Grimms' Tales for Young and Old: The Complete Stories
on Goodreads (216,316)
What’s inside...
The stories by the brothers Grimm include such classics as 'Hansel and Gretal' and 'Rumpelstiltskin' as well as lesser known tales such as 'Hans my Hedgehog' and 'The Two Brothers'. This collection brings together 210 tales, retold in versions accessible to the modern reader yet faithful to the original. A new and modern translation of the entire collection of folk and fairy tales written by the Brothers Grimm.
Age
5-17
Length
640 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Snow White
The Seven Dwarfs
Queen
Discussion points
Which story was your favorite, and what did you like most about it?
How do you think the characters felt during their adventures?
What would you have done differently if you were in the shoes of one of the characters?
Can you think of a moral or lesson that one of the stories taught? How does it apply to your own life?
If you could create your own fairy tale, what kind of story would it be and which characters would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting a story, ask your child what they expect the story will be about based on the title. This sets the stage for active listening and engagement.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the fairy tale world by asking what they would see, hear, and feel.
Discuss the decisions characters make and explore alternative choices with your child, linking the consequences presented in the tales.
After reading, relate the tales to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them apply the lessons learned.
Create a family story time routine where each member picks their favorite tale to read aloud. This fosters a deep, shared family experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of making wise choices
Explanation: In tales like 'Cinderella,' characters face decisions that impact their futures significantly. Cinderella's kindness and good choices ultimately lead her to a better life.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices have consequences and that making thoughtful, kind decisions can lead to positive outcomes in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Stories such as 'Hansel and Gretel' show characters overcoming extreme challenges. Despite being abandoned, Hansel and Gretel do not give up and eventually find their way back home.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity and the power of determination.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: In 'The Fisherman and His Wife,' the wife's continual lies and greed result in losing everything they had gained. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of greed and dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children understand that being truthful and content with what they have is crucial, as dishonesty and greed can lead to negative outcomes.
Example Lesson: The strength of humility and kindness
Explanation: In 'The Golden Goose,' the youngest brother's kindness and humility win him rewards, unlike his older brothers who display selfishness and arrogance.
Real-World Application: This story highlights for children the importance of being humble and kind to others, which can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes in real life.
Example Lesson: The benefits of using intelligence and cleverness
Explanation: In 'Rumpelstiltskin,' the queen saves her child by using her wits to guess Rumpelstiltskin’s name. Her clever thinking and persistence resolve her dire situation.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically and use their intelligence to solve problems, showing that sometimes, brains outweigh brawn.