Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox

What do our readers think of Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy the sparkly pictures, colourful illustrations, funny mischief and imaginative idea of a princess stepping out of a mirror. Some older children find the story too young, while younger children often ask to hear it again.

What does the Pageticker team say about Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox?

A lively mix of everyday illness and outrageous fantasy as Ellen’s mirror double turns chicken pox into a dragon-sized adventure. Julia Donaldson’s playful language and Lydia Monks’s bright, sparkly illustrations create a wonderfully mischievous read-aloud, although the story is longer and more detailed than some of Donaldson’s shorter picture books. It is especially well suited to children who enjoy imaginative play, magical characters, and perhaps a little bathroom chaos.

Genres

What is Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox about?

When Ellen discovers Princess Mirror-Belle stepping out of her bathroom mirror, she's whisked into a world of enchantment. Mirror-Belle, a mischievous princess, insists that Ellen's chicken pox are actually dragon pox and has a magical cure in mind. Together, they embark on a bubbly adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Will Mirror-Belle's remedy work, or will their escapade lead to even more chaos?

About the author

Julia Donaldson is a much-loved British author who has written many wonderful books for children. She is best known for creating 'The Gruffalo', a story about a clever mouse and a magical creature. Julia often works with illustrator Axel Scheffler to bring her fun and imaginative stories to life.

Discussion ideas around Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox

Mirror-Belle’s character: What makes Mirror-Belle exciting to spend time with, and which of her mischievous choices would you most like to join in with?

Real or make-believe?: How can we tell which parts of the adventure belong to Ellen’s real world and which parts might come from her imagination?

Being ill: How does Ellen’s imaginative adventure change the way she feels about being unwell, and what helps you feel better when you are ill?

Rules and consequences: Mirror-Belle has lots of clever ideas, but they do not always go to plan. What should she think about before trying one of her magical remedies?

Friendship and doubles: If your reflection could step out of the mirror, what would you hope it would be like, and how might it be different from you?