The Underground Princess (The Balderdash Saga Book 1)
#1 of 4 in The Balderdash Saga Series
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Not all fairytales are about beautiful princesses and dashing princes. Some are about the corpses living below our very feet. 'The Balderdash Saga' series tells the tale of an undead princess, Princess Scarlet, on a quest to find true love while a malevolent force named Maleer plots to dethrone her father and invade the land of the living. As Scarlet faces tough decisions, themes of morality, integrity, loyalty, adventure, romance, and imagination emerge, making it a captivating read for children and adults alike.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Princess Scarlet to make the choices she did throughout the story?
How do you think the other characters in the Underground Kingdom feel about their home? What clues in the book helped you understand their feelings?
If you were in Princess Scarlet’s shoes, what would you have done differently and why?
What does bravery mean to you, and who do you think is the bravest character in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place, like a forest or a city?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion with broad questions about the setting and characters before moving to the specific actions and themes in the book.
Encourage the child to relate personal experiences or feelings to those of the characters to deepen their connection with the story.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to explore values such as courage, friendship, and decision-making.
Allow the child to express their thoughts freely, and validate their opinions to foster a comfortable and open conversation environment.
Ask follow-up questions based on the child's responses to keep the conversation flowing and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Princess Scarlet, bravely navigates the challenges she faces in the underground world, showcasing her fortitude.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and overcome obstacles in their daily lives, reinforcing the notion that bravery is vital in tackling difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Princess Scarlet relies on her friends to navigate the underground world. This highlights the strength found in trusting and collaborating with others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that teamwork can help solve problems they can't handle alone.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Princess Scarlet shows compassion towards the creatures she meets, understanding their perspectives and needs.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and kind towards others, promoting empathy by recognizing and respecting the feelings and views of others around them.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: The persistent efforts of Princess Scarlet to overcome the trials she faces in the story exemplify determination.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to persist in their endeavors, whether in school or personal pursuits, learning that perseverance is key to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-belief
Explanation: Despite difficulties, Princess Scarlet remains confident in her abilities and identity, which ultimately leads her to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills confidence in children to trust in their own abilities and to be proud of who they are, boosting their self-esteem and self-worth.