About This Book
This enchanting chapter book introduces Alice, a young girl transplanted from Africa to a strict English household, where she feels desperately lonely and out of place. Her life takes a mysterious turn when she befriends Bessie, a scullery maid convinced she is a changeling princess destined to return to the sinister 'pagans' living beneath a garden mound. Alice, drawing on her past experience with a witch in Africa, bravely decides to help Bessie return to her true home. The story beautifully explores themes of loneliness, identity, and the power of friendship amidst an eerie, fantastical backdrop, making it suitable for readers aged 4-11.
123 p. ; 20 cm
Scary Scenes
peril_danger
separation_from_parent
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Alice feel when she first arrives in England? Have you ever felt lonely or out of place?
2
What makes Alice and Bessie such good friends, even though they are very different?
3
Do you think Bessie is really a changeling princess, or is there another explanation?
4
What does it mean to be brave? How does Alice show bravery in this story?
5
If you could visit the world of the pagans, would you? Why or why not?
External Reviews
Google Books
5/5 (1 ratings)
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