Beauty and the Beast and Other Stories
What’s inside...
A captivating anthology that retells various popular and obscure fairy tales, such as 'Hansel and Gretel,' 'Rapunzel,' and 'The Girl Who Stepped on a Loaf.' This magical collection also includes tales like 'Beauty and the Beast', 'The Tinderbox', 'Vipers and Pearls', 'Bluebeard', and 'Something More', providing readers with a diverse range of fantastical stories.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the Beast look scary to others, and what made him kind inside?
How did Beauty's feelings towards the Beast change throughout the story?
Why do you think it's important to look beyond someone's appearance?
Can you think of a time when you got to know someone better and discovered something surprising about them?
What does the story teach us about kindness and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to bring characters to life as you read aloud, making the story more engaging for your child.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story, stimulating their creative thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or real-world scenarios to make the discussion more relatable.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, which can serve as a visual aid to discuss the storyline and characters’ emotions.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, such as 'What do you think will happen next?' to keep your child actively thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Beauty and the Beast,' Beauty learns to see beyond the Beast's exterior, discovering the kind heart within. This transformation occurs as she listens and empathizes with the Beast.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to understand and appreciate people's inner qualities rather than judging based on appearances.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the stories, characters who act with kindness are often rewarded, while those who are selfish face consequences. This theme is particularly evident in how Beauty's kindness transforms the Beast's life.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice acts of kindness in their daily interactions, understanding that their actions can positively impact others.
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery
Explanation: In facing the Beast, Beauty demonstrates bravery, venturing into the unknown to save her father. Her courage changes her life and that of the Beast.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to face their fears and stand up for what is right, teaching them that bravery can lead to positive change.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: In other stories in the book, characters who act out of greed often find themselves worse off than before. This teaches that selfishness can lead to negative outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value generosity and consider the impact of their actions on others, rather than focusing solely on personal gain.
Example Lesson: Redemption and second chances
Explanation: The Beast is given a second chance at life due to Beauty's love and acceptance, demonstrating that change is possible.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the power of forgiveness and the importance of giving others the opportunity to improve and make things right.