Moon Princess
#1 of 33 in Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (87)
What’s inside...
Sienna's mum has disappeared in China, and her dad's employed a horrible nanny, Ling, who Sienna finds increasingly suspicious. She follows a trail of clues with her invisible dog to a mysterious moonlit temple and a priceless statue. Can she puzzle it out in time?
Character compass
Sienna
Chang
Auntie Yang
Discussion points
What do you think Sienna felt when she moved to a new place?
How did Sienna change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why do you think the moon is important in the story?
What would you do if you were in Sienna's place and had to solve a mystery?
How do you think the story would be different if it was set in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about moving and making new friends, drawing parallels to Sienna's experiences.
Discuss the importance of courage and persistence in solving problems, as shown by Sienna's actions in the story.
Explore the cultural aspects presented in the book, and relate them to your own family's heritage or community.
Use the moon as a metaphor to discuss the constant and changing aspects of life, helping your child understand the symbolism in the story.
After reading, consider visiting a local observatory or exploring more about the phases of the moon as a fun and educational follow-up activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Moon Princess,' the protagonist, Sienna, embarks on a challenging journey to find her missing father, demonstrating determination despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through challenges, understanding that effort and resilience can lead to positive outcomes even when situations are tough.
Example Lesson: The value of cultural heritage
Explanation: Sienna explores her Chinese heritage throughout her adventures, helping her to connect with her roots and understand her identity better.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and appreciate their own family histories and cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: Sienna's quest is driven by her curiosity about her father's disappearance and her cultural heritage, showing how asking questions leads to discovery and understanding.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to embrace curiosity as a tool for learning, encouraging them to ask questions about the world around them and seek out answers.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and relationships
Explanation: Throughout 'Moon Princess,' the importance of family bonds and friendships is emphasized, as Sienna receives support and assistance from her loved ones.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the significance of nurturing relationships and supporting family members, teaching children to value and rely on their loved ones.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Sienna often faces uncertain situations and unfamiliar places during her journey, showing bravery and courage.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being brave when encountering new or challenging situations, helping them to face fears and grow from these experiences.