The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales
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What’s inside...
This compilation of ten short fairy tales, called 'Fairly Stupid Tales', offers a humorous and irreverent twist on classic stories. Some of the featured tales include 'The Stinky Cheese Man', a humorous take on the Gingerbread Man, and 'The Really Ugly Duckling', which subverts expectations by turning into a really ugly swan instead of a beautiful one. These mad, hilarious versions of children's favorite tales make up a unique and riotous collection that has also been recognized as a Caldecott Honor Book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
52 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite twist on a classic fairy tale in 'The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales,' and why?
How do the characters in the book solve their problems differently from the original fairy tales?
If you could create a silly version of any fairy tale, which one would it be and what would you change?
What do you think the author wanted us to learn from these funny stories?
How did the illustrations add to the humor of the stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions on the book's unconventional approach to fairy tales. Ask them to think about why the author might have chosen to retell these stories in a humorous way. Discuss the importance of creativity and how looking at stories from different perspectives can be both fun and insightful. You can also extend the activity by creating your own 'silly' versions of other classic tales together, enhancing their understanding of narrative structure and boosting creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The book presents familiar fairy tales with a humorous and creative twist, encouraging children to think outside traditional storylines.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems and situations in unique ways, fostering inventive thinking that can be applied in school projects or daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: By subverting typical fairy tale expectations, the book prompts readers to question and analyze the stories rather than accepting them at face value.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a habit of questioning and critically evaluating information they encounter in media, advertisements, and conversations.
Example Lesson: Humor Appreciation
Explanation: The book's playful take on classic tales introduces children to the concept of parody and satire, developing an understanding of humor.
Real-World Application: Understanding and appreciating humor aids in social interactions and can enhance their ability to cope with stress through laughter.
Example Lesson: Flexibility in Storytelling
Explanation: Stories like ‘The Other Frog Prince’ teach that a story can have multiple perspectives and endings, promoting flexible thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to understand that there are often many ways to view a situation, promoting empathy and adaptable thinking in social scenarios.