I recently read an article about how a number of Ukrainian fairy tales feature an "underdog hero" who ultimately becomes successful. These stories are not only a part of Ukrainian culture, but also an influence on the collective Ukrainian character to persevere. This is something we currently see each day as Ukrainians defend their homeland against all odds from Russian invaders.
Take a moment and think about the fairy tales you enjoyed as a child. Maybe you thought about walking through a wardrobe to enter Narnia. Or going on a quest in Middle Earth. Or attending Hogwarts and learning about witchcraft and wizardry.
As an adult, you probably don't give fairy tales much thought, but whether or not you realize it, they played a role in shaping you into the person you've become. Children are impressionable, absorbing and internalizing what they hear, see, and read. Fairy tales help children understand how the world operates and how people can react when faced with different situations or challenges.
If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or someone who works with children, never underestimate the power of books on young, developing minds. Long after you finish reading a story aloud, children will process and ponder on that story again and again. To them, the story feels real and the characters are people with whom they empathize.
Which fairy tales or children's books were your favorite? Share with us!
Wishing you happily ever afters from the perch.
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