The Princess in Black: questions to ask and activities to try
Princess Magnolia ditches her dress and becomes the Princess in Black. The Princess in Black is a funny, action-packed first chapter book.
What age is it for? The Princess in Black is best for ages 5–8. Good for: A prim princess who is secretly a superhero.
The Princess in Black (Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and LeUyen Pham)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- A prim princess who is secretly a superhero
Read it with excitement in the action scenes. Talk about how people can be lots of things at once.
What it helps with
- Bravery
- Breaking stereotypes
- Secret identities
- Early 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.
- “Who is Princess Magnolia?”
- “What’s her secret?”
- “Who is the Duchess?”
- “What monster came?”
- “How did she keep her secret?”
- “What would your secret identity be?”
5-minute activities to try together
Superhero cape
Make a cape and invent a secret identity.
Monster alarm
Act out the quick change when the alarm rings.
Free printables: The Princess in Black 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Paper Bag Princess (Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko)
- Best for
- A clever princess who rescues the prince
- Age
- 4-7
The Naughtiest Unicorn (Pip Bird and David O'Connell)
- Best for
- A very naughty unicorn and an unlikely friendship
- Age
- 5-8
Marv and the Mega Robot (Alex Falase-Koya and Paula Bowles)
- Best for
- An ordinary boy who becomes a superhero
- Age
- 5-7
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 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.