Fairy tales and Aseop’s Fables are great classics that has great hidden message that children can learn from. Reading a variety of great classics, promotes a series of life-long skills such as heighten their imagination, critical-analytical skills, creativity and thinking skills as well as their problem-solving skills. Not to mention that it also teaches young children about diversity and acceptance. The tales can be so fun and engaging for these young emergent readers. Definitely an essential for the little ones’ childhood!

1. Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve/ Disney

Learning Point: Heroes are often link to man and that is a form of stereotyping that we should avoid. In the story Beauty and the Beast, woman can be a hero too! It was brave Belle who saved her father from the scary jail cell and also, freed Beast from the spell. Her selfless act to sacrifice herself so that her father can be set free may inspire children to care more for the people around them.

2. The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen

Learning Point: The ugly duckling was a victim of bullying who has suffers from verbal and physical abuse because of how it looks like. This is a great book that talks about life’s journey. We may be subjected to criticism, bullying, harsh situation as we grow but whoever perseverance on, will enjoy the sweetness at the end.

3. The Boy Who Cried Wolf is one of Aesop’s Fables

Learning Point: The shepherd boy who repeatedly tricks the villagers with fake cries has suffered the consequences. Tell a lie once, tell a lie twice, thrice is a truth, prepare for danger that arise. Definitely a great book to help young children understand the purpose of being truthful and minimize their likelihood to tell lies.

4. The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen

Learning Point: A king paraded in his inner wear and “invisible clothes” only to be exposed by a young boy’s innocent truth. This story paints a great picture to tell children that they should not be scared to tell the truth or pressurize in doing something that they know it isn’t right. Don’t be fooled by the fools and tell the truth.

5. The Lion and the Mouse is one of Aesop’s Fables

Learning Point: A lion captured a mouse and let it off only to be repay with kindness as the mouse rescue the lion from the hunter’s trap. It is a good learning point for children to know that they should not underestimate anyone’s capability or contribution.

6. Hansel and Gretel by Grimm Brothers

Learning Point: Sibling Hansel and Gretel lived in with their father and step-mother and was chased out of the house due to a shortage of food. The next thing they know, they were captured by the witch. This book serves as a good story to inculcate children about perseverance, being resilience and stranger danger.

7. The Tortoise and the Hare is one of Aesop’s Fables

Learning Point: The hare jeer at the tortoise and challenge him to a race, because of his over-confidence, he naps and wakes up to discover that the tortoise has win the race. This little story carries the value of how we should perseverance and not be complacent. Slow and steady with determination, we will win the race.

8. The Three Little Pigs by James Orchard Halliwell-Phillips

Learning Point: Three little pigs build their own little house from different materials but only the strongest house was able to withstand the woof’s plot. This story teaches young children not to be lazy and seek the easy way out. Instead, take effort to plan and execute it.

9. The Giant Turnip by Aleksandr Afanas’ev

Learning Point: A grandpa plants a seed which grows into a huge turnip that he himself was not able to pull it out. By gathering the strength of different villagers and animals, they were able to successfully pull out the turnip. The power of working hand-in-hand no matter each participants’ capability, has clearly demonstrated that teamwork leads to success.

Classic tales are passed down from generations and it can be for lunch-time delight and makes good bed-time stories. I love to read different classic tales and grew up reading them, even now. They gave a great balance between a world of fantasy and the reality. Tell me about the stories that you and your children love!

By Crystal Tan