Old French Fairy Tales
on Goodreads (508)
What’s inside...
Old French Fairy Tales is a collection of enchanting stories by Sophie Ségur, originally published in 1920. Set in old France, these tales feature whimsical characters, talking animals, and important life lessons. Through adventures of young heroines and heroes, readers learn virtues such as honesty, kindness, and courage. The book, cherished for over a century, includes tales originally told in French over hot chocolate in aristocratic nurseries. Now translated into English, new generations can experience the magic that has captivated audiences for 100 years. The collection is a reproduction by Forgotten Books, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format and repair imperfections of the aged copy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
300 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the choices the characters made in the story? Would you have done something different?
Which fairy tale was your favorite and why?
How do you think the characters felt during their adventures? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What lessons can we learn from the stories in this book?
If you could add another character to your favorite story, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for their favorite fairy tales and discuss how those changes might affect the story.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more lively and engaging.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Use this as a visual aid to discuss the story’s themes and characters deeper.
Connect the stories to real-life situations or moral dilemmas and discuss what your child would do in those scenarios.
After reading, watch adaptations of the same fairy tales, if available, and compare them with the book's version to enhance comprehension and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness Triumphs Over Malice
Explanation: In various tales within 'Old French Fairy Tales', characters that perform acts of kindness are often rewarded, while those who perpetrate evil are punished. This recurring theme promotes the moral principle that good deeds lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing acts of kindness in their daily interactions with family and peers, learning that positive behavior often leads to rewarding relationships and outcomes.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face daunting challenges, and those who confront their fears with bravery are often victorious. This illustrates the value of courage in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face their personal fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what's right, showing them the benefits of bravery in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Several stories highlight characters who succeed not by chance but through persistent effort and determination. This theme underscores the importance of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply this principle when dealing with academic challenges or mastering new skills, learning that persistence is key to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Greed
Explanation: In some stories, characters driven by greed often face negative repercussions, demonstrating that selfishness and excessive desire for more can lead to downfall.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being content and generous, showing them the negative impacts of greediness in their interactions and overall happiness.
Example Lesson: The Rewards of Honesty
Explanation: Characters that uphold truth and integrity often find success and happiness, reinforcing the notion that honesty is the best policy.
Real-World Application: This promotes honesty in children, encouraging them to always tell the truth and be sincere in their actions and words, thereby fostering trust and respect in their relationships.