15 Fairy Tales All Kids Should Know
Classic fairy tales are more than just entertainment; they are cultural touchstones! Introduce your kids to the fairy tales kids should know.
What Makes a Story a Fairy Tale?
Fairy tales have unique characteristics that set them apart from other types of stories.
Fantasy and Magic
Fairy tales are often set in fantastical lands, frequently occupied by talking animals, dragons, and mythical creatures.
In addition, they often have magical elements as well, like enchanted objects and spells.
Good and Evil
In a fairy tale, good and evil are clearly defined. You never have to wonder who is the protagonist and who is the villain.
In modern retellings (think Shrek or Wicked), that convention is flipped on its head.
Happy Endings
Fairy tales have a classic ending: “and they all lived happily ever after.”
Moral Lessons
Since fairy tales have children as their primary audience, most of these stories teach a lesson.
Why Kids Should Learn Fairy Tales
Reading fairy tales to kids is beneficial in numerous ways.
Stimulates Imagination
Creativity doesn’t just happen; it must be cultivated.
The fantastical setting of fairy tales stimulates kids’ imaginations and encourages creative thinking.
Teaches Valuable Lessons
Stories are an excellent way to instill moral lessons.
Children can explore choices and consequences with the characters in the fairy tales.
Develops Language
Fairy tales (especially classic fairy tales) often have rich and varied language, which expands a child’s vocabulary.
Primes for Problem-Solving
The characters in fairy tales often encounter obstacles and must invent creative solutions.
This not only models problem-solving to kids but also spurs them to think of out-of-the-box solutions.
Familiarizes Kids with Culture
Every culture has its own fairy tales.
These classic fairy tales are well-known in America and are frequently referenced in conversation, speeches, and writing.
Supplement this list with fairy tales from all cultures, particularly those that align with your child’s cultural heritage.
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15+ Classic Fairy Tales Kids Should Know
This list of classic fairy tales covers the “must-know” fairy tales from American cultural literacy.
Click on each title for a link to a quality children’s book version (many are Caldecott winners).
Cinderella
In this story, a young girl overcomes challenges to attend a ball and meet a prince.
Moral: Kindness and patience will be ultimately rewarded.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
A young girl escapes her wicked stepmother and hides out with hardworking dwarfs.
Moral: Goodness triumphs over evil.
Little Red Riding Hood
A young girl brings a basket of goodies to her sick grandmother, except the grandmother is a wolf in disguise.
Moral: Don’t trust strangers.
Sleeping Beauty
A princess falls into an enchanted sleep but is awakened by a prince’s kiss.
Moral: Love overcomes evil.
Hansel and Gretel
A witch imprisons two children, but they eventually outsmart her and escape.
Moral: Resourcefulness can help you solve a problem.
The Ugly Duckling
A young duckling is mocked by the other ducks for his oddities, but it turns out he is a swan.
Moral: Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and love sees with the heart.
Beauty and the Beast
A young girl falls in love with a beast who is an enchanted prince.
Moral: True beauty lies within.
The Frog Prince
A prince turned into a frog is restored when a princess kisses him.
Moral: Keep your promises.
The Little Mermaid
A mermaid who dreams of living on land falls in love with a prince.
The classic fairy tale has dark twists and is less “happily-ever-after” than the Disney version.
Moral: Love and sacrifice go hand in hand.
Jack and the Beanstalk
A boy climbs a magic beanstalk to a giant’s land.
Moral: Courage and cleverness bring prosperity.
The Princess and the Pea
A princess proves her royal identity by detecting a pea under a pile of mattresses.
Moral: You can’t hide a noble nature.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
A young girl wanders into the home of bears.
Moral: Be respectful of the property of others.
Rapunzel
An imprisoned princess is rescued from a tower when a prince climbs up her long hair.
Moral: Perseverance and ingenuity can overcome obstacles.
Rumpelstiltskin
A miller’s daughter receives magical help to spin straw into gold and then must repay the help.
Moral: Be careful about the promises you make.
The Gingerbread Man
A fresh-baked gingerbread man leaps from the oven and is chased all over town. A fox ultimately eats him.
Moral: Be careful who you trust.
The Three Little Pigs
A wolf blows down the houses of two little pigs but is stumped by the third little pig’s house.
Moral: Take your time with tasks and do them right.
The Emperor’s New Clothes
A proud emperor is hoodwinked into believing he is wearing a fabulous garment.
Moral: Pride can blind you.
The Shoemaker and the Elves
Helpful elves assist a poor shoemaker in his tasks.
Moral: Kindness is rewarded.
The Top Fairy Tales All Kids Should Know
These classic fairy tales are not only entertaining, but they will also develop your kid’s creativity, vocabulary, moral compass, and cultural literacy.
Bonus: You will enjoy them too!
And you will all live happily ever after!
