The Princess in Black



Last updated Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Author: Shannon Hale
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 076366510X
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2019

Synopsis: Princess Magnolia is having hot chocolate and scones with Duchess Wigtower when . . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret —she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret? From award-winning writing team of Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham, here is the first in a humorous and action-packed chapter book series for young readers who like their princesses not only prim and perfect, but also dressed in black.

Note to readers:
•  Be ready to talk about how certain people are expected to act.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What super heroes do you know?
•  Do super heroes have secret identities? Can you think of some?
•  What do you think monsters look like?

Vocabulary

•  prim - stiffly formal and respectable; feeling or showing disapproval of anything regarded as improper.
•  crook (shepherd's hook) - the hooked staff of a shepherd.
•  scepter--an ornamental staff used by kings/queens/rulers
•  mince--walk delicately with short quick steps

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Is it true that Princesses do not run or wear black?
•  How did Princess and Frimplepants know they were needed?
•  What made Duff suspicious about the two princesses?
•  What was Duff's big idea? What do you think he'll do next?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a Mother's Day card. Mother's Day (for mother, aunt, grandmother, someone who is like a mother to you.)
•  Make a simple mask with eyelashes like Princess' or a monster mask.
•  Make a crown from construction paper.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2019-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Roar like monsters
•  How high can you jump?

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!