Short Fairy Tales

Short fairy tales are wonderful stories that can be shared with a family, a classroom, or a friend. With many different types of fairy tales to choose from, there is a story that will appeal to everyone.

Short stories are great as bedtime tales.

Fairy tales are short, creative stories that often have a distinct moral or lesson for the reader to learn. Many of these stories are used as teaching tools for young children, but they can also be enjoyable reading for all ages. Similar to fables, fairy tales often include fantastic characters and fantasy settings to make them more entertaining and colorful for readers. The very best fairy tales often are told for generations and become treasured stories that are shared from parents to children for years.

Very popular fairy tales share certain traits such as familiar characters that readers can relate to or easily imagine and strong plots that lead readers to draw conclusions from characters’ actions.

Most fairy tails feature fantasy characters that are colorful and enjoyable, while they still have personable traits that readers can empathize with. Popular characters in many short fairy tales include:

• Royalty, especially princes and princesses
• Talking animals
• Mythical animals such as unicorns or dragons
• Human-like creatures such as mermaids, elves, giants, or fairies
• Humans with special gifts or powers, usually magical

The plots in most fairy tales are quite basic and are some variation of good overcoming evil. This can be done by defeating a foe, outwitting a trickster, or surviving a challenge. Other stories teach lessons that involve a character learning something about themselves and changing to become a better person. Transformations, either emotional or physical, can signify that type of internal change and make the story fun and colorful.

The Golden Book of Fairy Tales

While many authors have created fairy tales, some of the most popular, classic stories have found their way onto bookshelves for generations. The most popular fairy tale authors include:

• Hans Christian Andersen
• Aesop
• The Brothers Grimm
• Lewis Carroll

Many modern authors also take classic fairy tales and add a new spin or twist on them to share the same lessons in a more contemporary way.

Everyone remembers their favorite stories, and the best fairy tales can be remembered and enjoyed for years. Popular stories and their lessons include:

• The Ugly Duckling – Beauty is found within
• The Little Mermaid – Be who you are meant to be
• Little Red Riding Hood – Beware of strangers
• The Emperor’s New Clothes – Avoid vanity and greed
• The Tortoise and the Hare – Never give up

Other popular stories such as the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Puss In Boots, The Princess and the Pea, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears have similar lessons and can be used in a variety of ways to teach new generations of readers not only about expectations and morals, but about dreams and imagination.

Short fables and fairy tales can be useful in many ways.

• Bedtime Stories: These quaint tales are great for parents and children to share before bedtime. Parents can read to their children or have their children practice reading skills aloud.
• School Assignments: Studying fairy tales can introduce students to descriptive writing and basic story concepts as well as different cultures, mythology, and superstitions. Students can also practice their writing skills by crafting their own quick fairy tales.
• Plays: Most fairy tales can easily be turned into short plays to allow children and students a chance to act out different lessons in a fun and entertaining way.
• Escape: Children of any age can enjoy fairy tales as a relaxing escape from the stress of everyday life. Many short stories can be read in just a few minutes, making them perfect for any busy schedule.

No matter how the fairy tale is to be used, parents and teachers should review the entire story to be sure it is appropriate for the reader. Classic fairy tales can be quite graphic and may include mild violence that is not suitable for every child, and some vocabulary words can be too difficult for young readers.

It is easy to find small books of fairy tales either as single stories or larger collections at any retail or online bookstore. The youth sections of public and school libraries often have generous selections as well, and many online repositories exist for these classic tales, including:

• East of the Web: Collection of classic tales from Hans Christian Anderson and the brothers Grimm.
• Ivy Joy: Collection of popular fairy tales, fables, and nursery rhymes.
• Apples 4 The Teacher: Celtic and Irish fairy tales for children.
• Tradestone Gallery: Both long and short versions of popular Russian fairy tales.
• Stories to Grow By: Searchable database of fairy tales, fables, and other stories that can be narrowed by age, country, story type, and other factors.

Short fairy tales are delightful to read and share for all ages. With clever writing and useful messages to share, these stories are an important part of any reader’s library. For more information about fairy tales, don't forget to check out the following LoveToKnow Sci-Fi articles.

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