Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales First Series
#1 of 6 in Discover Fairy Tales Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A collection of Hans Andersen's stories illustrated by Edna F Hart. This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
Discussion points
How did the story of 'The Ugly Duckling' make you feel, and why do you think the duckling felt out of place?
In 'The Emperor’s New Clothes,' why do you think no one spoke up about the truth until the child did?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and honesty from 'The Princess and the Pea'?
How do the characters in 'Thumbelina' show kindness, and why is that important?
If you could change one thing in any of the tales, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters and scenes to life, enhancing the magical experience of Andersen’s tales.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for the characters to deepen their engagement.
Connect the themes of the stories to real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them apply the morals in a practical context.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story.
Discuss the historical context of Andersen's fairy tales to provide depth and enrich the reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and empathy
Explanation: Hans Andersen's tales often showcase characters who display kindness to others, regardless of their circumstances, which leads to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of treating others with care and respect, which helps in building positive relationships in school and at home.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed and selfishness
Explanation: Several stories in this collection illustrate the negative effects of being greedy or selfish, often leading the characters to face difficulties or isolation.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider others' feelings and share, whether it's toys, attention, or time.
Example Lesson: The virtue of bravery
Explanation: Characters in these fairy tales often overcome fears or tackle challenges bravely, which ultimately results in reward or wisdom.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face fearful situations such as trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Many of Andersen's tales highlight characters succeeding after considerable trials and setbacks, emphasizing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of persistence with school tasks or hobbies, even when they become challenging.
Example Lesson: The rewards of honesty
Explanation: In Andersen's stories, characters who remain truthful often find themselves better off than those who deceive.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of honesty in daily interactions and builds trust with peers and adults.