Tag: Fairy Tale Friday

3 Billy Goats Gruff-Fairy Tale Fridays

Tif Talks Books hosts fairy tale fridays and today is discussing The Philosopher’s Stone by H.C. Andersen.  I’ve never heard of this fairy tale but I do know the idea from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and after reading Tif’s post I have to agree-J.K. did it better.

I am finishing up our fairy tale unit with 2nd grade students this week and we’ve had such a blast acting out Little Red Riding Hood and talking about all the elements that make up a good fairy tale.  Acting out the tale has really  made a difference in their understanding. And they love wearing a costume-although their was some heated disputes about the lead role!  I wish I’d taken photos or flipcam video of some of the skits.  There’s a Wolf at the Door with its 5 tales has them excited due to its fun content and size-they love that it is oversized!!

I did read Three Billy Goats Gruff retold and illustrated by Janet Stevens to a small group of students this week.  This is a great retelling, with funny illustrations and no real harm done to the troll.  My students love to “read” along with me (don’t all kids?) and so anything with a refrain is a definite thumbs-up and this one they could keep up with the troll and the billy goats.  The picture of the biggest billy goat, in his motorcycle jacket and John Lennon shades, brought down the house with laughter! There is something special Stevens has added using a frog , which takes a moment for the kids to figure out-good thinking skills!!  Next year I’m going to extend this fairy tale unit and act this one out as well.   Right now I am so ready for summer!!

Have you read any fairy tales this week?  Fly, pop, hop or click over to Tif Talks Books and check out her discussion!

Peaceful Reading…

Fairy Tale Fridays

Tif talks books, for a few weeks now, has a new meme going, Fairy Tale Fridays and I’ve been a reader and  a commenter even but not a participant.  This week I’m inspired though for two reasons. 
1. I’ve started a major fairy tale unit with second grade students 2. I have a new version of Stone Soup I’ve wanted to explore. 

The Real Story of Stone Soup
(2007)

First things I look at:  beautiful cover  and very interesting author/illustrator names.

Second:  Inside artwork and a fair amount of text.

Third: I read the story, savoring the wonderful way the pictures not only compliment the story but tell their own story as well.  You won’t get the full, “real” story unless you investigate the fabulous illustrations. 

It begins:  “It all began when I hired those troublesome Chang brothers to help me on my fishing boat.  Nice boys, but lazy and, I’m sorry to say, somewhat stupid.”  (okay, the word stupid used in reference to a person is a huge no-no in our house so red flag but luckily, by the end of the story, we know the Chang brothers are the opposite of stupid so it works for me.)

Uncle sleeps in the boat while the Chang brothers do the fishing and right about lunch time Uncle shakes himself awake.  They land on an island and without a soup pot proceed to make soup using rocks, unless you watch the pictures closely.  The pictures reveal the true method and shows their boss as the bumbling, complaining and lazy person he is.

(where you can listen to a young girl read the story as well!)
(where I found several other book titles to add to my wish list)
Now that I’ve explored it, and enjoyed it I have to wonder why there isn’t an award sticker of any kind on the front of this book…it is that good!
Peaceful Reading…