Folk tales not only transmit the cultures of a land, but they are a wonderful read for all, especially children. Children must be provided with the folk tales of different land so as to get an idea of the kind of cultures and customs people have in different parts of the world. Here are a list of folk tales from different countries that will inspire your kids to read and make a reading habit.
Aesop’s Fables
Aesop’s Fables are a wonderful collection of stories by the Greek storyteller, Aesop. Fables are stories with a moral ending. It usually pictures animals and birds as characters. Aesop stories are a great start to your kids as it teaches them of values. Empathy, kindness, love towards every living beings etcetera are some of the key values found in every fable. All stories will have a lesson and are quite simple in language. The famous story of hare and tortoise is from the Aesop’s fables.
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Robin Hood
Robin Hood is an old English folk take. It is about the adventures of Robin Hood which later became an inspiration to many other stories. The story teaches values like empathy and compassion.
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Tenali Raman
The stories of Tenali Rama is a smart choice for kids. The stories are about the brilliance of Tenali Rama who was the advisor of King Krishnadevaraya. The smart, witty and intelligent stories of Tenali help kids in improving wisdom and helps in problem management. The humorous book is a wonderful read for children.
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Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
The folk tale of ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ is an age old story taken from the collection of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’. The adventurous story of Ali Baba speaks of courage and bravery. Although the entire collection of ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ is an amazing choice to read, this particular story needs special mention. Age old classics of chivalric romances are always a great option to read.
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Akbar and Birbal stories
The wise stories of King Akbar and his minister Birbal enables the children to think critically and logically. It evokes problem solving skills. The tales not only praises the wisdom of Birbal but are great life lessons. The warmth of friendship and love between the two friends also need special mention.
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Vikram Vetal Folk tales
The story of King Vikramaditya of Ujjayini are a wonderful read for children. The adventurous journey the King has taken along with corpse of Vetal is inspiring and wonderful to read. The Vetal tells a number of short stories with a riddle in the end. The riddle tests the intelligence and empathy of the King as well as the reader. This folk tale is a good way to test the understanding of right and wrong.
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Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
The story of Aladdin and a powerful genie is taken from ‘The Arabian Nights’ and is a must read for all the kids. The story is greatly inspiring filled with surprises and magic. The ever exciting story of an unusual friendship offers an all new reading experience to all the kids. Be ready to get into the world of Aladdin, genie and Princess Jasmine.
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Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood is an age old folk tale about a brave girl who takes a journey through forest. It teaches kids about bravery and other virtues.
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The Ugly Duckling
The Ugly Duckling is another interesting story. It is about a duckling who whines about being ugly. But at the end, it learns of how beauty comes from within.
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Sindbad the Sailor
The Arabian folk tale of Sindbad the Sailor and his adventures are a wonderful read. The stories are about how Sindbad was able to survive ship wrecks and reach his home. These are wonderful stories about bravery and courage.
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