The Snow Queen and Other Tales
on Goodreads (18,677)
What’s inside...
The Snow Queen is one of Hans Christian Andersen's best fairy tales. It follows a little girl, Gerda, on a magical journey to find her best friend, Kai, who has been taken by the Snow Queen. This edition includes other fairy tales such as The Emperor's New Clothes, The Swineherd, and The Little Match Girl, among others. The book features charming retellings of these classic tales, complemented by Vladyslav Yerko's magical illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Gerda felt when she set out to find Kay? What would you do if you were in her place?
What are some qualities that helped the characters face challenges in these tales? Can you think of a time you showed similar qualities?
What do you think is the moral of 'The Snow Queen'? How can we apply this lesson in our own lives?
Which story in this collection was your favorite and why?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to predict what might happen in the story based on the title and cover. This stimulates curiosity.
While reading, pause and ask your child how they feel about the characters’ decisions, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
After reading, encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the tale. This helps in visualizing and better understanding the story.
Connect the themes of the book with real-life events or personal experiences to make the stories more relatable and memorable.
Ask your child to summarize the story in their own words. This aids in comprehension and recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience and perseverance.
Explanation: In 'The Snow Queen,' Gerda demonstrates resilience as she embarks on a grueling journey to rescue her friend Kay, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in the face of obstacles, whether it be completing a difficult homework assignment or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: The power of empathy and compassion.
Explanation: Throughout Andersen's tales, characters often show kindness and understand the feelings of others, as seen when Gerda receives help from strangers during her quest.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to help others and show empathy, vital skills that strengthen relationships and foster community involvement.
Example Lesson: The significance of true friendship.
Explanation: In 'The Snow Queen,' the bond between Gerda and Kay highlights the depth and loyalty of true friendship, as Gerda’s love and determination ultimately save Kay.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of nurturing friendships and being supportive friends in both good and challenging times.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions.
Explanation: Andersen’s tales often depict characters facing outcomes based on their decisions, teaching that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Children learn accountability and the importance of making thoughtful decisions, helping them navigate social interactions and personal responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears.
Explanation: Characters in Andersen’s stories frequently face fearsome situations, yet their bravery helps them to overcome these challenges.
Real-World Application: This illustrates to children the importance of courage and facing fears, which is essential in overcoming personal challenges and growing as individuals.