The Princess and the Pit Stop
What’s inside...
Once upon a time there was a Princess who made a pit stop during a race. Despite being told by her Fairy Godmother that she was in last place with just one lap left, the Princess refused to give up. She hit the gas and embarked on a thrilling dash to the finish line. This exciting tale features appearances by fairy tale favorites such as the Tortoise and the Hare, the Frog Prince, and all of the Wicked Witches, blending race cars and royalty in a celebration of girl power and horsepower.
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Princess
Discussion points
What do you think made the princess decide to race for the win, even when she was behind?
How did the princess' attitude help her during the race? Can you think of a time when being positive helped you?
What does teamwork look like in the story, and who helped the princess? How do you help your friends or family?
If you could talk to the princess, what would you ask her about her race?
Imagine you are one of the other racers. How would you feel seeing the princess zoom past you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters while reading to make the story come alive for your child.
Discuss the value of perseverance and positivity, relating the princess' journey to challenges your child faces.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, then describe what’s happening and why it's their favorite.
Encourage your child to predict what happens next at several points while reading to develop their analytical skills.
After finishing the book, collaborate with your child to make up a new adventure for the princess, fostering creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: In 'The Princess and the Pit Stop,' the princess finds herself far behind in a race but decides to push on and not give up. Through sheer determination, she overtakes all the other racers and ends up winning.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply this lesson by not giving up when faced with challenges, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Thinking strategically
Explanation: Throughout the race, the princess makes quick and smart decisions that help her overtake her competitors. Her strategic thinking showcases the importance of planning and thinking ahead.
Real-World Application: Kids can benefit by using strategic thinking in problem-solving tasks or in planning how to tackle large projects or assignments.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Although the story focuses on the princess, it’s hinted that her pit crew plays an integral part in her victory. This highlights how teamwork can contribute to individual success.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of collaboration and seeking help when needed, whether in class group projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Building self-confidence
Explanation: As the princess overtakes one competitor after another, her confidence grows. This demonstrates how accomplishing small goals can boost one's self-esteem and belief in their own abilities.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to take on small, achievable tasks to build their confidence in various aspects of their lives.
Example Lesson: Grace in victory
Explanation: After winning the race, the princess shows graciousness rather than boastfulness, teaching the importance of humility and respect for competitors.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be humble in their achievements and to always respect their peers, even in competition.