Not In That Dress, Princess!
What’s inside...
In a spirited challenge to gender stereotyping, Princess Bess shows that there is nothing you can't do in a dress. Despite being limited by others' expectations of her as a princess, Bess rejects the notion that her dress is a barrier to adventure. She defies norms by climbing a tree, scaling a mountain, dancing with a wizard, flying a plane, and encountering wild animals, all in her dress. Through her fearless actions, Princess Bess proves that clothing does not dictate capability.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the princess felt when she was told she couldn't do certain things in her dress?
What would you do if someone told you that you couldn't do something you love?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in?
How can we support our friends when they want to do something different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to understand your child's feelings about the book's theme.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection.
Discuss the importance of self-expression and confidence, values promoted in the book.
Celebrate the story’s moments of courage and ask your child how they might show courage in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: The story portrays the princess challenging traditional norms by choosing what she wants to wear, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to communicate their preferences and express themselves confidently, whether it's choosing their clothes or engaging in activities they enjoy.
Example Lesson: Empowerment
Explanation: The princess in the story takes control of her situation, demonstrating empowerment and the ability to make independent decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to make decisions for themselves and understand that their choices have value, fostering independence.
Example Lesson: Breaking stereotypes
Explanation: By rejecting the expected dress, the princess breaks away from gender stereotypes, teaching that attributes or roles are not confined to gender.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to evaluate and question societal norms and stereotypes, promoting an inclusive mentality.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The princess faces opposition but remains firm in her choices, showcasing resilience in standing by her personal beliefs and desires.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to stick to their beliefs and decisions even when faced with challenges or peer pressure.