Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25th, is Tell a Fairy Tale Day!

I grew up with Fairy Tales . . . Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney

I remember reading The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen to myself, then having it read to me and realizing the boy’s name, Kai, was pronounced /k ai hh/ , not /kā/. I felt smarter every time I read it to myself after that.

I remember having a record of Thumbelina that I’d listen to over and over. Perhaps that contributed to my current love of audio books?

I remember reading Tall Tales, Folk Tales, and Legends, too.
Pecos Bill, Johnny Appleseed, and Paul Bunyan (and Babe, his Blue Ox!)
When I think of these stories, I want to Ya-Hoo!

Of the Grimm tales, my favorites were Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Rapunzel.
And by “favorite”, I mean the ones that resonated with me.
Later, after Disney’s The Little Mermaid, I went back and read the Brothers’ version. Reading the stories as an adult was a much different experience than reading them as a child. MUCH DIFFERENT, lol

I know a lot of people take issue with the “Disneyfied” versions of such dark tales, but I love the Disney movies. The beautiful animation and contagious songs that showcase the heart of the stories. I’m okay with introducing kids to the wonder of storytelling in a cursory way. At least they’re getting introduced to storytelling!

Here’s a Disney link for 11 Stories to Celebrate Fairy Tale Day.

And, of course, I love mythology! Gods, muses and monsters!
I was inspired by Pandora’s Box to write my contemporary continuation of her story.
I’m working on book two in the series, now. Check out book one, A Stranger’s Child, here.

Each of these types of tales explains a natural phenomenon, highlights the struggles of their characters, showcases the depths of good and bad/faith and evil, and provide a message, moral, or lesson by the end. As a kid, these types of tales inspired me to want to write stories that explain, highlight, and teach.

What were YOUR favorite fairy tales? What resonates with you still?

I hope you celebrate Fairy Tale Day!
Read a tale, share a story memory, write your own. 🙂