The Light Princess

Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not quite fit into the world or when they struggle to connect with their own deep emotions. The story follows a princess who is literally light: she lacks physical gravity and the emotional weight required to feel empathy or sorrow. While she floats through life with a detached sense of humor, the book explores how finding something or someone to care about provides the grounding necessary to truly live. It is a whimsical but profound look at the necessity of the full emotional spectrum, including sadness. Originally published in the Victorian era, George MacDonald's tale remains a beautiful tool for discussing how our feelings and our responsibilities to others give our lives meaning. It is ideal for children ages 7 to 12 who are moving beyond simple fairy tales into stories with more philosophical and emotional nuance.