The Princess and the Unicorn
Happy Cat first readers Series
What’s inside...
No-one - except Princess Lily - believes in unicorns anymore. So when the king falls ill, and the only thing that can cure him is the magic of a unicorn, it's up to her to find one. But can Lily find a magical unicorn in time?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the friendship between the princess and the unicorn special?
How do you think the princess felt when she first met the unicorn?
What would you do if you found a magical unicorn in a forest?
Why is it important to keep promises like the princess did?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own magical creature, fostering creativity and personal connection to the story.
Ask your child how they feel about the characters’ decisions, promoting empathy and moral reasoning.
Discuss the themes of friendship and loyalty found in the book, relating them to your child’s experiences with friends.
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, making the story more engaging and memorable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'The Princess and the Unicorn', the Princess shows kindness to the Unicorn, which is crucial in forging their friendship and eventually saving the kingdom.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be kind to others, regardless of their differences, fostering positive relationships and empathy in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The Princess demonstrates bravery when she ventures into the forest to seek help from the Unicorn, showing that courage is sometimes needed to protect those we care about.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and stand up for what is right, building their confidence and decision-making skills in various situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Princess takes responsibility for the well-being of her kingdom and the creatures within it, particularly the Unicorn.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the impact those actions can have on others.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The Princess and the Unicorn work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting that collaboration can achieve greater outcomes than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to reach common goals, enhancing social skills and collective problem-solving abilities.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the Princess’s duty to protect her kingdom’s environment, showcasing her respect for nature and all its inhabitants.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of environmental stewardship in children, encouraging them to care for the world around them and understand the importance of sustainability.