As far as we know, almost all of us at one point or another were read all sorts of different fairy tales when we were kids both in and outside of the classroom. For a huge number of us, they got the creative wheels turning. And for us who enjoy writing, they still serve as a huge well of inspiration. In this article, we’ll take a look at ten fairy tales every teacher should read to their young students and that every parent should read to their children.
1. “Cinderella” — Girls young and old everywhere absolutely love “Cinderella.” There are hundreds of different versions of this story throughout the world, whether it’s Rhodopis of Egypt, Ashenputtel of the Brothers Grimm (being the original German fairy tale), Tam Cam of Vietnam, Vasilisa the Fair from Russia or of course the famous Charles Perrault version. While some of the endings have been changed due to their graphic nature, each variant of “Cinderella” is unique in its own qualities and is nonetheless worth reading to young children, whatever part of the world they may be from. Also if ever there is the chance to see the Disney film, please do. It is absolutely timeless.
2. “Sleeping Beauty” — Just like “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty” has different versions from all over the world that people of all ages enjoy reading. Another Charles Perrault classic, “Sleeping Beauty” (a personal favorite of mine, especially the Disney version) is a story that kids of all ages will want to hear before bed and for those with an artistic mind, the illustrations are sure to spark a creative fire that would surely make Maleficent herself green with envy.
3. “The Son of Seven Mothers” — A tale from India that is little known in these parts of the world, “Son of Seven Mothers” tells the tale of a king who has seven wives and wishes to include the eighth who can transform herself into a beautiful golden deer. However, the girl is a witch who accuses the other seven wives of crimes they did not commit and are thrown into a dungeon with the youngest queen. She gives birth to a son who later saves them and marries a young peasant girl who aided him on his quest. Definitely a story worth reading to anyone, whatever age they may be.
4. “The Arabian Nights” — Okay, so this one was a little hard to narrow down, but the “Arabian Nights” boasts one of the most well-known tales which was later made into a Disney film (a totally awesome Disney film to boot!). Yes people, I am talking about Aladdin. Flying carpets, genies, desert fairies, talking birds, princes and princesses seeking their fortunes, the Arabian Nights is always worth reading and Scheherazade may just keep the little ones up later than usual with her amazing stories.
5. “Hansel and Gretel” — This story was downright terrifying to most of us as kids, however, it still resonates with young children because many times they can easily relate to being children themselves. There are many lessons to be taught when telling or listening to this particular tale, ones that will be passed on from one generation to the next.
6. “The Little Mermaid” — A rather tragic story with a happy ending, there are many different versions of The Little Mermaid throughout the world, the most famous being the one of Hans Christian Anderson. Yes, yes, I know I keep mentioning the Disney films for half these stories—but it’s impossible not to, seeing as these were the very stories that still continue to inspire writers and movie producers to this very day.
7. “Snow White” — Love it, love it, LOVE IT! Snow White is probably yet another famous Brothers’ Grimm fairy tale that nobody could ever resist reading. Mirror, mirror on the wall, this story is one of the most famous of them all! Who could forget those immortal words forever ingrained into our minds by the wicked queen? Who could ever ignore the sweetness of Snow White and the steadfast friendship of the dwarves who never left her side and the Prince who came to find her? “Snow White” is a tale that will live on forever in all minds whether they be young or old.
8. “Puss in Boots” — Circling back to famous tales that the French poet Charles Perrault had collected over the years, “Puss in Boots” relates the tale of a cobbler’s son who inherits a cat who uses trickery and deceit to gain wealth, power and the hand of a beautiful princess for the master’s penniless son. This tale, like many others has inspired both writers of books including Mercedes Lackey’s “Elemental Masters” series (my personal favorite book series) and more famously, Puss in Boots from an old childhood favorite, “Shrek.”
9. “Beauty and the Beast” — Certainly a story that defined many a childhood, “Beauty and the Beast” is described by many as “the greatest love story ever told,” and in a way, it may very well be true. “Beauty and the Beast” teaches a very valuable lesson, several in fact. It teaches that inner beauty is just as valuable as what is outside. People can redeem themselves and transform from something so hideous and ugly into something unbelievably beautiful.
10. “Rapunzel” — “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair,” cries both the prince and the witch in this memorable tale. Rapunzel is probably one of the best known of the Brothers’ Grimm stories that inspired the movie “Tangled.” Rapunzel with her golden hair swung her way into the hearts of many throughout the world, each with their own twist on the story yet the happily ever after remains. Both the original fairy tale and “Tangled” are as well beloved as they were all those years ago, thanks in part to the titular princess and her golden waves of hair.
There are so many other stories that could have fit onto this list, but it’s hard to do a top 10 list when there are so many other stories that have earned a place here. Whether one is young or old, a teacher or a student, there is no doubt that these stories are enjoyable at any age. For writers they are a well of creative inspiration as well as illustrators. As for young kids? We can only hope that they too will pass them on.