Wonderful Stories for Children
What’s inside...
"Wonderful Stories for Children" by Hans Christian Andersen was originally published in Dutch but was first translated into English in 1846 by Andersen's friend, Mary Howitt. This edition contains the original 1846 illustrations, which were in black and white. "Wonderful Stories for Children" was one of Andersen's first collections of fairy tales made available to English readers.
Age
0-12
Length
90 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Soldier
The Princess
Queen
King
Discussion points
What was your favorite story in the book and why did it stand out to you?
How did the characters in the story handle challenges or conflicts? What would you have done in their situation?
What is one lesson you learned from these stories that you think is important?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to a character in the book? What happened and how did you feel?
If you could add another story to this book, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pitch to match different characters and scenarios to make the stories more engaging and lively.
Ask follow-up questions: After discussing a key question, dig deeper by asking your child how they think a character’s actions could change the story’s outcome.
Relate stories to personal experiences: Encourage your child to draw parallels between the stories and their own life, which enhances understanding and empathy.
Encourage creativity: After reading, suggest drawing a scene or a character from the story, or even writing a continuation or an alternative ending.
Praise insightful responses: Acknowledge your child’s thoughts and perspectives to boost their confidence in expressing their viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: The stories in 'Wonderful Stories for Children' often depict characters who perform acts of kindness, eventually leading to positive outcomes for themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to help their friends, share their toys, and use kind words, reinforcing positive social interactions and empathy in their daily life.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Several tales focus on characters facing challenges but persisting despite difficulties, ultimately achieving their goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying when learning new skills, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, emphasizing the importance of determination and hard work.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Some stories highlight characters who exhibit greed and face negative consequences because of it, teaching a lesson through their experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to sharing and understanding the importance of being generous and thoughtful, rather than keeping everything to themselves.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The book celebrates creative stories that spark the imagination of its readers.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to dream, use their creativity in play or art, and appreciate the boundless possibilities of their own imagination.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Stories in the book that include elements of nature and its beings often teach respect and appreciation for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for the environment, observing nature responsibly, and understanding their role in preserving it for future generations.