Thumbelina
MY VERY FIRST FAIRY TALES Series
What’s inside...
Thumbelina is a story about a tiny girl who emerges from a flower and embarks on a series of adventures with various creatures, including toads, beetles, and moles. She faces multiple challenges and overcomes them with her courage and kindness, ultimately finding true love and happiness. This Hans Christian Andersen Children's Fairy Tale Collection is a timeless classic, featuring 48 of the most beloved fairy tales of all time. Beautifully and carefully retold, these stories are sure to captivate and enchant readers of all ages. With its captivating stories and timeless themes, this Hans Christian Andersen collection is a true classic that will be cherished for generations to come. Included in this volume are timeless classics, sure to delight readers young and old alike. Included in this volume This paperback, non-illustrated volume is designed to be both readable and giftable -- its attractive typsetting and standard font size make it perfect for reading aloud to a child,or for a child to read him or herself. This collection uses the highly readable and child appropriate translations by J.H. Stickney, first published in the 19th century. Eupator's Classics' Scandinavian Classics Collection is dedicated to preserving and highlighting the best and most significant classic works of Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Icelandic literature in English translation, including works by Ludvig Holberg, Henrik Ibsen, August Strindberg, Björnstjerne Björnson, Snorri Sturlson, Jens Peter Jacobsen, Knut Hamsun, Hans Christian Andersen, Adam Oehlenschläger, Martin Andersen Nexø, Selma Lagerlöf, Sigrid Undset, and many more. Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a renowned Danish author, poet and playwright. He is best known for his fairy tales and is often referred to as the Father of Fairy Tales. His most famous works include “The Little Mermaid”, “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Emperor's New Clothes”. Andersen was a creative genius who crafted unique stories that resonated with readers of all ages. His works have been translated into more than 150 languages and have become part of our collective culture. Born in Odense, Denmark, Hans Christian Andersen was the son of a poor shoemaker. Despite his humble beginnings, he was a natural storyteller, and by the age of 14 had written his first play. At age 19, he moved to Copenhagen, where he wrote and published his first book of fairy tales. His stories were immediately popular and gained him much acclaim. Andersen was an innovator who pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling. He created stories that were not only entertaining, but also had deeper meanings. His stories were often filled with poignant observations about life and human nature. He believed that stories should be accessible to all, regardless of social class or background. Throughout his career, Hans Christian Andersen wrote over 150 fairy tales, six novels and a number of plays, short stories and poems. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest storytellers of all time. He remains an inspiration to generations of readers and writers. His timeless stories continue to enchant and entertain audiences around the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Thumbelina was kind to the animals she met, even when she was facing her own challenges?
What would you do if you were Thumbelina and found yourself in a strange, new place?
How do you think Thumbelina felt when she met someone just like her at the end of the story?
What did Thumbelina learn on her journey that helped her grow?
How can we help others, like Thumbelina did, in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight Thumbelina's empathy and kindness throughout her journey to help your child understand the importance of these qualities.
Discuss Thumbelina's various encounters and ask your child how they might feel in those situations, promoting empathy and self-awareness.
Point out the moments when Thumbelina makes friends and ask your child about their friendships and how they support each other.
Encourage your child to think about what they would do in Thumbelina’s place, which can help them develop problem-solving skills and confidence.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the story, helping them express their understanding and feelings about the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Thumbelina faces various challenges, including being kidnapped by a toad and nearly forced into unwanted marriages. However, she consistently finds ways to escape and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome difficulties and face adversity with courage, applying this resilience in scenarios like tackling a tough school project or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: Despite her own hardships, Thumbelina shows compassion and aids the injured swallow, nursing him back to health.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy and helping others in need, which can be practiced in everyday life by supporting a friend or helping a family member.
Example Lesson: Self-worth
Explanation: Thumbelina never gives up on finding where she truly belongs, despite the daunting circumstances and unsuitable suitors she encounters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value themselves and seek out environments and relationships that respect and support their true selves.
Example Lesson: Adventurous spirit
Explanation: Thumbelina's journey is marked by curiosity and exploration, leading her to ultimately discover her true home among the fairies.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore new interests and ideas, teaching them that curiosity can lead to fulfilling experiences and self-discovery.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Thumbelina meets a variety of characters who are vastly different from her, yet she learns to understand and accept these differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diversity and foster inclusivity among their peers, regardless of differences in appearance, background, or beliefs.