Girls, Goddesses and Giants: Tales of Heroines from Around the World
World of Stories Series
on Goodreads (104)
What’s inside...
A selection of brilliant folk tales about heroines from all around the world. In these stories, it's the girls who save the day through their courage, cunning, or kindness - whether they are facing up to wolves, demons, dragons, enemy tribes, or the sun itself! Handsome princes need not apply - these girls are doing it for themselves. With stories from every corner of the world (from Cameroon to Scotland, India, Japan, and the Americas), this inclusive anthology of girl power is stunningly illustrated in paper-cut style.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What characteristics do you think make someone a heroine? Can you think of any examples from the book?
How do the different heroines in the stories handle challenges? Which approach did you find most inspiring or interesting?
Why do you think stories about heroines from different cultures are important to read and share?
If you could meet any of the heroines from these tales, who would you choose and what would you ask her?
How can you use the lessons from these heroines in your own life when facing difficulties?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each story, emphasizing that all viewpoints are valuable.
Discuss the cultural backgrounds of each heroine, exploring the unique aspects of their stories and what they can teach us about different parts of the world.
After reading each tale, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character, then describe why they chose it.
Create a 'heroine journal' where your child can write about the qualities they admire in each character and how they could emulate them.
Use the stories as a starting point to teach your child about the historical and mythological contexts of each tale, enhancing their understanding and appreciation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The book illustrates numerous heroines demonstrating courage in the face of daunting challenges, which serves as a powerful role model for children.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by standing up for what they believe in, whether it’s in the classroom, playground, or at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the stories, readers see heroines who empathize with others' suffering and strive to make a difference, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more considerate and empathetic towards their peers and people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The heroines in the book often face obstacles that they overcome with determination and perseverance, showcasing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this resilience in their own lives by not giving up easily, whether it’s in solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Importance of wisdom and intelligence
Explanation: Many stories highlight heroines who use their intellect and wisdom to solve problems, emphasizing that brains are just as important as brawn.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their education and intelligence, and use their knowledge to make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Equality and justice
Explanation: The book portrays heroines who fight for justice and equality, teaching the importance of these values in a fair society.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to participate in activities that promote equality and justice within their community, like standing against bullying.