The Story Collector: Stories Told and Retold (Folk and Fairy)
#1 of 5 in Folk and Fairy Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Susan Price's collection features interconnected stories centered around old Mr. Grimsby, the Story Collector, who gathers tales from various people he encounters. From his maid and her grandmother, to a hero of Waterloo who shares his stories for pairs of trousers, each character has a unique story to tell. The narrative culminates with Mr. Grimsby meeting the Churchyard Grim, a ghostly dog, and other characters at Heaven's Gate, where stories are exchanged before entering. This book explores the rich tradition of storytelling, weaving together wisdom, humor, and poignancy through masterfully crafted tales within tales.
Discussion points
What do you think is the moral of the story you just read?
How would you feel if you were in the shoes of one of the characters?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How do the characters in these stories show courage or kindness?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and what role would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the story to model how to think critically about what you read. Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them relate to the material. Encourage them to imagine different endings or continuations of the stories to foster creativity. Praise their responses and insights to build their confidence in expressing their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Through various folk and fairy tales, characters who practice honesty are rewarded, teaching children the value of being truthful.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being honest in their daily interactions, which builds trust with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: Stories in the book demonstrate how acts of kindness can lead to positive outcomes, encouraging children to be compassionate.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied when children choose to share, help others, and make inclusive decisions in school and at play.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Several tales illustrate negative outcomes when characters act out of greed, showing children why it is important to be generous and considerate.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value community and sharing over personal gain, which can help them build healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: The strength of perseverance
Explanation: Characters who face challenges but do not give up are often triumphant, teaching children the benefits of persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it be in learning new skills or solving problems with friends.
Example Lesson: The significance of making wise choices
Explanation: The book showcases how thoughtful decisions lead to better outcomes for characters, instilling the importance of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to think ahead and weigh options before making decisions, helping them in academics and personal life.