Swedish Folk Tales
on Goodreads (573)
What’s inside...
John Bauer's original, evocative illustrations bring these classic Swedish folk tales to life in a collection that comprises 29 stories, including works by Elsa Beskow, Anna Wahlenberg, Alfred Smedberg, Helena Nyblom, P.A. Lindholm, and Harald Ostenson.
Age
5-9
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the choices the characters made in the story? How would you have reacted in their situation?
Which folktale was your favorite and why?
How do you think the setting influenced the story? Can you imagine these tales happening anywhere else?
What lessons do you think these tales teach us?
If you could add your own character to one of the tales, who would they be and what role would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the folktales, relate them to the child's own experiences to make the tales more relevant and absorbing.
Encourage the child to draw scenes or characters from the tales as you discuss, helping them visualize and connect more deeply with the story.
Ask the child to guess what might happen next in a tale before the outcome is revealed, fostering their prediction skills and keeping them engaged.
Share your own interpretations of the tales and encourage your child to offer different perspectives, nurturing their critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: The tales in 'Swedish Folk Tales' often depict characters rewarded for their generosity and kindness towards others, regardless of their status or species.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to act kindly towards others in their daily interactions, creating a supportive and compassionate environment.
Example Lesson: The value of bravery
Explanation: Many stories highlight young heroes who face fearsome creatures or daunting challenges, demonstrating courage and determination.
Real-World Application: This reinforces to children the importance of confronting their fears and the value of perseverance in overcoming obstacles in school or during social activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: These folk tales are deeply embedded in natural settings that portray the beauty and power of the natural world, often intertwining characters’ fates with their environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages an appreciation for nature among children, promoting activities like recycling, conservation, and the enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: In these tales, characters who exhibit greed often face negative outcomes, teaching the repercussions of selfish behaviors.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of sharing and being considerate of others’ needs in their own lives, such as at home or in school.
Example Lesson: The strength of cleverness and wit
Explanation: Several stories showcase protagonists solving problems or escaping peril through their smart and inventive actions.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of using intelligence and creativity to solve problems, encouraging children to think critically and innovatively in their everyday life and academic pursuits.