A Treasury of Fairy Tales
What’s inside...
Open this book and enter the magical world of fairy tales, a land of mystery and enchantment, alive with handsome princes, wicked queens and beautiful heroines. This collection brings together 12 popular fairy tales, retold by well-known author Helen Cresswell and enhanced by Siân Bailey's finely detailed illustrations.
Age
4-7
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters learned by the end of the story, and what can we learn from them?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the main character?
Which fairy tale was your favorite and why?
If you could change one thing about your favorite story, what would it be?
What do you think makes a true hero in these fairy tales?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each fairy tale, ask your child what they know about the tale or what they expect to happen.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or twists in the story, enhancing their creative thinking.
Relate the morals of the stories to real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them apply these lessons.
After reading, use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe the story visually, which can aid in their understanding and memory of the story.
Pause at critical points in the story to predict outcomes or discuss characters’ decisions, fostering critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Many stories in 'A Treasury of Fairy Tales' showcase characters who perform acts of kindness, often rewarded by the end of the tale.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being kind to others, which can foster better relationships and a supportive community around them.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Several tales illustrate negative outcomes for characters who exhibit greedy behaviors, teaching readers about the pitfalls of selfishness.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand the importance of sharing and the negative effects of being overly self-centered in real life scenarios like playing with friends or sharing with siblings.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Stories often highlight protagonists who face challenges but succeed by not giving up. This theme is recurrent in fairy tales and demonstrates resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to keep trying despite difficulties, whether it’s in learning new skills, solving problems, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The necessity of making wise choices
Explanation: Characters are often faced with difficult decisions, and their choices can lead to various outcomes, illustrating the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to everyday decisions, understanding that their choices have consequences, guiding them to think critically and make smart decisions.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Fairy tales often bring together characters of varied backgrounds and traits, promoting themes of acceptance and unity.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity and learn to respect people who are different from themselves, which is crucial in developing empathy and interpersonal relationships.