Once Upon a Timers
Aesop
Where else can we begin than with that remarkable Roman slave, Aesop? Although little is known about his life, his stories, with their excellent morals and memorable characters, remain with us. No one's education is complete without having read his works!
The Brothers Grimm
The great compilers of German Folklore and Legend, the Brother's Grimm are a priceless treasure trove for some of the world's most beloved fairy tales.
1001 Arabian Nights
Although primarily a collection of Muslim, and some far Eastern legends, 1001 Arabian Night (variously attributed) is another classic with which to delight an mystify the young mind. For a sense of wonder, there are no better story-tellers than those of the East and the Orient!
Hans Christian Anderson
The poetry and poignancy of Anderson's original and adapted fairy tales make his children's works a delight to read.
Charles Perrault
From Germany and Denmark to France! Perrault is perhaps best known as the man who popularised the Cinderella legend for Western Civilisation. His stories are not original, and tend to be more stark in their telling. The good are thoroughly rewarded, but the bad are thorougly punished. Recommended for pre-teens and teenagers who are looking for a transition from children's literature to adult.
George MacDonald
A Scottish Calvinist, C. S. Lewis said of him that from George MacDonald he learnt the beauty of goodness. Often subtly ironic, often strangly surrealistic, MacDonald's work holds something for nearly every age group.
(c) 2000
Aesop's FablesLiterary Quality:
Over 80 fables are included in this beautifully illustrated collection, including "The Tortoise and the Hare," "Sour Grapes," "The Pot and the Kettle," and many more! The morals taught are excellent and lasting - a must for everyone's collection.
Christian Morality: Excellent
Age Appropriateness: ChildThe Complete Grimms' Fairy TalesLiterary Quality:
Containing over 200 fairy tales, including Snow White, Rapunzel, Rumplstilskin, King Thrushbeard, Thousandfurs, Hansel and Gretel, The Musicians of Brehmen, and many more, this is a must for any would-be fantasy lover. Do bear in mind, though, that although Grimms toned down several of the more gruesome stories (i.e., Little Red Riding Hood), squeamish children might find one or two of these stories a little too scary. Not meant to be read straight through.
Christian Morality: Excellent
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-Teen1001 Arabian NightsLiterary Quality:
Including such tales as "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," and "Aladdin," this book is an excellent collection of fairy tales. The source is primarily Muslim, etc., but the general morality is very good. Like all fairy tales, there are a few which are grisly, including the frame story of Sheherezade who must tell a story a night in order to win her life in the day from the disgruntled Shah. And, yes, there really are 1001 tales.
Christian Morality: Good
Age Appropriateness: Child/Pre-TeenThe Complete Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales Literary Quality:
Containing such classics as Thumbelina, The Little Match Girl, The Ugly Duckling, The Snow Queen and The Little Mermaid. Not meant to be read straight through. A little sad but not too scary.
Christian Morality: Excellent
Age Appropriateness: Children/Pre-TeenThe Complete Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault Literary Quality:
Containing such classics as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Rose Red & Snow White, and the infamous Bluebeard, Perrault retells the classic fairy tales in their original, sometimes terribly grim, form. Not for small children. A good transition for those seeking for older stories. Excellent literary merit for his contribution to the development of the fantasy genre.
Christian Morality: Good
Age Appropriateness: Pre-Teen/Teenager
All of his other (numerous) books are also recommended, and are available here. Sadly, what with school, work, etc., it's been far too long since I've read his other books to give an adequate review. The above will whet the mental taste, and hopefully stimulate you to read his other wonderful books! The Complete Fairy TalesLiterary Quality:
A collection of his shorter original fairy tales, including The Golden Key and The Light Princess. MacDonald is a master of revealing Truths through the guise of the otherworldly.
Christian Morality: Excellent
Age Appropriateness: Children/Pre-Teen The Princess and the Goblin
The Princess and Curdie
Literary Quality:
A duology chronicalling two children's lives as they battle goblins and death, as well as learning about human nature. Almost allegorical, terribly exciting and chock full of excellent morals, these two books are heartily recommended.
Christian Morality: Excellent
Age Appropriateness: Children/Pre-Teen
Updated 6 October, 2000
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