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Love For My Grandchild
The Prince’s Dress Dilemma follows a young prince whose growth spurt launches his parents into the search for the perfect ball gown. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story began with love for my grandchild. Before she told us she was transgender, she loved wearing dresses, especially one particular nightgown that became her absolute favorite thing in the world. Watching her find comfort and joy in clothing that helped her feel like herself was beautiful, and our entire family supported her every step of the way. At the same time, I wanted to be very clear about something important: not every boy who wears a dress is transgender. Clothing is about comfort, personality, and expression, and children deserve room to discover who they are without pressure or assumption. So I wrote a story where the adults don’t panic, don’t argue, and don’t shame. They simply love their child and help them find something that feels right. That kind of support can change a life.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was especially fun to write?
I love the scenes at the dressmaker where Eric tries on gown after gown and nothing feels right. We’ve all been there, that moment when you’re standing in front of a mirror and the outside doesn’t match the inside. Whether it’s clothes, identity, or confidence, that discomfort is universal. Writing Eric’s frustration gave me a way to say to kids: you’re not strange for wanting to feel like yourself. And it let me give him the happiest possible solution – something familiar, something comfortable, something made with love. Plus, I adore that his version has pockets for rocks and seashells. That detail makes me smile every time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Acceptance without drama was the most important one. I wanted readers to see a family where love is immediate and unconditional. A place where a prince can wear a dress, worry about what fits, and still go to the ball like every other royal child. It’s also about bodily autonomy and comfort. Children should not have to perform for other people in order to be worthy of celebration. And ultimately, it’s about joy – the freedom that comes when you’re allowed to be yourself.
Can we look forward to more books featuring Prince Eric?
Prince Eric’s story stands on its own, but I continue to write books that create space for many different kinds of children. The year my granddaughter started kindergarten, I published The Kind Kindergarten Class, which includes both a transgender boy and a transgender girl – and readers never know which children they are. That’s intentional. The point is that kindness, friendship, and curiosity matter more than labels. So while Eric may not return, the world he represents absolutely will.
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The Prince’s Dress Dilemma
The Prince’s Dress Dilemma, by Sara Madden, follows young Prince Eric, a kid who seems to have it all. He is growing up in a palace with his twin sister, Erica, and their dog, Arthus. His days are full of games and little adventures, and every night he pulls on his favorite nightgown and drifts off to sleep completely content.
One morning, though, everything feels different. Eric wakes up to discover he’s had a growth spurt. Overnight, he’s shot up so much that none of his clothes fit, especially not anything fancy enough for the upcoming royal ball. He’s worried, but his parents aren’t. The king and queen quickly come up with a plan: they’ll send him to the dressmaker to have a royal ballgown made just for him. Once his new outfit is finished, Eric heads to the ball ready to enjoy himself, confident that he looks exactly the way he wants to look.
The Prince’s Dress Dilemma, by Sara Madden, is a short children’s book that feels perfect for young kids, especially as a bedtime read or a cozy rainy-day story. The plot is simple, the language is accessible, and the pictures help carry young listeners through the story without losing their attention.
It’s hard to talk about this book without mentioning the obvious: Eric wears nightgowns to bed and prefers dresses during the day. The book is welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community, even though those terms never appear in the book, and it tells a supportive story for anyone who may find themselves in Eric’s shoes. Eric’s family accepts his clothing choices without fuss, and that quiet, steady support turns the story into one about exploring and celebrating gender expression that doesn’t always fit traditional expectations. The warm and charming artwork reinforces this, especially scenes from the ball that show same-sex couples dancing together.
Parents who want their children to grow up seeing and valuing diversity are likely to embrace The Prince’s Dress Dilemma. The story itself is gentle and good-natured. It encourages kids to feel comfortable in their own bodies and their own choices. That’s a message many parents can stand behind. And for the children who read this book, there’s a clear and valuable lesson: acceptance and kindness toward people who are different from you are not just important, they’re normal, and they’re good.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0C5P1TN2H
