Evergreen Classics Series
Grimms' Fairy Tales: Evergreen Classics
What’s inside...
A collection of fairy tales originally recorded by German folklore researchers and brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, featuring well-known stories such as 'Cinderella,' 'Snow White,' 'Hansel and Gretel,' and many more. These tales have been translated into multiple languages and have been adapted into countless forms of entertainment, impacting culture and morals over generations. Like Sleeping Beauty awakening from her 100-year slumber, these childhood favorites arise fresh and blooming every time they're read. This new compilation of some of the world's greatest fairy tales abounds in timeless stories of the struggle of good against evil, bravery in the face of overwhelming danger, and virtue rewarded with everlasting love. Told to Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm almost two centuries ago by European storytellers, the tales possess all of the most engaging elements of folklore — from magic spells and enchanted frogs to a colorful cast of noble princes, lovely maidens, giants, witches, and other fantastic characters. These forty-five unabridged stories, selected from the more than 200 collected by the Brothers Grimm, include such unforgettable classics as 'Snow White,' 'The Elves and the Shoemaker,' 'The Brave Little Tailor,' 'The Golden Goose,' 'Hansel and Gretel,' 'Little Red Riding Hood,' 'Rumpelstiltskin,' 'Rapunzel,' and 'Tom Thumb.'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which fairy tale did you enjoy the most, and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the characters felt during their challenges? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of their stories? How can you apply these lessons in your own life?
If you could change one part of your favorite story, what would it be and why?
How do the magical elements in the fairy tales help to tell the story? Can you think of a magical element you would add to a story of your own?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the narratives by asking them to consider the characters' perspectives and emotions. Connect the moral lessons of the tales to real-life situations your child may encounter, which promotes empathy and problem-solving skills. Use the imaginative settings and magical elements to spark creative thinking and ask your child to invent their own fairy tale. Remember, there are no wrong answers in these discussions; the goal is to foster a love of reading and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of making wise choices
Explanation: Many tales in Grimms' Fairy Tales, such as 'Hansel and Gretel,' depict characters facing crucial decisions that affect their outcomes significantly.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices have consequences and are encouraged to think carefully before making decisions.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Stories like 'The Fisherman and His Wife' show characters persisting through challenges, emphasizing the importance of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether it's in completing a task or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: In 'The Golden Goose,' the protagonists' greedy actions lead to negative outcomes, teaching readers about the pitfalls of excessive greed.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of being content and not coveting more than they need, promoting generosity and empathy.
Example Lesson: The strength of cleverness and intelligence
Explanation: Characters like the clever Gretel in 'Hansel and Gretel' use their wits to overcome obstacles, highlighting intelligence as a valuable trait.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their intellect and resourcefulness to navigate various situations in school and in social interactions.
Example Lesson: The impact of kindness
Explanation: In 'Cinderella,' acts of kindness lead to positive outcomes, while cruelty is frowned upon, underscoring the value of being kind to others.
Real-World Application: This narrative instills the virtue of kindness in children, teaching them to treat others with compassion and respect in their daily interactions.