Fairy Tales are traditional stories that have often been passed down orally through time. These stories usually feature magical elements such as as fairies, unicorns, castles, forests, and special powers.
Author: Leigh Hodgkinson
Publisher Info: Candlewick Press, 2012
Description: A bear is taking a nice stroll through the woods, but soon finds himself lost in the big city! After trying to find his way around, he decides to find somewhere to rest...but who does this fine place belong to? Children are sure to have fun making connections to the original "Goldilocks and The Three Bears" as they watch bear look for a place that is "just right".
Evaluation: This story provides a fun take on the original "Goldilocks and The Three Bears" by reversing the roles of the characters. The bright and busy illustrations within the story would make it fun for any young child to read and explore the pages. The silly things that bear does on his journey are also sure to make students laugh. The story also provides a twist at the end that is perfect for helping readers make connections to the original story.
Usage: This resource would be best for preschool through second grade students (ages 3-8) to create curiosity in fairy tales. Reading both this book and the original story would provide a perfect way for students to work on comparing and contrasting similar stories. Students will also be able to practice their inferencing skills as they guess what may happen next based on prior knowledge of the original fairytale.
Rumpelstiltskin
Author: Paul O. Zelinsky
Publisher Info: E. P. Dutton (First edition, 1986)
Description: Rumpelstiltskin is a richly illustrated retelling of the classic German fairy tale. This version centers on a miller's daughter who must spin straw into gold to save her life, aided by the mysterious Rumpelstiltskin. The narrative explores themes of greed, deception, and the consequences of making deals with unknown entities.
Evaluation:This retelling of the story is beautifully illustrated. It combines rich Renaissance-style artwork with an engaging narrative that captivates young readers. The story teaches valuable lessons about promises, consequences, and cleverness. It's widely praised for its visual depth and narrative integrity, making it a standout in children’s literature.
Usage: This book is a valuable resource in elementary classrooms for teaching storytelling, character development, and moral lessons. It can be used to help students understand fairy tale structure, expand vocabulary, and explore themes such as honesty, consequences, and cleverness. The book also supports cross-curricular learning through art analysis of the detailed illustrations and role-playing activities that build speaking and listening skills. Its timeless narrative makes it engaging and educational for young readers.
Federico and the Wolf
Author: Rebecca J. Gomez
Publisher: Clarion Books, 2020
Description: Federico and the Wolf is a playful, modern twist on Little Red Riding Hood that celebrates Hispanic culture through a vibrant bilingual journey. Join clever Federico as he visits his Abuelo’s mercado and faces a sneaky, taco-loving lobo, with a surprising and spicy twist! A fun, rhythmic retelling full of Spanish words, delicious food, and familia love.
Evaluation: This is a vibrant, multicultural twist on a traditional fairy tale that seamlessly blends Hispanic heritage with a modern, playful storyline. Its bilingual elements, colorful illustrations, and relatable characters make it an engaging read for children of all backgrounds, offering endless possibilities for classroom discussions, library storytimes, and cultural exploration. A delightful tool for fostering inclusivity, language learning, and imagination.
Usage: This is an excellent resource for students in grades K-3, as its familiar storyline allows for easy adaptation to various lessons. It’s perfect for compare and contrast activities, story sequencing, introducing the fairy tale genre, and celebrating Hispanic culture. Teachers can also use the included salsa recipe to inspire engaging ELA lessons focused on writing descriptive recipes, making it a versatile and culturally enriching addition to the classroom.
Resource Overview By : J. Deel