by Sian from Teach Investigate Play
*This post contains affiliate links.*
A book my child adores is … Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin
I just LOVE the current resurgence in fairy stories and traditional tales. Whilst the originals are great, often the reliance on a ‘prince charming’ to save the female lead can send out mixed messages. That’s why Bethan Woollvin’s series of reimagined fairy stories are completely brilliant.
Woollvin’s version of Rapunzel (published in 2017) is always on high rotation at bedtime for Miss 3. Ever since my third child was born, my daughter has been read bedtime stories by her daddy. It’s become a wonderful little ritual for them where they will read some stories and have a little chat. It is totally adorable to listen to.
Their favourite book to read together is Woollvin’s Rapunzel. To quote the husband, it’s because this version of Rapunzel is ‘feisty and takes no cr*p from anyone.’ A handsome prince definitely does not appear in this version of the story.
They know the story so well now that my husband will start sentences that Miss 3 will then finish. There are powerful messages within the text: stand up to the bullies and be the creator of your own destiny. Ultimately, these are the kind of messages I want my daughter to grow up hearing.
I’ve written more about how we’re raising readers over on my website and you can find the article by clicking here.
Read Sian’s article about how Aaron Blabey’s The Bad Guys series turned around her reluctant reader here.
About Teach Investigate Play: Teach Investigate Play was created by primary teacher-turned blogger, Sian, after finding maternity leave a little isolating. She is passionate about making learning fun through creativity and play, regularly sharing ideas on Instagram , Facebook and her website. Sian lives in Vienna, Austria with her husband and three children.
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