Two friends are playing “pretend rescue.” The girl decides she will be the princess captured by an “Evil Tree,” and the boy will be the brave soldier who saves her. She climbs up the tree and waits dramatically. But every time the boy tries to rescue her, something goes hilariously wrong — a dog shows up, a goose waddles in, or he freezes in fear at the idea of climbing. Each time, the “princess” climbs down from her perch, shooes away the dangers, fetches a ladder, and encourages him gently. The story ends with the boy proudly climbing up the ladder and “rescuing” the princess — a victory made possible by teamwork, humor, imagination, and a quiet but powerful reversal of stereotypes.
Themes
Social & Emotional Learning
Family & Friends
Humour Challenging gender stereotypes
Supportive friendships
Power of role-play and imagination
Emotional inclusion (normalizing fear)
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