Thumbelina/Pulgarcita
Bilingual Fairy Tales Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (16,016)
What’s inside...
Retold in both Spanish and English, the universally loved story Thumbelina will delight early readers and older learners alike. The striking illustrations give a new look to this classic tale, and the bilingual text makes it perfect for both home and classroom libraries.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Thumbelina felt when she was on her journey? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What do you think is the most important lesson Thumbelina learned from her adventures?
Thumbelina met many characters along the way. Which character would you want to be friends with and why?
How do you think the story would change if Thumbelina made different decisions? What would you have done in her place?
What does this story teach us about the importance of courage and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions to foster confidence.
Use the journey of Thumbelina as a metaphor to discuss your child’s own personal growth and accomplishments.
Discuss the various characters with your child, focusing on their traits and actions, to help them understand different perspectives and moral values.
Relate the challenges faced by Thumbelina to real-life situations your child may encounter, encouraging them to think about how they might use the lessons from the book in their own life.
Highlight Thumbelina's resilience and kindness throughout her journey, encouraging your child to think about how they can demonstrate these qualities in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Thumbelina consistently shows kindness to others throughout her journey, despite her challenges and size.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of being kind to others, regardless of their circumstances or differences, fostering empathy and social skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles and being much smaller than those around her, Thumbelina remains determined and hopeful.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to remain resilient and hopeful, even when facing difficulties or when they feel overwhelmed by the world around them.
Example Lesson: The significance of staying true to oneself
Explanation: Thumbelina never loses sight of who she is and her values, even when faced with the prospect of marriages she doesn’t want.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of self-identity and making choices that are true to themselves, rather than succumbing to external pressures.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore the unknown
Explanation: Thumbelina embarks on a courageous journey, exploring new environments and meeting new creatures.
Real-World Application: The narrative encourages children to embrace new experiences and the learning that comes with it, promoting personal growth and curiosity.