The Duchess of Whimsy
What’s inside...
The great New Yorker artist Peter de Seve teams up with the author of bestselling Toy Boat in a slightly outrageous fairy tale. The Duchess of Whimsy is fancy and fussy—and definitely not ordinary—surrounding herself with wild friends, fabulous foods, and fancy dress. The Earl of Norm (ho hum) is completely ordinary, but he adores the Duchess. She ignores him, until the chef gets sick, and her friends have to make a super supper—which includes tracking down truffles, spinning sugar stars, and looking for quail eggs. But the Earl is hungry! He sneaks off to an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich—and suddenly takes the Duchess’s eye. Maybe there’s something to simplicity after all. Maybe there’s something to the Earl after all. This deliciously told and illustrated love story by the remarkable de Sèves shows how utterly charming and extraordinary a picture book can be.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Duchess Of Whimsy
Prince
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Duchess of Whimsy so special and different from others at the party?
Why do you think the Earl of Norm feels out of place? Have you ever felt that way?
How do the Duchess and the Earl find common ground, and what does that teach us about friendship?
What changes do you notice in the Duchess's behavior throughout the story and why do they happen?
If you were at the same party, what whimsical outfit would you wear and what unique meal would you create?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the characters in detail, focusing on both their appearance and personalities. This helps deepen their comprehension and attention to detail.
Ask your child how they would react in a similar situation as the characters, fostering empathy and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the theme of acceptance and being true to oneself, prompting your child to think about how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Consider crafting a whimsical snack or costume together inspired by the book, making the reading experience interactive and memorable.
Help your child identify unfamiliar words or concepts in the book to expand their vocabulary and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The Duchess of Whimsy showcases her unique, whimsical personality which stands out from others at the court. This highlights the importance of being true to oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique traits and characteristics, fostering a strong sense of self-esteem and identity.
Example Lesson: Value of Simplicity
Explanation: The Earl of Norm, unlike the Duchess, enjoys simple things, demonstrating that happiness doesn’t always come from extravagant or elaborate sources.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to find joy in simple pleasures of life, such as spending time with family or enjoying nature, rather than materialistic possessions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The Duchess and the Earl of Norm form a bond despite their differences, showing that friendship can flourish when we accept and celebrate each other’s differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building friendships based on respect, understanding, and acceptance, which are crucial social skills.
Example Lesson: Being Open to Change
Explanation: Initially, the Duchess finds the Earl's simplicity unappealing, but she eventually appreciates his genuine nature. This change of heart teaches flexibility and openness.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open to new experiences and to be willing to adapt their perspectives when presented with new situations.