The Silk Princess (Picture Book)
What’s inside...
Princess Hsi-Ling Chi ventures beyond her father's palace into the Holy Mountains, carrying a magical thread from a cocoon that promises to lead her back home. However, she discovers the thread has broken and she is lost. Faced with the challenge of finding her way back, she must also ensure the secret of silk is not lost forever.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the Princess's choice to follow the silkworms? How would you have responded in her situation?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the Silk Princess? What is your favorite image, and why?
The Silk Princess shows a lot of courage throughout her journey. Can you recall a time when you had to be brave?
What lessons can we learn from the Silk Princess about perseverance and creativity?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable and distraction-free reading environment to maintain focus and comprehension.
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about silkworms and silk to activate prior knowledge.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to build confidence.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss the setting, characters, and mood of specific scenes.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to enhance understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Silk Princess' shows bravery when faced with difficult situations, highlighting the importance of facing challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle school or social challenges bravely, applying this lesson when they feel nervous or fearful.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and discovery
Explanation: The story promotes exploration and learning, as the princess discovers the secrets of silk-making.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore new topics and learn new skills, whether in academics or in their hobbies.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and the consequences of our actions
Explanation: The Silk Princess takes responsibility for her actions throughout the story, learning that each choice has consequences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think about the impact of their actions on themselves and others, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Preservation of culture and tradition
Explanation: The book explores themes of cultural heritage through the art of silk-making, a significant historical craft.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and respect their own cultural traditions and those of others, understanding the importance of preserving such practices.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The Silk Princess creatively solves problems she encounters, showcasing the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to think creatively in problem-solving, both in school projects and in daily life.