"The Snow Queen" and Other Fairy Tales and Legends (Bloomsbury Classics)
What’s inside...
This is a compilation of some of the works of Hans Christian Andersen. It includes the stories: "The Snow Queen", "The Red Shoes", "The Ugly Duckling", "The Tinder Box", "The Little Match Girl", "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Tin Soldier". Additionally, this anthology features 100 tales that share the winter theme of Andersen's "The Snow Queen" and includes works by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, Oscar Wilde, selections from Andrew Lang's fairy books, and Alexandre Dumas's The History of a Nutcracker.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-13
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Snow Queen different from other characters in the book?
How did Gerda’s bravery help her in her journey? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
What do the different seasons represent in the story? How do they affect the mood of the tale?
Why do you think loyalty and friendship are important themes in these fairy tales?
How would you change the ending of one of the stories if you had the chance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Use the changing seasons in the tales as a metaphor to discuss changes and growth in your child's own life.
Highlight the importance of resilience and perseverance portrayed by characters like Gerda, discussing real-life applications.
Discuss the moral lessons behind the stories, and ask your child how those lessons could be applied in their daily interactions.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, which could lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Snow Queen', the character Gerda demonstrates resilience and perseverance in her quest to find and save her friend Kay.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and keep pushing forward, even when facing difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The value of true friendship
Explanation: Through Gerda's unwavering dedication to Kay, 'The Snow Queen' illustrates the lengths one might go for a true friend.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value and nurture their friendships, showing loyalty and support in real life.
Example Lesson: The consequences of making choices
Explanation: Various characters in Andersen’s tales often face pivotal choices that lead to significant outcomes, showcasing the importance of decision-making.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that their choices have consequences, emphasizing the need for thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Many stories in the collection highlight the characters’ journeys towards understanding and empathizing with others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic and considerate, understanding others' perspectives and feelings in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of selflessness
Explanation: Characters often demonstrate acts of kindness without expecting anything in return, highlighting the virtue of selflessness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in acts of kindness, fostering a caring and supportive community around them.