Doppol - Trending books for kids

FAIRY TALES OF THE SLAV PEASANTS AND HERDSMEN -20 illustrated Slavic tales: 20 illustrated tales and stories from the Slavic people

3.49
on Goodreads (67)

What’s inside...

Very few of the 20 fairy tales included in this volume have been presented before in an English dress; this will doubtless enhance their value in the eyes of the young folk, for whom, principally, they are intended. Herein you will find tales like THE TWELVE MONTHS - the story of Marouckla, who is set seemingly impossible tasks by her stepmother, but with the help of the Twelve Months overcomes and succeeds. THE LOST CHILD - the story of a childless Noble couple who pray earnestly for a child. Their wish is granted with one condition - that that the child's feet never touched the earth until it was twelve years old...... Then you have the stories of THE SOVEREIGN OF THE MINERAL KINGDOM, OHNIVAK, TEARS OF PEARLS, KINKACH MARTINKO and many, many more. These tales have been translated and illustrated by EMILY J. HARDING. The accompanying 55 illustrations and headpieces speak for themselves, and are what might have been expected from the artist of her calibre. The translation has been carefully revised by a well-known writer, who has interfered as little as possible with the original text, except in those instances where slight alterations were necessary. The Slav race is considerably diverse, both genetically and culturally. Famous Slavs in recent times are Pope John Paul II, the first human astronaut Yuri Gagarin, former President of Russia Mikhail Gorbachev and electrician/inventor Nikola Tesla. In earlier times Slavic groups also migrated as far North as Scandinavia, and constituted elements amongst the Vikings; whilst at the other geographic extreme, Slavic mercenaries fighting for the Byzantines and Arabs settled Asia Minor and even as far East as Syria. So sit back in a comfy chair with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy these forgotten tales, lost to Western readers for over 100 years.

Why read this book

  • Enriches cultural knowledge through Slavic folklore.
  • Enhances imagination with vivid, illustrated narratives.
  • Fosters moral development with traditional values.
  • Supports language skills with engaging storytelling.
Age

7-9

Length

398 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think the main message of each tale is and why?
How do the characters in these tales compare to characters in other stories you know?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge similar to one in the tales? What did you do?
Which tale was your favorite and what did you learn from it?
How do the settings in these Slavic tales differ from where we live?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think various characters felt during key moments in the stories.
Draw parallels between the moral lessons in the tales and real-life scenarios your child might encounter, to deepen their understanding.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the tales and discuss how those changes might affect the lessons learned.
Create a fun visual map of the different settings in the tales to help your child appreciate the cultural context of the stories.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite tale, which can deepen their connection and understanding of the story.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Many tales in this collection emphasize the virtues of being kind and compassionate towards others, regardless of their status or situation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping a friend in need, sharing their toys, or showing empathy towards peers and animals.
Example Lesson: The value of wisdom and cleverness
Explanation: Several stories highlight characters who use their intelligence and wit to solve problems or overcome obstacles, demonstrating that brains often triumph over brawn.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to think creatively and apply critical thinking in solving daily challenges, whether in academic settings or in interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Some tales illustrate the negative outcomes of being greedy or selfish, teaching children that such behaviors can lead to personal downfall or collective harm.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to practice sharing and to understand the importance of community and cooperation over personal gain.
Example Lesson: Respecting cultural traditions
Explanation: The tales are deeply rooted in Slavic culture, providing children with insights into traditional values and practices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, which is crucial in our interconnected global community.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Characters in these stories often face dire situations, yet their bravery and perseverance lead them to triumph.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of facing fears and challenges head-on, fostering resilience and self-confidence in their own lives.