Tatterhood and Other Tales
#2 in Feminist Folk Tales from Around the World Series
on Goodreads (619)
What’s inside...
These twenty-five traditional tales come from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. All the central characters are spirited females—decisive heroes of extraordinary courage, wit, and achievement who set out to determine their own fate. Some of their stories are comic, some adventurous, some eerie, and some magical. The Chicago Sun-Times writes: 'A sparkling gathering of traditional, yet little-known, tales from all parts of the globe. The female characters manage to outsmart, outdo, and overpower the villains with nerves of steel, cunning minds, and disarming senses of humor.'
Character compass
Tatterhood
Queen
Tatterhood'S Sister
Discussion points
What do you think makes Tatterhood different from other heroines in the stories we've read?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Tatterhood?
Why do you think the author chose to have magical elements in these tales?
How do the characters in the stories show kindness or courage?
What would you do if you were in Tatterhood’s place in any of the tales?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection with the themes.
Discuss the various characters and their actions to help your child understand different perspectives and moral lessons.
Highlight moments in the story where characters overcome challenges, discussing how resilience and bravery are important qualities.
Use the magical elements of the tales to spark imagination, asking your child how they might use magic to solve problems or help others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment and bravery
Explanation: The story 'Tatterhood' features a fearless girl who takes on challenges head-on, undeterred by societal expectations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique qualities and face challenges with courage, promoting self-confidence in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'The Three Aunts', characters performing acts of kindness are rewarded, teaching the value of being kind to others.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to practice kindness daily, understanding that their actions impact others positively.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: In 'The Widow's Son', the son's choices lead to various outcomes, highlighting the importance of decision-making.
Real-World Application: This story helps children understand that their choices have consequences, guiding them to think before acting.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Many tales, like 'The Pancake', show characters succeeding through persistence, underscoring the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Children learn the merit of persistence in overcoming obstacles, be it in studies, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Stories like 'East of the Sun and West of the Moon' explore themes of love and sacrifice, teaching empathy towards others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their interactions with friends and family, fostering stronger relationships and compassion.