The Magic Fish
An Easy-To-Read Folktale Series
What’s inside...
A greedy fisherman's wife is granted every wish but can't find happiness.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Fisherman
Magic Fish
Fisherman'S Wife
Discussion points
What do you think the fish felt when he was asked for his magical help?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did that make you feel?
Why is it important to be careful what we wish for?
How do the characters change by the end of the story?
What would you wish for if you met a magical fish and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of the characters’ wishes to deepen their understanding of the story’s moral.
Relate the magical elements of the story to real-life scenarios to help make the themes more tangible for your child.
Discuss the emotions portrayed in the book, asking your child to express when they have felt similar emotions.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace, to make the story more engaging and help highlight important parts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and generosity
Explanation: In 'The Magic Fish,' the fisherman's wife urges him to ask the magical fish for ever grander wishes. However, the fisherman's consistent politeness and humility towards the fish teaches the importance of being kind and grateful for what one receives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate what they have and understand that being generous and polite can lead to positive outcomes in their own lives, such as fostering good relationships and receiving kindness in return.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: As the wishes granted to the fisherman's wife escalate, it becomes evident that her insatiable greed leads to their downfall. The story culminates in them losing everything, demonstrating how greed can rob one of both material and non-material riches.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be cautious of being overly greedy or materialistic, emphasizing the importance of being content and valuing non-material happiness over desires for excessive wealth or possessions.
Example Lesson: The importance of humility
Explanation: Despite the magical fish's ability to grant any wish, the fisherman continually approaches the fish with respect and humility, never assuming entitlement. This starkly contrasts with his wife's attitude and highlights the virtues of humility.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by treating others with respect and not taking what they have for granted, which can lead to more harmonious interactions and a more fulfilling life.
Example Lesson: Understanding the balance of nature and gratitude
Explanation: The fisherman's interaction with the magic fish, a creature of nature, stresses the importance of respecting natural boundaries and being grateful for the gifts nature offers without exploiting them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect the environment and appreciate nature's resources, promoting sustainable habits and fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.