Childhood seems incomplete without fairy tales. After all, it’s that one magical phase of life where we believe anything is possible. A cow flying across the moon? Of course! A bear cooking spaghetti for a young girl? Why not! There’s a reason these wondrous stories have captured kids’ imaginations for generations.
But fairy tale stories provide so much more than entertainment. They also offer important benefits to the development of young minds. Learn about these benefits, and find out which famous fairy tales you can read with your kids on Epic!
Fuel Imagination
Fairy tales help kids tap into their imaginations. Fantastical characters and magical settings take them outside of everyday life. These stories stimulate kids’ minds and inspire vivid mental images. With their creativity activated, kids can begin to express their own unique ideas and stories—once that happens, the possibilities really are endless.
Understand Emotions
Kids are emotional creatures, and fairy tales help them make sense of all their big feelings. They get to confront their own real-life emotions in a fantastical setting as they experience love, happiness, sadness, fear and surprise through their favorite characters. Fairy tale stories teach kids that it’s possible to overcome adversity and find your happily ever after.
Cultivate Empathy
Fairy tales help kids see the world through other points of view, building compassion and understanding. They teach young readers to see beyond appearances, from the plight of a misunderstood dragon to the bravery of a humble princess. Ultimately, kids learn that their actions have consequences, and that good things come to those who are kind to others.
Build Problem-Solving Skills
So many fairy tales inspire kids to find creative ways out of challenging situations. Whether it’s a princess escaping a tower or a young boy outsmarting a giant, kids see how some of their favorite characters think outside the box. These stories of triumph teach kids to believe in their own abilities to overcome challenges.
Enhance Vocabulary
All reading helps build kids’ vocabularies, and fairy tale stories are no exception. Fairy tales are often filled with descriptive language and expressive dialogue. They also tend to employ figurative language and word play, exposing kids to similes, metaphors and idiomatic expressions. With fun characters and settings, fairy tales introduce kids to new words and concepts in a captivating way.
Now that we’ve established the benefits of fairy tales for kids, here are some favorites you can enjoy with your little ones right here on Epic!
Thumbelina
Narrated by: Kelly McGillis
Illustrated by: David Johnson
Age range: 3-10 years
Simple text and captivating illustrations are paired with beautiful music and fun sound-effects to help tell this classic tale. When a good-hearted poor peasant gives her last loaf of bread to a beggar, she’s given a corn seed in return. In the morning, a beautiful flower appears with a tiny young lady inside. The peasant woman names her Thumbelina. Find out what happens when an old ugly frog takes Thumbelina to be his son’s wife.
Little Red Riding Hood
Retold by: Gaby Goldsack
Illustrated by: Dubravka Kolanovic
Age range: 3-7 years
The classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood comes to life in this vibrant retelling perfect for beginning readers. Designed to encourage vocabulary development and help children read aloud, this story uses larger font types and vivid, contemporary illustrations to help early learning skills. It’s a perfect addition to any children’s library.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs:
Retold by: Ronne Randall
Illustrated by: Jacqueline East
Age range: 5-7 years
This clear, simple retelling of the classic children’s story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs helps with children’s speech and language skills as they learn their first words. Ideal for ages 3 and over, this beautiful picture book with vibrant, fun illustrations is the perfect way to get children reading and enjoying a timeless fairy tale.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears:
Retold by: Candice Ransom
Illustrated by: Laura.J.Bryant
Age range: 3-5 years
In this beloved tale, the three bears are in for quite a surprise when they return home and realize that a curious girl has made herself at home in their cottage. Kids will eagerly continue reading to see what the bears do when they find their dinner all eaten up!
We hope you enjoy these famous fairy tale stories with your kids! For more fairy tales on Epic, check out our collection.
