Fairy Tale Messages

Why is it that certain children’s stories become popular and that we then read them to young ones over and over again down the generations?  My thoughts are that each of them holds at least one message that reflects our values and beliefs – those that we want to hold onto.

Think about Dr. Suess’s “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”. This story encourages children and adults alike to think about life with a reality mindset.  It talks about how sometimes you will win and sometimes you won’t. Sometimes you will feel all alone and be in a slump. And it reminds us that the worst place in the world to be is the waiting place. One of the best messages, I believe in this book is that “life is one great balancing act”.

Now think about the story of Goldilocks.  She ends up in a scary place where there is a bear family, and she is not only hungry but also tired. She tried one bowl of porridge declaring it as being too hot and another which apparently was too cold.  Finally, on her third try she finds one which she states is “just right”. Then Goldilocks heads to the bedroom where one bed is too hard, another too soft and finally a third that is “just right”.  So often this is what happens in our own lives.  We find ourselves in scary places, take scary chances and then have to keep trying until we find the right solution to meet our needs.

What about Snow White?  First she faces an evil relative who wants to destroy her.  Then she finds happiness in the friendships of dwarfs who have formed a tiny society of acceptance for each other and for her.  Many times, friendships can seem to be closer and safer than family units, but we have to be open to building relationships with some who might not, at first, appear to be similar to ourselves.

And my very favourite children’s book, is “Something from Northing” by Phoebe Gilman.  It tells the tale of a Jewish family who teaches their youngest member that no matter what catastrophes occur in life, if you are creative and willing to work, you can make something good out of them.  Even the little mouse family who is living under the stairs at the bottom of each page adds a unique perspective for the reader.  The drawings and colouring throughout are beautiful and I often give this lovely book as baby and birthday gifts.

I could go on and on as there are so many stories that have been passed down from one generation to another.  Stories that offer wisdom and encouragement despite challenges.

This week, think about the stories that you were read or told as a child.  Were the lessons found within, profound?  Did you incorporate them into your life?  What are the stories that you have read or told to your children, grandchildren or those in your care?

If you were to write a fairy tale and have it published as a book, what would be the values that you would want the story to promote?

This is a week for thoughtful analysis of youth and some of the messages we learned through the wonder and beauty of books!