The Servant and the Water Princess (Read-It! Chapter Books: Historical Tales)
Read-It! Chapter Books Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
The Servant and the Water Princess is a historical tale that follows the journey of a young servant girl named Ama. Ama works in the palace of the Water Princess, who is known for her beauty and grace. Despite her lowly position, Ama dreams of a better life and admires the Water Princess from afar. As the story unfolds, Ama discovers a secret about the princess that could change both of their lives forever. With themes of courage, friendship, and social status, the book explores the dynamics of their relationship and the challenges they face in a society with strict class divisions. Ama must decide whether to keep the princess's secret or reveal it, potentially altering her own fate and that of the Water Princess. The story is set in a historical context that provides a rich backdrop for the characters' development and the plot's progression.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the servant felt when he first met the Water Princess and why?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and kindness from the characters?
How do the actions of the characters influence the story’s outcome?
In what ways can we help others like the Water Princess and the servant did in their community?
What would you have done differently if you were in the servant's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, encouraging them to think about the plot and characters.
Emphasize themes like courage and kindness when discussing the book. Ask how these themes show up in everyday life to connect the discussion to real-world situations.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of different characters. Discuss the decisions they made and alternative choices.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think critically about the story, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to the book.
Capitalize on the historical setting to broaden the discussion—explore with your child how people lived during that time, and how it differs from today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the servant's compassionate journey to find water for the princess, highlighting the importance of understanding others' needs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respond to the feelings and needs of others, fostering empathy and cooperation in social settings.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: The servant faces numerous challenges in his quest, demonstrating perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay determined and resilient in the face of obstacles, be it in academics or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of Resource Management
Explanation: The book emphasizes the critical role of water as a resource and the servant’s efforts to manage it effectively for the princess.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of conserving resources and the implications of resource scarcity, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity and Culture
Explanation: Set in a historical context, the book explores different cultural elements and teaches respect for diverse traditions and customs.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate cultural diversity and promote inclusivity in their interactions with peers from different backgrounds.