Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root which guides children to examine a range of Grimm Tales and looks closely at the common characteristics shared by many.  Through the sequence of learning, children will analyse the language, characterisation and common story structure across many of the tales. Using the story of Cinderella, they will make comparisons between many versions of the same story and analyse the extent to which these stories can be classified as ‘fairy tales’.  Children will eventually work towards creating their own Grimm tale, planning for a balance of dialogue and narrative and using devices to advance the action quickly.  There will be an opportunity for children to create books of their own writing.

Synopsis of Text:

In this beautiful book of classic fairy tales, award-winning author Philip Pullman has chosen his fifty favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm and presents them in a'clear as water' retelling, in his unique and brilliant voice.From the quests and romance of classics such as 'Rapunzel', 'Snow White' and 'Cinderella' to the danger and wit of such lesser-known tales as 'The Three Snake Leaves', 'Hans-my-Hedgehog' and 'Godfather Death', Pullman brings the heart of each timeless tale to the fore, following with a brief but fascinating commentary on the story's background and history. In his introduction, he discusses how these stories have lasted for so long, and become part of our collective storytelling imagination.These new versions show the adventures at their most lucid and engaging yet. Pullman's Grimm Tales of wicked wives, brave children and villainous kings will have you reading, reading aloud and rereading them for many years to come.

Text Rationale:

Philip Pullman is a significant and award-winning children’s author and we chose this reworked collection of classic fairy tales for his engaging style and clarity of storytelling. Children will learn the stories of well-known characters and keep the tradition of storytelling alive. The rich and multi-layered tales will provoke much debate amongst the children for their presentation of characters, and the roles, fates and consequences they occupy.  

Links and Themes:

Traditional tales, Brothers Grimm, fairytales, traditional tales, character roles, storytelling, fates, consequences

Date written: January 2015

Updated: April 2021, March 2025

NB: While this book is categorised as age-appropriate by the Book Trust and a number of other sources, we advise teachers to read the selected chapters from the text prior to the point of teaching to make a decision around whether it is appropriate for your children due to some violent and graphic content.  These are clearly signposted within the Writing Root.