Many Cinderella stories have been told around the world. Shirley Climo write the version from Korea with the beautiful illustrator Ruth Heller. Explore the uniqueness of this story. This princess story is an excellent variation to share with the five to eleven year old.

In this title Young Pear Blossom discovers a tokgabi who aides the young woman during a great time of distress. In Pear Blossom’s distress, you discover who else comes to help her when she wants to attend the festival.

When reading, three opportunities to discuss the story are at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. The first prompt is designed to set the expectation of what the story is about. In this title, consider this question before reading: What do you know about Cinderella?

The second prompt is designed to help the listener focus on the story events. During reading ask: How is Pear Blossom’s situation like Cinderella’s situation? The third prompt is designed to connect the story to the child on a more individual and personalized level. So, after reading consider: What qualities of Pear Blossom do you think are most important? Are these qualities something you desire to achieve?

Here is a challenge for parents: Explore additional Cinderella tales. Have you ever read the Brothers Grimm version? Shirley Climo has written additional Cinderella stories from other countries. You can have fun comparing the different versions. You may also want to explore Cinderella themed movies.

I also have a family reading tip. Recognize common elements in fairy tales. What makes one story like another? Is there a common lesson being learned? Are the characters alike in some way? Does the story have a similar setting? Asking these kinds of questions during shared reading time builds a child’s thinking skills.

Reading a variety of classic stories creates a foundation for you and your child’s learning. Many “value tales” exist to stimulate positive discussion between parents and children.