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The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess

#9 of 11 in The Princess in Black Series

illustrations by
4.22
on Goodreads (796)

What’s inside...

The Princess in Black and her friends are enjoying a day on Princess Sneezewort's royal boat when they encounter a mermaid princess named Princess Posy. Princess Posy needs their help to protect her sea goats from a greedy kraken. The princesses and the Goat Avenger find it challenging to fight underwater, and only Princess Posy can save the day. Throughout the adventure, the princesses learn the importance of using their voice and standing up for what's right. This installment of the New York Times best-selling series emphasizes the power of speaking up, all wrapped up in a fun underwater escapade.
Series reading

Sequential

Age

5-9

Length

96 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think makes the Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess brave and unique?
How did the actions of the princesses help their friends and kingdom? What would you have done in their place?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
What did the princesses learn about each other by the end of the book?
How did the characters' differences make their friendship stronger?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the setting of the story. Ask questions like 'What would you do if you were in the Princess's shoes?' to make the conversation relatable.
Discuss the qualities of a good friend and leader, drawing parallels to the princesses' actions in the book.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage your child further, asking them to describe what they see and how it adds to the story.
After reading, connect themes from the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, reinforcing the lessons learned through the characters.
Praise your child’s responses to foster confidence and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The Princess in Black collaborates with the Mermaid Princess to solve problems, demonstrating the power of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or in playing team sports, which is essential for achieving shared objectives.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Princess in Black shows bravery as she faces various challenges, teaching children the value of facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle new challenges, such as trying out for a sports team or performing in a school play, despite any initial fears they may have.
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The interaction between the Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess highlights the beauty of embracing and celebrating differences in others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and respect diversity among their peers, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.

The Princess in Black and the Mermaid Princess by Dean Hale, Shannon Hale