Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls
Usborne Illustrated Story Collections Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (314)
What’s inside...
Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls is a collection of eight lesser-known traditional folk and fairy tales that celebrate empowering female heroines. These stories feature heroines who outwit giants, fight evil, and awaken sleeping princes, all while challenging the Victorian ideals of beauty, passivity, and innocence. With a foreword by Kate Pankhurst, this collection aims to inspire a new generation of readers by showing that fairy tales can evolve with the times, and happy endings don't always involve marriage. The heroines in these tales go on to have further adventures, proving that good triumphs over evil in many forms.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which fairy tale did you enjoy the most and why?
How did the bravery of the girls in these stories inspire you?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as one of these characters?
How do you think these stories show the importance of creativity and intelligence?
What qualities do you admire most in these brave and brilliant girls?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the stories to foster creativity.
Share your own insights on bravery and intelligence, connecting them to real-life scenarios.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character to deepen their connection to the story.
Compare and contrast the different tales to understand diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds.
Link the stories’ themes to your child’s everyday experiences to make them more relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: The tales in 'Forgotten Fairy Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls' feature heroines who face daunting challenges but overcome them through bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for themselves and persevering through difficulties, which can boost their confidence in tackling everyday challenges like schoolwork or social situations.
Example Lesson: Equality and empowerment
Explanation: The book emphasizes the strength and capabilities of female characters, encouraging a narrative where girls are equal to their male counterparts.
Real-World Application: This inspires both girls and boys to view and treat everyone as equals, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Many stories in the book involve the characters solving puzzles or finding clever solutions to seemingly impossible problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and creatively when faced with their own problems, whether it be figuring out a math problem or navigating a disagreement with a friend.
Example Lesson: Compassion and kindness
Explanation: The heroines often show compassion to others in their stories, even when faced with adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of empathy and helping others, fostering a more caring attitude towards classmates and family members.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The fairy tales come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, providing a rich and diverse reading experience.
Real-World Application: This exposure to different cultures can enhance a child’s global awareness and appreciation for diversity, helping them to become more open-minded and culturally sensitive.