Classic for a Reason

Classic fairy tales have captivated kids for generations. These magical stories feature unforgettable characters, enchanting worlds, and timeless lessons. With that in mind, here are 5 classic tales that have been sparking the imagination of children for decades.

The_three_bears.djvu: McLoughlin derivative work: Theornamentalist (talk) on Wikimedia

1. The Three Little Pigs

Three little pigs each build their own houses to protect themselves from the big bad wolf. The first pig builds his house with straw, the second pig with sticks, and the third pig with bricks. When the wolf tries to blow down the houses, he succeeds only with the first two pigs, but not with the brick house. This story teaches kids that hard work and preparation are key to success.

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2. Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Goldilocks stumbles upon a house owned by three bears. The bears are out, so she samples their porridge, sits in their chairs, and finally falls asleep in their beds. But when the bears return and find her there, Goldilocks is frightened and runs away. The story is a cautionary tale for children about the consequences of impulsiveness and being too curious.

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3. Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack sells the family cow for a handful of magic beans. The beans grow into a beanstalk that reaches the clouds, and Jack climbs it to discover a giant’s castle at the top. He steals the giant’s treasures but must escape with his life when the giant pursues him down the beanstalk. The story has moral lessons of courage, ingenuity, and the power of imagination.

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4. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

A tornado carries Dorothy and her dog Toto away from home to a magical land. She befriends a Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and a Cowardly Lion, and they travel together to meet the Wizard of Oz. The Wizard turns out to be just an ordinary man who shows Dorothy that she has always had the power to get home, wrapping up the true story about friendship and self-discovery.

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5. The Ugly Duckling

A duckling is shunned and ridiculed by his siblings and their mother for being different. He embarks on a journey that takes him through all four seasons and eventually makes him realize that he has grown into a beautiful swan. The story teaches children kindness, patience, and the value of inner beauty.

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