Disney Days are Here: Storybook Character Day (Book Month)
Disney princesses are always known for their elegant gowns. Their dresses have inspired countless little girls to dress up like them and even more cosplayers to recreate these impressive costumes.
When I was a child, I used to be able to dress up as a princess. Happily, they do a “Storybook Character Day” dress-up day at school every year, where the costume must be from a book. I love this yearly tradition at Kids’ World.
Cinderella and Belle was one of the original Disney’s eight princesses.
(Zatishye as Princess Cinderella. Dress was a gift from Achi for her 6th birthday. Supposedly, she wanted to be Queen Elsa but I told her that Queen Elsa is so overrated (haha). Customized necklace and bracelet by yours truly, from her Miss Algeria’s accessories.)
WHO IS CINDERELLA?:
Cinderella is a mistreated young girl who dreams of escaping the torturous life she has had to endure at the hands of her step-family. Her father, believing she needed a mother’s love, remarried, who has two daughters about her age. However, after her father’s death, her step-mother reveals herself to be a passive-aggressive tyrant who is jealous of Cinderella’s beauty.
MORAL LESSON IN CINDERELLA:
Cinderella’s able to keep dreaming because she believes in herself and her self-worth. Despite her tough circumstances and her difficult stepfamily, she still chooses to be kind and brave, to persevere and remain steadfast in trying to change and take charge of her life. Raise your child to not give up on anything when the going gets tough; instead, inspire her to keep on trying. From a young age, foster bravery and fuel independence so your child will grow up to be a trailblazer. Help your kids understand the importance of kindness and generosity, and remember to show other parents some kindness as well! Boost your child’s self-esteem so he knows that he has the innate ability to accomplish anything.
(Yvaine as Princess Belle)
WHO IS BELLE?:
Belle is a very attractive young woman and is known throughout the village for her beauty, with one villager commenting that it has no parallel, but although she knows it, she isn’t vain or concerned about her looks. She is greatly aware that her fellow citizens think of her as “odd” and “peculiar”. Belle pays very little attention to her appearance, unlike the very much conceited Gaston, who only wishes to wed her because she is attractive. He cares very little for her personality, her intelligence (he hates the very idea of a woman being smart) or the way she wants to live her life.
THE MORAL LESSON IN BELLE:
True beauty comes from within; it’s about being kind to others and not only thinking about yourself. Belle’s insatiable appetite for knowledge inspires us to learn something new everyday. We may not be in school anymore, but we’ll always be curious. The most important lesson of all, is Belle’s loyalty to her father. Whether you realize it or not, your loyalty and respect for your family means a lot to them. Belle’s steadfast support of her father despite the whole town’s mockery and skepticism is truly an act of admirable courage and the ultimate show of respect for her poor and widowed father.
(Yours truly as Second Runner-up for Prince and Princess of Hearts (Grade 1). The exact gown Zatishye and Yvaine used for their Princess Belle act (no gown alteration).
(Yours truly as Second Runner-up, during my Day Care days. The crown in this photo was the same crown Zatihsye used as Princess Belle.)