The Sleeping Beauty
A Tale Dark & Grimm Series
What’s inside...
The story of The Sleeping Beauty spills over with fairies and princes, passion and despair, magnificence and splendor, and the ballet version of this classic tale is the most romantic and spectacular of all. Australian Ballet Creative Director David McAllister's impressive 2015 production of The Sleeping Beauty, ornamented by internationally celebrated designer Gabriela Tylesova's lavish costumes and sets, cast a spell of delight on its audiences, and was a sellout success. Now McAllister and Tylesova weave their magic again, transporting the enchantment of their production to the pages of this book. David's text and Gabriela's illustrations recreate the world of this favorite ballet for readers to enjoy again and again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the way the characters in the story showed bravery? Can you think of a time you were brave?
How did Princess Aurora's long sleep change the lives of people around her? What do you think you would do if you had to wait a long time for something important?
What are some ways that the different characters in the story helped each other? How do you help your friends and family?
Why do you think the fairy gave Princess Aurora the gift of sleep instead of something else? If you had magical powers, what gift would you give to someone else?
What did you think about the ending of the story? How would you have ended the story if you were the writer?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at pivotal points in the plot and ask your child what they think might happen next, promoting critical thinking and prediction skills.
Discuss the actions of the characters and relate them to personal experiences or decisions to make the story more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters. This open communication helps deepen understanding and emotional skills.
Ask your child to imagine alternate scenarios or endings for the story, stimulating their creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Use a calm and curious tone to create a comfortable environment that encourages your child to express themselves and explore ideas discussed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and compassion
Explanation: In 'The Sleeping Beauty,' various characters demonstrate kindness, such as the fairies bestowing gifts onto the baby princess. This kindness reverberates throughout the narrative, impacting the lives of others in positive ways.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be kind to others in their daily interactions, whether at school or at home, understanding that their actions can have a positive impact on the world around them.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The prince's determination to reach the sleeping princess despite the formidable obstacles he faces, including the thick thorn bush, symbolizes the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to continue striving towards their goals, regardless of the difficulties they encounter, whether it's solving a tough math problem or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: When the wicked fairy curses the princess due to not being invited to her christening, it showcases how one’s actions, whether intentional or not, can lead to significant outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of considering the consequences of their actions and the impact they can have on others, helping them to make more thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: After the princess falls into a deep sleep, the kingdom waits patiently and optimistically for her awakening, showing resilience and hope during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of hope and resilience when facing personal challenges, encouraging them to remain optimistic and strong.
Example Lesson: The power of love and affection
Explanation: The climax of the story where love's true kiss breaks the spell conveys the powerful, transformative nature of love and affection.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the positive effects of showing affection and love towards family and friends, emphasizing how it can strengthen relationships and bring about change.