Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm
Sunburst Book Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,479)
What’s inside...
A Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year, this beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic Grimm's fairy tale features a princess with lips red as blood, skin white as snow, and hair black as ebony.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Snow-White felt when she first met the seven dwarfs?
Why do you think the Queen was so envious of Snow-White?
What lessons can we learn about kindness from the dwarfs?
How do you think the story would change if the Queen had chosen to be kind instead?
What does this story teach us about trust and caution?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the contrasting characters in the story, such as the kindness of Snow-White and the envy of the Queen, to discuss moral values.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios, fostering creative thinking.
Discuss the importance of kindness and trust, and relate these to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life, enhancing emotional understanding and empathy.
Ask your child how they would feel in Snow-White's situation, promoting emotional intelligence and perspective-taking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Snow White's gentle and caring nature wins the hearts of the seven dwarfs and others she encounters, contrasting with the wickedness of the queen.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being kind and compassionate helps in forming positive relationships and can protect and aid them in challenging times.
Example Lesson: Dangers of vanity and jealousy
Explanation: The queen's obsession with being the 'fairest of them all' leads to destructive behavior, highlighting the negative effects of excessive vanity and jealousy.
Real-World Application: This story can teach children to appreciate their own unique qualities and avoid comparing themselves to others negatively.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: The queen uses deceit and trickery in her attempts to harm Snow White, which ultimately leads to her own downfall.
Real-World Application: Children learn that dishonesty and manipulation can lead to serious consequences, emphasizing the value of honesty and integrity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite facing numerous challenges, Snow White remains optimistic and resilient throughout her ordeal.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay positive and resilient when facing difficulties, teaching them the importance of perseverance.
Example Lesson: Value of communal living and cooperation
Explanation: Living with the seven dwarfs, Snow White learns and also teaches the importance of working together and supporting each other as a community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in teamwork and shared responsibilities at home or in school, learning that cooperation is key to achieving common goals.