Invitation to Learn Fairy Tales: The Frog Prince

A Learning Lifestyle

My preschoolers are officially not preschoolers any more. As we step into Kindergarten and 2nd grade, and as a family new to "officially" homeschooling, I recently bought writing curriculum from BraveWriter and breathed a huge sigh of relief.

The guidance offered essentially advocates for 1) focusing on creating an environment filled with books, music, and experiences; and, 2) a language-rich lifestyle - one where you listen to your child, respond thoughtfully, and pursue ideas together. (This builds on what we know about how preschoolers learn, too. ) She, of course, weaves writing lessons into the day and provides structure so parents don't have to come up with everything on their own. (Whew!) 

Books, Music, and Experiences

Despite being regulars at the library, I often find myself scouring the catalog and shelves for books that might work to answer my child's question or delve deeper into the subject du jour. It is no wonder why lists are some of the most popular blogs in the world. You know the ones: "101 Books to Read Before Kindergarten," "10+ Children's Books to Inspire Kindness," and my own  "24 Books for Preschool Engineers."

A Smaller, More Approachable List

The problem is that sometimes we want a smaller, more approachable list. One with fewer books that includes other things. I just want a few good books, a CD, and a video, perhaps a toy. Something like a thoughtful little themed basket.

Invitation to Learn

It is in the spirit of having a small sampling of one topic that I am writing Invitations to Learn. Each invitation grows from our homeschool life and is a pint-sized unit of study for the DIY crowd. With this list, I am inviting you to learn alongside your child and giving you a small amount of guidance for creating a rich learning environment in your home or school.

Read a book one day; listen to an audiobook another day; watch a movie a different day; go on a field trip a different day. By offering one great thing at a time, you are inviting your child to learn with you and enjoy learning with you! Over time you and your child will consider the topic in several different ways, using different materials, have different but related conversations about it, and you will grow your knowledge in wonderfully robust ways.

INVITATION TO LEARN FAIRY TALES: THE FROG PRINCE

These are things we found at our library. (We stream many audiobooks for free.) For your convenience, I will also include affiliate links to Amazon.

The Frog Prince by Kathy-Jo Wargin, Illustrated by Anne Yvonne Gilbert

The youngest daughter of the king lives a very special life, indeed. Her days are spent in lovely gowns, playing happily with her favorite golden ball. When her beloved ball is lost, she strikes a bargain for its return with a thick, green frog—a deal she doesn’t intend to keep! But the ugly frog, refusing to be left behind by the fleeing princess, insists she share her life with him as promised.

This Brothers Grimm tale of a spoiled princess finding her handsome prince by breaking a witch’s spell has enchanted readers since it was written in the early 1800s. With enchantingly elegant illustrations, Anne Yvonne Gilbert brings Kathy-jo Wargin’s retelling of the classic to a new generation of readers.

• Age Range: 4 and up 

The Frog Prince Continued by Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Steve Johnson

After the Princess kissed the frog, he turned into a handsome prince and they lived happily ever after... or "did they?" The Princess can't stand the Prince's froggy habits - the way he hops around on the furniture, or sneaks off to the lily pond. The Prince is unhappy, too, and decides that it would be best if he were changed back to a frog. But finding a witch who will do the job is harder than he expects. They all seem to have other spells in mind...

• Age Range: 2 and up 

The Frog Prince by Alix Berenzy

Rebuffed by the princess after retrieving her golden ball, a noble frog sets out to find a more suitable mate.

"Once upon a time there lived a frog who loved a Princess." This is how Alix Berenzy begins her rendition of the Grimm fairy tale A Frog Prince, slightly tweaked and fully satisfying. When the princess drops her golden ball in the swamp by accident, the dog-sized frog is right there to help her out. She promises him she will let him live with her in the castle if he retrieves the ball. He follows through, but she does not, and in fact proves to be quite callous. After the moon sings him an inspirational song, the brave, resourceful, sensitive frog vows to go out into the world to find a princess who can appreciate his finer qualities. In true fairy-tale fashion, the frog faces three challenges on his journey: two terrible trolls, a green-faced witch, and even the End of the World. But the gentle frog meets each challenge with bravery and kindness toward smaller creatures, who aid him in unexpected ways.

He finally does chance upon the princess of his dreams, blushes a deep green, and rejoices when the lovely frog princess asks him to marry her! Berenzy's paintings are dark and mysterious, in deep jewel tones that fit the mood of her story. In contrast to the Grimm original, this story does not reward a selfish princess for gradually learning to tolerate the frog. This is the tale of a frog on a mission who knows he needs to find someone who is smart and sensitive enough to value him for his true self, warts and all. Young readers will love this story and its charming, beautiful illustrations. (Ages 5 to 9) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years

The Land of Stories by Chris, Audiobook Version (There is also a Hardback book.)

From New York Times best-selling author Chris Colfer comes a gorgeous, full-color fairy-tale treasury.

Dear Listener, this is a very special book that contains more than 35 classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes, plus your very own survival guide to the Land of Stories. If you notice anything glowing, followed by an inviting humming noise, don't be afraid! That is just the book's magic.

Enter the world of fairy tales in this stunning book that includes more than 35 beloved stories and rhymes retold by New York Times best-selling author Chris Colfer.

This companion book to the Land of Stories series will appeal to new and old fans alike, who will delight in favorite classics such as "Cinderella", "Sleeping Beauty", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Jack and the Beanstalk", and more. Here is the beloved fairy-tale treasury that Alex and Conner fall into in The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell - a beautifully designed addition to the series and the magical book that started it all!

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years

See the stories included here. The Frog Prince is #19.

The Princess and the Frog Disney Movie

Disney celebrates a modern-day classic from the directors of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. Discover what really happened after the princess kissed the frog in an inspired twist on the world's most famous kiss. This hilarious adventure leaps off the screen with stunning animation, irresistible music and an unforgettable cast of characters. Enter Princess Tiana's world of talking frogs, singing alligators and lovesick fireflies as she embarks on an incredible journey through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. Spurred on by a little bit of courage and a great big dream, these new friends come to realize what's truly important in life...love, family and friendship. Overflowing with humor and heart, The Princess and the Frog is an incredible motion picture experience your whole family will want to enjoy again and again!

• Rated: 
   G 
   General Audience
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