Fairy Tale Books
Fairy tales have long been a popular genre. They began as tales that were handed down, often moral tales that conveyed life lessons to help youngsters learn how to act as they grew. Many tales were terribly gruesome. The Brother's Grimm were exceptionally grim.
There is no question that these stories tell the reader something about the society in which he or she lives. The Stinky Cheese Man is a perfect example of a book that is of its time and also comments on human nature. The story about the Frog Prince is expecially apropos. It deals with the relatively slimy nature of human relationships.
Indeed, this is an important aspect of children's literature. They are designed to teach children how to deal with life itself, and at the same time expand the imagination. Stories deal with good and evil, right and wrong, life and death.
Another great aspect of children's fairy tales is that a well-written book can help a child expand his or her vocabulary, and at the same time be thoroughly entertained. W.J. Rayment's Grezundl and the Frog Prince is one of those books that help stretch a child's mind, and some would even say, stretch the adult mind. Rayment tells his story in a fascinating and florid manner. Some of the words are big, but they are used in a way to make the context is clear. A great learning tool for both bed time story and the classroom.
Reading fairy tales can spill over into pretend and dress-up play. Again this benefits social interaction and can even lead to involvement in the dramatic arts. This kind of role-playing can even be conducted in video games, or at online websites.
All in all, reading fairy tales can be a healthy experience.