The Princess and the Goblin
#1 in Princess Irene and Curdie Series
What’s inside...
The enchanting story of The Princess and the Goblin is introduced by Ursula Le Guin, author of the Earthsea quartet. Princess Irene lives in a castle in a mountainous region and discovers a mysterious stairway leading to a labyrinth of passages. As she explores, she wonders what lies at the top of a further stairway and whether a ring she is given can protect her from the menacing boglins beneath the mountain.
Discussion points
What do you think Princess Irene learned about bravery and trust during her adventures?
How does the relationship between Princess Irene and her great-great-grandmother represent the importance of family and generations?
What kind of character do you think Curdie is? How do his actions show his traits?
Why do you think the goblins dislike the sunlight and the people above ground?
How do the characters in the story show the importance of courage and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences when discussing the characters' adventures and decisions.
Discuss the setting and historical time period of the story to enhance comprehension of the themes and conflicts.
Allow your child to express which character they felt closest to and why, facilitating deeper emotional connections to the reading.
Use the book’s vivid descriptions and imaginative elements to inspire creative thinking and ask your child to visualize or draw scenes from the story.
Talk about the moral lessons in the story and how they can be applied in real-life situations, such as dealing with fears or the importance of helping others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Princess Irene demonstrates bravery as she confronts the goblins and ventures to rescue her friend Curdie.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and standing up for friends, which is applicable in situations like defending a classmate or trying something new despite feeling scared.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Irene's determination to find her great-great-grandmother’s room, despite initial failures, exemplifies perseverance.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to keep trying even when tasks are difficult, such as solving a tough math problem or learning to ride a bike.
Example Lesson: The importance of listening to wisdom
Explanation: Irene learns valuable lessons by listening to her great-great-grandmother's advice, which helps her throughout her adventures.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of listening to parents, teachers, or mentors who have their best interests at heart and can guide them through challenges.
Example Lesson: Compassion and friendship
Explanation: The bond between Irene and Curdie showcases how compassion and understanding can forge strong friendships.
Real-World Application: Highlights the significance of being a good friend and showing empathy towards others, which can be practiced in daily interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Good versus evil
Explanation: The stark contrast between the noble characters and the mischievous goblins emphasizes the classic battle between good and evil.
Real-World Application: Reinforces moral discernment and encourages children to make ethical choices in real-life scenarios, such as being honest even when it's difficult.