Princes Don’t Practise

Meet a pompous young prince, who believes he can do anything – without ever needing to practise! That is until he meets a wise, retired witch who teaches him the most magical lesson . . .

Princes Don't Practise is an incredibly funny and relatable tale with an important message for all. Perfect for anyone who struggles with NOT being instantly perfect – which is most children!

Prince Lupin has jousted and feasted and now he's BORED. But when he decides to spend the afternoon 'helping' the gardener and the palace cook, he leaves a trail of chaos and destruction behind him.

After an embarrassing musical performance, Prince Lupin flees into the forest where he meets a retired witch with a passion for pottery. With her patience, perseverance and friendship Prince Lupin finally learns that practice makes magic . . . and that it helps to have manners too!

Fantastically warm and funny verse from award-winning poet and writer, Kathryn Simmonds, with richly detailed illustrations from Becky Colvin, the winner of the Macmillan Prize for Illustration 2023 and creator of The Great Green Island, which was shortlisted for The Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2026.

Read a sample here