The Fairy Tale Stories

Fairy tales are imaginary stories. They do not exactly mean "there are fairies" but some kids and even adults associate these stories with magic, a big triumph of the characters, beautiful fairies, and life wonders. Sometimes they could be some fables and would involve animal and nature stories. The classification is huge for different cultures.

Let us peep into Storyland:

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by the Grimm Brothers
The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde
Snow White and Rose Red by the Grimm Brothers

1. Alice in Wonderland is a famous fairy tale. It was even filmed and shown this 2010.

This girl Alice dreams of going into another land through a hole. In Wonderland she meets talking cats, rabbits, a caterpillar and other animals. In Wonderland, everything comes to be awesome: the beautiful garden, the odd funny characters, magic beyond life and where you eat something there will be changes in sizes. Alice becomes bigger and smaller just by eating cake and drinking some potion. The queen of hearts is a fascinating character, as well.

Johnny Depp starrs in the movie as the "Madhatter."

2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

This story gives the idea of the wicked witch, the symbolic red apple, and the kind seven dwarves who are Snow White's best of friends. From the magic mirror that's full of magic and which shows the vanity of the stepmother, poor Snow White becomes part of the dwarf family. The dwarves are not-good looking creatures but their hearts are better than those people who deceive using beauty and influence.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest one of all?"

Kids learn from the genuine love of the prince and the kindness of the dwarves.

3. The Selfish Giant

The idea of this story inculcates to children what Jesus really is, what God can be. How meek and kind, he can be as a boy. The selfish giant and his beautiful garden is enliven - the time the giant becomes a friend of the children. The selfish giant changes to be generous upon knowing the humble Christ. This creates wonder especially when the giant dies with a smile on his face. What's God like? That even the giants and kings bow to him?

4. Snow White and Rose Red

Snow White and Rose Red are sisters brought up by their mother to be good daughters/children.

When a bear knocks at their door, they help the bear which turned into a handsome prince. Later the prince marries Snow White, and Rose Red marries the prince's brother. The two girls help the bear without waiting for any reward; but usually "Kindness reaps its fruits," and "Goodness gets its rewards."

Is Reading Fairy Tales And Scary Stories Harmful To Children?

Yesterday's fairy tales and today's scary books are filled with conflicting vivid imagery of both good and evil. It is no wonder that many parents pause when the wolf is seconds away from making a meal of Little Red Riding Hood or The Magic Treehouse's Jack and Annie are surrounded by circling sharks. Parents can't help but wonder if the scary content is harmful or if children are perceptive enough to internalize any dark meanings. Experts say the answer is no. Children take the stories at face value and nothing more. Well chosen fairy tales can even be learning tools if presented in the right way at the right time. Here is the nutshell version of rules to remember when reading fairy tales to children:

1. Use fairy tales to elicit discussions: Fairy tales often conveniently explore common issues children face as they come of age like the fear of abandonment, vanity, greed, envy and sibling rivalry, leaving those issues wide open for parent discussion.

2. Make sure the fairy tales you are reading aren't encouraging negative stereotypes: Watch for books that imply it pays to be physically pretty. This message can contribute to young women feeling they are inferior if they don't meet unrealistic standards of beauty. Counter any negative stereotypes by initiating frank discussions about any stereotypes a book contains.

3. Chose books which allow your child to witness victory: Pick books in which the main character transcends the events that challenge him to become a stronger person in the end.

4. Never force a book on an apprehensive child: Read any questionable books alone first. If there is any doubt whether the child is ready, wait. Consider forgoing movie versions for the corresponding book. Many book editors will greatly water down or even omit scary parts in collections for younger children.

5. Know that most kids know the difference between fantasy and reality: If your preschooler wants to hear Sleeping Beauty for the one hundredth time, be glad she wants to read. Children know the difference between reality and fantasy and can easily digest the enormity of a character's problem if it is presented in a fantasy-like fashion.

Most adults who read fairy tales and scary stories as children grew up with the full realization that mirrors don't engage in conversation and magic beans don't literally exist, but it can still fun to read about them. Isn't part of the enchantment of childhood believing in a little magic?

Magic in Stories For Younger Readers - Part Two - Fairy Tales

Traditional fairy tales are of course are filled with magic, with witches, wizards, spell books and magical objects often featuring in the stories associated with the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson and others. Its no coincidence that the most well known and best loved stories for children, often classic tales of the eternal battle between the forces of good and evil, are fantasy based and involve magic.

These range from the myths and legends prevalent in ancient cultures around the globe through classic tales like Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and Cinderella, through Alice in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, and Peter Pan, to The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and many more.

Many such stories that have become more familiar with children, often mostly from Disney movies in recent decades, are filled with strong magical themes and easily recognizable characters. Cinderella of course has her wicked stepmother and step sisters, along with her fairy godmother, a warm hearted grandmotherly figure, plus the handsome prince.

Disney's The Sword in the Stone features a bumbling old man as the version of Merlin tutoring the young Arthur, but Merlin is also a well known as a powerful wizard who is dangerous to his enemies, and also offers counsel and acts as a loyal friend to the future king. In Beauty and the Beast, the prince has been cursed by a witch and the enchantment can only be lifted by the appearance of true love, a frequent theme of sacrifice in tales involving magic.