towards her friends in the kingdom when they face difficulties, highlighting the value of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with kindness and understanding, which is essential in building strong, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Happy Princess encounters various challenges that she resolves using creativity and intelligence, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, boosting their confidence in handling everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: The princess often shares her possessions and time with those in need, teaching the value of generosity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by sharing toys, helping friends, or contributing to their community, fostering a spirit of giving and cooperation.
Example Lesson: The power of positivity
Explanation: The upbeat attitude of the Happy Princess influences those around her positively, showcasing the power of maintaining a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach situations with a positive mindset, which can improve their emotional well-being and influence their environments favorably.