The Hut in the Forest (Grimm's Fairy Tales)
Grimm's Fairy Tales Series
What’s inside...
A woodcutter's daughter comes across a small house in the woods with an old man, a hen, a rooster and a spotted cow. She makes dinner for the man but not the animals -- and doesn't return home the next day. Her younger sister follows. Finally, the youngest sister finds the hut. What will happen to her? This is a classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm about selflessness and looking after everyone equally. Beautiful, atmospheric illustrations bring this classic Grimm's fairytale to life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Third Daughter
Cow
The Hen
The Cock
Woodcutter
The Second Daughter
The First Daughter
The Old Man (Prince)
Discussion points
What do you think the hut in the forest represents in the story?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the tale?
What lessons do the characters learn during their adventure?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the setting of the hut and describe it in their own words.
Discuss the moral of the story with your child and how it might apply to their own life.
Ask your child to pick a favorite character and explain why they made that choice.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to situations your child may encounter, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Highlight the elements of the story that focus on courage and making wise choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and helping others
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist generously helps an elderly woman, who later reveals herself as a magical being and rewards her for her kindness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of helping others without expecting anything in return, fostering a sense of empathy and community involvement.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Other characters in the story display greedy behavior and ultimately face negative outcomes, contrasting with the protagonist's kindness.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be content with what they have and that being greedy can lead to undesirable consequences.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist bravely ventures into the forest and the unfamiliar hut, facing challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace new experiences and challenges, promoting resilience and personal growth.
Example Lesson: The reward of perseverance
Explanation: Despite the difficulties faced in the forest, the protagonist perseveres and ultimately gains a reward, showing that endurance through hardship can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This story can motivate children to persevere through their own challenges, whether in school, sports, or personal goals.