Unlocking the Spell: A Tale of the Wide-Awake Princess
#2 of 6 in The Princess Tales Series
on Goodreads (5,054)
What’s inside...
Now that Annie has helped her sister Gwendolyn (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty) wake up from the 100-year curse by finding her beloved prince, you would think that things would get back to normal. Think again! That beloved prince, Beldegard, is stuck in the body of a bear and the only way that Annie can be free of the two irritating lovebirds is to help-by finding the evil dwarf who cast the spell. Luckily, Annie has assistance from handsome prince Liam, and she has many tricks up her non-magical sleeve. The second book in the Wide-Awake Princess series, a magical retelling of Sleeping Beauty, by the author of
Discussion points
What do you think made Annie's adventure so unique, and how would you feel if you were in her shoes?
How did the characters' choices affect the story's outcome? Can you think of a time when your choice made a difference in your life?
What does courage mean to you, and who do you think was the bravest character in the book?
How did the relationships between the characters change throughout the story? Why are relationships important in shaping who we are?
If you could cast a spell like in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the themes of the book to their own experiences. For instance, discussing personal moments when they had to make tough decisions or showed bravery will deepen the connection with the book.
Ask open-ended questions that provoke thought about character development and moral dilemmas. This will help your child develop empathy and understanding of complex situations.
Create a relaxed environment to discuss the book’s themes, perhaps during a shared reading time or over a meal, so your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Determination
Explanation: The protagonist, Annie, demonstrates resilience as she faces various challenges in her quest to break the spell. Despite obstacles, her determination never wavers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance when they face difficulties in their own lives, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Annie learns to collaborate with others who have different strengths, realizing that teamwork can lead to success where going it alone might not.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to value cooperative efforts and seek help from others in tasks or projects at school or in extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Annie's unique immunity to magic, which makes her different from others in the kingdom, eventually becomes her greatest strength. She learns to accept and embrace her differences.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to embrace their own uniqueness and understand that their individuality can be a source of strength rather than something to hide.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist frequently faces puzzles and dilemmas that require creative thinking and clever solutions, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to approach their own problems with a calm, strategic mindset, understanding that there is usually a solution if one thinks it through carefully.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Annie's interactions with various characters, including those initially perceived as adversaries, teach her to look beyond the surface and understand others' perspectives and motivations.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of empathy by considering others’ feelings and viewpoints, which can improve their social interactions and conflict resolution skills.