Hairy Fairy Ears
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In this enchanting tale, a young fairy named Eliza discovers her unique ability to hear whispers of the forest through her unusually hairy ears. As she embarks on a magical journey, she learns the importance of accepting oneself and cherishing the peculiar gifts that make each creature special.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the fairy has hairy ears, and how do you think that makes her feel?
Can you think of a time you felt different from others? How did you cope with that feeling?
What would you do if you met someone who looked different from everyone else? How would you make them feel welcome?
How do you think the story would change if the fairy didn’t have hairy ears?
What is the most important lesson the fairy learned in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the fairy’s situation, relating it to their personal experiences.
Highlight the importance of acceptance and kindness, discussing how these values are portrayed through the characters’ actions.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to deepen their understanding of the story’s themes.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to make the story more engaging and to emphasize emotional cues in the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of accepting differences
Explanation: In 'Hairy Fairy Ears,' the protagonist learns to appreciate her own unique features, despite them being different from her peers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing their own unique traits and understanding that diversity enriches their experiences.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story showcases characters who learn to understand and feel for each other's situations, particularly when they face challenges due to their differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive towards their friends and classmates who might feel out of place or different.
Example Lesson: Courage in self-expression
Explanation: The fairy protagonist shows bravery by choosing to proudly display her unique ears rather than hiding them.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to express themselves confidently, whether it's through how they look, the activities they choose to participate in, or the ideas they share with others.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to solve problems and help each other embrace their individuality.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working cooperatively in group settings like school projects or team sports.