The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party: questions to ask and activities to try
It’s Princess Magnolia’s birthday, and the monster alarm won’t stop ringing. The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party is a funny early chapter book about keeping going when your plans keep going wrong.
What age is it for? The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party is best for ages 5–8. Good for: Juggling lots of jobs at once, and a party that keeps going wrong.
The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party (Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and LeUyen Pham)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- Juggling lots of jobs at once, and a party that keeps going wrong
Read a chapter or two at a time. Each time the alarm rings, ask your child what they think Magnolia will do, and how she might be feeling.
What it helps with
- Keeping going when plans go wrong
- Juggling more than one job
- Feeling brave
- Starting to read chapter books
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why did Princess Magnolia keep leaving her party?”
- “How do you think she felt each time the alarm rang?”
- “Did any of the guests guess her secret?”
- “What would you have done in her place?”
- “When have your plans gone wrong?”
- “What helps you keep going on a tricky day?”
5-minute activities to try together
Superhero switch
Set a timer and see how fast you can switch into a dressing-up outfit and back again.
Party plan
Plan a pretend party together, then pick one thing that might go wrong and decide what you would do.
Free printables: The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Princess in Black (Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and LeUyen Pham)
- Best for
- A prim princess who is secretly a superhero
- Age
- 5-8
The Most Magnificent Thing (Ashley Spires)
- Best for
- Frustration, persistence, making mistakes and trying again
- Age
- 4-8
Isadora Moon Goes to School (Harriet Muncaster)
- Best for
- Fitting in when you're half fairy, half vampire
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.