Wondering why we should share fantasy stories and fairy tales with children? They aren’t politically correct; boys and girls are not recognized equally. But they still have an important place in the lives of kids.
To help answer this question, and other ones too, I was able to able to interview the Fairy Book Lady, Bobbie Hinman, on-line. Bobbie is an elementary teacher, parent, grandparent, and author. She has written a series of books about fairies: The Sock Fairy, The Knot Fairy, The Freckle Fairy, The Belly Button Fairy, and the Fart Fairy. Life often includes problems, and, as Bobbie says, “Who better to blame it on than a fairy?”
Mrs. A: Are fairies only for girls?
Bobbie Hinman: Absolutely not! Fairies can be girls or boys, old or young, tall or short. In my books, the Knot Fairy and Freckle Fairy are girls, the Fart Fairy and Sock Fairy are boys and the Belly Button Fairy is a grandmother.
Mrs. A: Are fairies real?
Bobbie Hinman: My totally unscientific research tells me that yes, fairies are real. They are thought to live in gardens and small hills in the ground. Mostly they live in your heart and your imagination.
Mrs. A: Why should parents and caregivers include fantasy books and stories?
Bobbie Hinman: Childhood is a time of innocence and imagination. Just like playing dress-up, fantasy books allow children to be creative and imaginative and “live” in the world of their characters. It’s fun to believe in make-believe.
Mrs. A: How do fairies like to play?
Bobbie Hinman: Fairies are playful and mischievous. They like to hide your belongings, tangle your hair while you sleep and give kisses that turn into freckles. When anything goes wrong, my premise is simple: Who better to blame it on than a fairy?
Great reasons for why we should share fantasy stories and fairy tales with children. For some fun at your house or center today, how about play with the fairies? For kids, their “Once upon a time” is childhood…
You don’t need a magic wand for play ideas. Come play on the 123kindergarten blog.
I was so delighted to read this as I have always been a fairy believer. My Dad introduced us to fairies when we were very young, and I have never wanted to not believe in fairies. Einstein said, “If you want your children to be smart, read them fairy story books. If you want them to be smarter, read them more.” Smart man.
I love that quote, Jenny! Thank you so much for sharing. I’ll pass it along to Bobbie Hinman too. We believe in electricity without seeing it, why can’t we believe in fairies?