Hansel and Gretel and the Cheddar Trail (Fiona and Frieda's Fairy-tale Adventures)
Fiona And Frieda'S Fairy-Tale Adventures Series
What’s inside...
This book is a modern adaptation of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm. In this version by Nadia Higgins, the main characters Fiona and Frieda get lost in a forest while following a map to find the legendary Cheddar Trail. They encounter challenges and dangers along the way before eventually finding their way safely out of the forest. Fiona and Frieda's Girls United Troop 895 is on a mission to clean up the Forest Street Subway Station. After the girls stray from the group, they find themselves totally, completely, hopelessly lost. As lost as Hansel and Gretel! Fiona and Frieda are as scared as two bugs on their backs, but they know what they have to do. They have to use their magic rhyming powers and enter the realm of fairy tales. It's the only way to help Hansel and Gretel get home--even if the witchiest-witch ever locks them in a cage, or worse! Can they find their way out of the subway or have they lost their cheddar trail? Find out in this entertaining, illustrated chapter book suitable for read alouds and beginning chapter book readers. Calico Chapter Books is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Group. Grades 2-8.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
79 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Hansel and Gretel felt when they found the Cheddar Trail? What would you do if you were in their shoes?
What are some ways that Fiona and Frieda helped Hansel and Gretel during their adventure?
Why is teamwork important when facing challenges? Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone to solve a problem?
What lessons can we learn from Hansel and Gretel’s adventure about making decisions and facing consequences?
How do the actions of the characters in the story teach us about kindness and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' decisions and actions, promoting empathy and moral reasoning.
Relate the challenges faced by Hansel and Gretel to real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them apply the story's lessons.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times they have worked with others to achieve a goal.
Highlight the themes of bravery and kindness in the story, and ask your child how they can demonstrate these values in their daily life.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings to the story based on different choices the characters could have made, encouraging creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the tale, Fiona and Frieda face various challenges as they trace the cheddar trail which they overcome by brainstorming and crafting clever solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking creatively to solve everyday problems, enhancing their ability to adapt and find solutions in their own life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters must work together to navigate the twists and turns of the cheddar trail, showing how cooperation can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or during play, teaching children the value of collaborative effort and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing unfamiliar and sometimes scary situations, Fiona and Frieda demonstrate bravery, encouraging young readers to face their fears.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to act bravely in their own lives, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: The protagonists use available resources in innovative ways to solve problems and progress on their journey.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of using their resources wisely and encourages inventive thinking in their day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Consequence of Actions
Explanation: Fiona and Frieda experience direct consequences of their choices along their journey, which shapes their adventure.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of considering the consequences before making decisions, a crucial skill in personal development and responsibility.