King Pom and the Fox

Title: King Pom and the Fox 

Author: Jessica Souhami
# of Pages: 36

Published by: Frances Lincoln Children's Books; First Trade Paper Edition (April 28, 2009)
Age Range: 4-7 years
Grade level: Preschool-2

Li Ming is so proud of his one pomegranate tree that he has grown. People laughingly call him "King Pom" because of his one sole tree. He noticed, however, that someone or something has been stealing the pomegranates from his tree. He has a plan to catch whoever is doing it. He finally catches a big red fox. When he caught, the fox wanted to make a deal with Li Ming. He said "Get me out of here (the trap) and I'll make you rich!" Li Ming did not believe him until it truly happened. Li got fine clothes, great horses, a palace, and a princess to marry! However, this seemed so unreal. This story is the Chinese version of Puss-in-Boots.

This book is a classic fairy tale of the Chinese culture. This is short enough to be read as a read aloud, at home or during silent reading. The characters are realistic and the fairy tale is believable and provides wishful thinking! Every reader of course would want to be come instantly rich, but is that possible? This book would be a great read aloud during fairy tales week or good to use to teach about the Chinese culture!

Classroom activities and lesson ideas:

• Compare this book to Puss in Boots using this lesson 
• Teach about fairy tales 
• Teach about Chinese culture 

Here is a clip from the American Fairy tale Puss in Boots movie: 

The Princess and The Pea

Title: The Princess and the Pea
Author: Hans Christian Andersen
Illustrator: Maja Dusikova
Published by: Floris Books
# of Pages: 24

In this classic fairytale the prince is looking for a true princess to be his wife. All of the girls he meets do not meet the characteristics he is looking for, they're either too rude, too vain, or too greedy. The prince was saddened by the thought that he would not find his true princess. One stormy night, a young lady goes to the palace and claims to be a princess,the queen decides to let her in and put her to the test. The test is to see if the princess can feel the pea underneath the large pile of mattresses. The princess had to lie on the mattress all night, and in the morning she was asked how she slept. She responded by saying how bad she slept and how uncomfortable it was. Through her response, they knew that she was the real princess because she felt the pea right through the pile of mattresses. The prince felt that nobody but a real princess could be as sensitive as that. The prince took her and made her his wife. 

The illustrations throughout this book use a soft and colorful tone that bring the story to life. It helps readers visualize what is taking place and gives images to the characters. The soft tone of the pictures make this book relaxing to read and allows readers to focus on the story.

Here is a short trailer for a version of the movie The Princess and the Pea: 

Possible Classroom Activities Include: 

• Have students act it out
• Check comprehension through a drama activity. 
• Writing about the beginning, middle, end.
• Teach about story structure

Here are some other activities: 

• Comprehension Activities
• Other craft, writing, and center activities
• Lesson plans for multiple grades

Rumpelstiltskin

Title: Rumpelstiltskin
Author: Grimm
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Published by: Puffin Books, Reprint Edition
# of Pages: 48

The illustrations throughout this book are wonderfully done by Paul O. Zelinsky.  Rumpelstiltskin is one of the most classic fairytales of all times and will appeal to many diverse readers. A miller lies to the king, and tells him that his daughter can spin straw into gold. The King calls for the girl, shuts her in a tower filled with straw and a spinning wheel, and demands that she spin the straw into gold by morning or else he will cut off her head. She has given up all hope. Every day the girl moves to a larger room with more straw. Finally, on the third day, the King says he will marry her if she can fill the room with gold. She promises to give him her first born child. But when the child is born, the King returns for his payment. In the end, the imp reveals his real name, Rumpelstiltskin, and loses his temper, and never comes back. This book takes a lighthearted approach to the true fairytale with the beautiful images that add so much to the story. 

Possible Classroom Activities Include: 

• Teaching what a fairy tale is 
• Elements of Fairy Tales Search
• Have students write a different end to the story 
• Find out the origin of your last name and search for the meaning of your first name 

Lessons could include: an acting lesson, news article writing, and other fun lessons.

You could also show this short film to your class after reading the book!

The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales

Title: The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales
Author: Jon Scieszka
Illustrator: Lane Smith
# of Pages: 64
Published by: Penguin Young Readers Group
Awards won: Caldecott Medal

This book is a collection of funny parodies of famous children's stories and fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Ugly Duckling, and The Gingerbread Man. The illustrations in this book have a unique style and it is a Caldecott Medal Winning Book. This book is both educational and funny.

This story is told in a unique light through the eyes of Jack, from Jack and the Beanstalk. and he puts up with the cast from all of the other stories. Chicken Licken believes the sky is falling, Little Red Hen complains that no one is helping her do anything, Little Red Running Shorts blurt out the story, The gingerbread Man is afraid to be near anyone because they could eat him. Other stories take place like The Princess and the Bowling Ball, The Other Frog Prince, Cinderumplestiltskin, and The Really Ugly These funny parodies are perfect for students and they will make them giggle and laugh.

This book would be a fun read aloud during a fairy tale unit in the classroom or even mentor text to have students write their own parody of their favorite fairytale. It adds humor to the unit and the pictures help bring the story to life!

This book can be acted out in play format as this school did below:

Or put into animation for the class to enjoy!

Classroom Activities Could Include:

• Have students write their own parody
• Use it as a featured book during a fairytale unit
• Read aloud book 
• Have students act out the stories

There are so many lesson ideas that can be taught through this book!