The Princess in Black Triple Smash!: Three Books in One
The Princess in Black Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This omnibus gathers the first three adventures of Princess Magnolia, a royal who secretly battles monsters as the masked Princess in Black. In rapid-fire, illustrated chapters, readers follow her daring rescues: stopping a horned blue monster from raiding a goat pasture, juggling castle guests while fending off a sneaky beast during her own birthday party, and containing a deceptively adorable horde of hungry bunnies with the help of budding hero Duff, the Goat Avenger. Packed with humor, mild peril, and themes of bravery, identity, and friendship, these stories introduce early-chapter book readers to a spunky heroine who proves that anyone can be both prim and powerful.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Princess Magnolia (The Princess In Black)
Duff The Goat Boy
Duchess Wigtower
Discussion points
Why does Princess Magnolia keep her hero life secret?
How do Magnolia and Duff use creativity against monsters?
What makes a monster ‘scary’ or ‘silly’ in these stories?
Which moment shows true friendship to you?
Can someone be more than one thing at once?
Tip: Role play these questions
Act out a monster call scene with homemade signals.
Compare Magnolia’s castle behavior to her superhero moves.
Design an alternate costume together and discuss its symbolism.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Do the right thing even when no one sees.
Explanation: Magnolia helps villagers without seeking praise.
Real-World Application: Perform small acts of kindness anonymously.
Example Lesson: Stereotypes are meant to be challenged.
Explanation: A frilly princess also wields a lasso.
Real-World Application: Try activities beyond traditional gender expectations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork enhances success.
Explanation: Magnolia and Duff defeat bunnies together.
Real-World Application: Ask friends for help on group school projects.