A Few Proposed Additions to the Library of the Princess of Cambridge

To HRH,

I assume HRH is the appropriate title, but even if it isn't, you're not even a day old so I hope you won't mind an unintentional etiquette faux pas.  You don't have a name yet either, but even though I have some (fairly obvious by this list) favourites, whatever name you have will become the name of 3-5 of my students in 14 years' time.

While you likely have a library I would drool over as an adult, I would like to make a few humble suggestions for additions (or first few reads) to this list.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

Besides being my personal choice for your name, it's not only a classic but also a good lesson.  Sometimes, life is weird.  Sometimes it's a dream.  Sometimes, it's a game you didn't know you were playing.  Sometimes, there are scary monsters and absurd people. Sometimes, a girl becomes a queen.

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

First of all, Charlotte's my second choice for your name.  Secondly, if ever there was a kind, clever, caring, humble personality to take after, the title character is it.  Thirdly, Fern grows up, and leaves so many things behind.  There is as much to learn from Fern's carelessness as there is Charlotte's kindness.

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Princess Elizabeth (yes, I know, there's a theme here of your potential names) has to deal with a dragon, a superficial prince named Ronald, and a dress that could also carry her groceries.  Does this stop her from being strong, determined, clever, and herself?  No.  That is why Princess Elizabeth is awesome.

So Much by Trish Cooke

Now that we've covered the top name choices, have one about a family all coming to see the baby.  Partying ensues, and the baby's loved by all.  It's a welcome of love, and care. You're having the same thing, except it's worldwide.


The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse by Beatrix Potter

If you didn't already have the Peter Rabbit collection, I would be shocked, but this one by Potter is a little less known.  It's a good gateway book to Aesop's Fables (likely also in your library, so you may want to look that up) and yet is still applicable today.  Johnny has no idea what benefits the country, the environment, can have and is irrationally scared of things in the country.  Grass, cows, and quiet are all wonderful things that should be preferred, and not neglected for city life.  You grandfather would likely appreciate the lesson.

13 Words by Lemony Snicket

A few years from now, we're going to have a talk about A Series of Unfortunate Events, but right now, you need something a little simpler.  Like everything from Snicket, there's a lot more to the text than just the story of a bird (word number 1) who is despondent (word number 2).  Maybe your parents can explain about the art on the walls in the background, or about the different types of hats the dog (word number 4) looks at.  Your family does have a long-standing love affair with hats.

Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan

If fairy tales were written today, without any influence from Cinderella, or Snow White, or the Grimm Brothers (all of these will be in your library already) I believe they would be like Shaun Tan's work.  We would learn not to ignore the wise Water Buffalo.  We'd discover what happened to all the unpublished poetry in the world.  We'd miss Eric and all his trinkets.

These are only a few recommendations, but as you grow, I hope I can offer a few more.

Sincerely,
Spy