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The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate

#5 of 11 in The Princess in Black Series

illustrations by
4.25
on Goodreads (2,350)

What’s inside...

Princess Magnolia and Princess Sneezewort are enjoying a princess playdate filled with dress-up and karaoke when they are suddenly interrupted by a shout from outside. A monster is on the loose! Princess Magnolia quickly transforms into the Princess in Black to handle the situation, but upon arrival, she finds a masked stranger instead of a monster. Full of action and humor, this story celebrates friendship and showcases how two heroes are better than one when facing shape-shifting monsters.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

5-7

Length

96 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Princess Magnolia
Princess Sneezewort

Discussion points

How do you think the Princess felt when she had to leave her playdate to become the Princess in Black?
What would you do if you had a secret identity like the Princess in Black?
Why is it important for the Princess to keep her identity a secret?
How do the characters in the book help each other overcome challenges?
What did you learn from the Princess's actions during her mysterious playdate?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child to predict what the mysterious playdate might involve based on the title and cover.
Pause at key moments to let your child guess what the Princess in Black will do next, enhancing their inference skills.
Discuss the concept of having a secret identity and the responsibilities that come with it, relating it to the characters in the book.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to imagine and describe an additional adventure for the Princess in Black.
Connect the themes of friendship and courage in the book to real-life situations your child might face, fostering a deeper connection to the story.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate', Princess Magnolia and Princess Sneezewort team up to tackle challenges. Their collaboration highlights the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in teamwork at school or during play, learning that cooperative efforts can lead to success and resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonists using their wits and resources to solve the mystery of the goo monster. This encourages critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to approach puzzles or difficult situations in their lives with a calm and thoughtful mindset, understanding that problems often have a solution if approached creatively.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Others
Explanation: The book portrays characters with diverse personalities and skills, promoting inclusivity and acceptance. It teaches children to appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial as children interact with diverse peers. Understanding and embracing differences can foster a more inclusive and supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Embracing One's Identity
Explanation: Princess Magnolia embraces her dual identity as a princess and a superhero, which can inspire children to be proud of their multifaceted selves.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and be confident in their own unique identities, interests, and abilities, regardless of external expectations or stereotypes.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face their fears when dealing with the mysterious goo monster. This highlights the importance of bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what is right, understanding that courage is an important trait in overcoming obstacles.

The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate by Dean Hale, Shannon Hale