“The Princess and the Plot” Book Review

Beyond a Bedtime Story

Hopewell Valley Student Podcasting Network

Show Name: Beyond a Bedtime Story

Episode Title: “The Princess and the Plot” Book Review

Episode #6

You are listening to Beyond a Bedtime Story the podcast with your host Emily.

In this episode of Beyond a Bedtime Story the Podcast I will provide reading prompts focusing on the plot and characters for “The Paper Bag Princess”.

Segment 1: Plot (reading strategies)

Hi, Welcome back, I’m your host Emily, and you’re listening to Beyond a Bedtime Story: A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Reading! With this episode you’ll be one step closer to taking your bedtime stories to the next level, so let’s get into it! In this episode, we will be discussing The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. It is a very short story that follows a princess's quest to save her prince from a dragon. She is called the paper bag princess because at the beginning of the book the dragon burns up her dress with his fiery breath, so she is left with just a paper bag to wear. We’re going to jump right into reading strategies with this story because there are quite a few.

• First, this story is a great starting point to review basic plot
• After reading, preface w/ your child:
• We know stories have a beginning, middle and end…
• How does this story start?
• Then what happens?
• What was the big problem that the princess must solve?
• What does the princess do?
• What happens to the dragon?
• How did she get past the dragon?
• How does the story end?
• Essentially summarizing the plot of the story
• Important terms:
• beginning, middle, end
• Problem (conflict)

Pretty simple, right? Yet, this iteration and actively prompting your child to identify and speak into existence aspects of lot will allow them to comprehend what went on, how things happened, and the importance of things like cause + effect (ex. the dragon stole the boy, SO the princess had to go after him), and an ending (story comes to a peaceful resolve)

In the next segment, we’ll focus on characterization within the story. We’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere.

Segment 2: Character (reading strategies)

Alright, I’m back and ready to dive into these reading strategies identifying character traits! Now, I will be referring to specific page numbers, so if you have the book, definitely feel free to follow along. I had to number my own copy so yours might not include page numbers, but my references should give you a general idea of where I am in the text.

• Goals:
• Distinguish physical traits vs. personality traits
• Compare/contrast characters (physical + personality)

That is all of our character prompts! I'll let all that wonderful information settle in before providing our last fun activity which will be explained in the final segment.

Segment 3: Be the Hero (follow-up activity)

• The princess is brave and saves the prince from the dragon
• The princess is a hero
• Can you think of one of your favorite heroes?
• Ex. superman…
• Heroes can be boys or girls just like the princess
• Elizabeth (even when she wore a paper bag and didn’t look like a hero) was brave and cared about other people
• Heroes help others
• What makes someone a hero?
• Can list physical characteristics, but prompt them to consider personality traits
• Have your child draw themselves as a hero!
• What powers do they have?
• How can they help others?
• Maybe have them tell you/ verbally create a story to accompany the picture?
• Just for some more fun!

With all those strategies, there are endless possibilities, you can pick your favorite prompts and create your own adventure that is tailored to your child.

Today, we specifically focused on plot and character development.

• Another Recommendation (that deals w/ plot): Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
• The main character is determined to confront his enemy, yet the boy’s father gives him the secret to revenge: pie. Let’s just say this pie ends up being a wholesome recipe for forging new friendships.

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch the next episode!

Get reading and remember: you are never too old to love picture books!

Music Credits:

• Lawrence by TrackTribe
• Palace of Roses by Aakash Gandhi
• The Urban Groove by Hanu

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