Fairy Tales from the German Forests
on Goodreads (225)
What’s inside...
Fairy Tales from the German Forests, written by Margaret Arndt under the pen name Frau Arndt, is a collection of captivating fairy tales steeped in German culture. Published around 1913, the high-quality paperback edition includes stories like 'What's the use of it?', 'The Engineer and the Dwarfs', 'Käthchen and the Kobold', and 'The Witch's Granddaughter'. These tales, which are different from the Grimm Brothers' style, are presented in a Victorian-style narrative and are embellished with an introduction and cover illustration by G.K. Chesterton, a cousin of Arndt's husband. This book is a valuable addition for those who appreciate folklore and fairy tales.
Age
5-10
Length
200 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite fairy tale from the book, and what did you like the most about it?
How would you feel if you were in a similar situation as one of the characters in the tales?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of their stories?
If you could change one thing in any of the tales, what would it be and why?
Which character did you relate to the most and what did you learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage imaginative thinking by asking your child to envision themselves in the mystical settings of the German forests. Discuss the morals found in each tale and relate them to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to empathize and make ethical decisions. Emphasize the cultural aspects by exploring how these tales differ from or resemble those from your own family’s heritage or other familiar stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: Throughout 'Fairy Tales from the German Forests', various characters demonstrate kindness to others, often leading to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice kindness in their daily interactions, understanding that small acts of generosity can make a big difference in others' lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Several stories in the book highlight characters who face challenges but succeed by not giving up.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to persist through difficulties in school or while learning new skills, reinforcing that determination often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in the book who make poor choices often face repercussions, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of thinking before acting and the potential long-term effects of their choices on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Honest characters in the stories are often rewarded, while deceitful ones face consequences, emphasizing the benefits of truthfulness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be honest in their dealings with family, friends, and at school, building trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The setting of the German forests is depicted with reverence, teaching children to appreciate and care for the environment.
Real-World Application: Instills in children a sense of responsibility towards nature and an understanding of the importance of environmental conservation.