A Fairy Tale Beginning

As I mentioned in my post yesterday about the Sisters Grimm, fractured fairy tales are everywhere these days, and for good reason—they are fun! But you'll find them even more entertaining when you know the real story behind them. So before you dive into modern takes on these classic tales, get familiar with the original version first.

You'll find some startling stories awaiting you in the works of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and their yarn-spinning counterparts in other countries. But, despite what can sometimes seem like fairly brutal tales, don't shy away from the complete text of the original version. Certainly, you'll need to preview the story ahead of time and gauge whether it's appropriate for your child's stage of development; however, the rich, complex language is a large part of the fairy tale experience and deserves to be enjoyed in full.

These tales are deeply woven into the fabric of our culture. Whether or not, as adults, we remember the specific plots and characters, fairy tales are a major component of our collective folklore. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of these celebrated stories:

• Get a good translation. Here's the version of The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales we bought eight (!) years ago to read to Ben.
• Read fairy tales aloud, and don't rush it. Take your time, using a clear voice.
• The lack of pictures is a good thing. Imagination will provide abundant illustration in the minds of your listeners. Have them draw what they see, even if it is just expressive colors.
• Consider reading one story several times in a week, perhaps even acting it out with simple dolls or yourselves.
• Once you tackle the basics of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and solo stories like Perrault's Cinderella, branch out into other cultures and genres—Greek mythology, Aesop's fables, Native American stories, African folktales and more. There is a wealth of wonderful stories out there, and reading these to your children is a great way to lay a foundation for future explorations in world history.
• And don't miss this National Geographic site presenting 12 unvarnished tales from the Brothers Grimm!