Grimms' Fairy Tales

Grimms’ Fairy Tales
(The Frog Prince, Brother and Sister, Rapunzel, and Snow White)
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
Cathay books
Copyright: Artia, Prague 1979
Pages: 248
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Genre: Fairy Tales

Summary (The Frog Prince):
There was a king who had many daughters and who were all beautiful but the youngest was the most beautiful. His youngest daughter’s favorite pastime was to sit in the forest and throw her golden ball and then catch it. One day the ball fell into the well and she cried loud and long. A frog appears asking her why she’s crying. She confides that she dropped her ball and she can’t retrieve it. The frog promises that he will fetch it for her if she will let him eat off her plate, play with her and sleep in her bed. She agrees and when he fetches it she denies him and returns home. While eating dinner that night, there is a commotion outside. The frog had followed her home. The King orders her to keep her promise so she lets the frog eat off her plate, and sleep in her bed. The frog irritates her so much she throws him. When he falls he turns into a Prince and explains that he was cursed and that they will go to his kingdom. His man-servant Henry finds them and takes them to the kingdom. Henry is so happy that the bands around his heart burst.


Who would benefit from reading this book?
Most any children could benefit from these fairytales, as long as they’re not easily frightened. They teach fairness, and that the world is not always nice.


Any Problems?
Parents might find some of the stories violent and unfair. Many of the themes focus around a “Prince Charming” which could cause problems for the parents who want their girls to be independent.


My Reaction: I used to love the fairytales, but now they seem fake and obnoxious. For example: In The Frog Prince, the princess throws the frog, he turns into a prince and they get married. It’s not exactly realistic. I suppose this is the point.