Fantasy and Science Fiction
It can be hard to believe that talking crayons, unicorns, fire-breathing dragons, and aliens can be educational but it’s true! Fantasy and Sci-fi literacy help children become creative thinkers. Many of these stories deal with big themes and the characters in these genres can be easier for children to analyze and understand motivation. They help to build new vocabulary and encourage us to think outside of the box and question what is possible.
The Paper Bag Princess written by the world-renowned storyteller Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko. This storybook reverses the damsel in distress stereotype. Originally published in 1980 it was widely celebrated by feminists’ groups for its brave little heroine. The fun illustrations really enhance the story and hold the children’s attention.
One morning a fire-breathing dragon burns all of Princess Elizabeth’s fancy things and takes her prince fiancé. Elizabeth goes after the dragon wearing the only thing she could find… a paper bag. She is very clever and tricks the dragon and recuses Prince Ronald.
What makes this fantasy story great beyond the above mentioned is that although the story elements are imaginative our multidimensional Princes uses logic to trick the talking, fire-breathing dragon. The story is both meaningful and thought provoking. I love the spunk of Princess Elizabeth, the twist ending as well as all the fantasy elements, the castle, royalty, and of course the dragon.
Arnold, T. (2010). Green Wilma, frog in space. Scholastic.
Green Wilma, Frog in Space is written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold. This is a fun science fiction story book about a little frog who goes on a big adventure. A spaceship lands on Earth near a little green frog’s pond. Wilma (the frog) is mistaken for the alien’s child and gets taken aboard the ship. Eventually, the aliens realize their mistake and return Wilma to Earth and retrieve their child. The full double -spread illustrations are bright and fun. They enhance the story and help to explain Wilma’s adventure.
As with any good science fiction story it contains both fictional elements that do not exist in the real world and scientific themes such as space travel and technology. This story is great for children from 2-6 years old.
Tedd Arnold is a celebrated author who has written many beloved children’s books. In fact, He has written and illustrated over 100 books including the Fly Guy series.
Rubin, A. (2023). Dragons love tacos. Scholastic Australia.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri is a funny fantasy book. Originally published in 2012 it became a New York Times bestseller and an almost instant classic storybook. In the book Dragons Love Tacos, a little boy learns that tacos are dragons’ favorite food. However, if you’re going to feed dragons tacos, you must make sure there are no spicy toppings. Dragons hate spicy salsa and jalapenos and by accident, we learn why.
The illustrations in this story for super cute and so much fun. The drawings are bright and echo the writing style and story line. This is a really fun addition to any classroom library. The children love this story and there are so many ways to expand on it.
Ways to expand on the books
- Have children write or dictate what they would you do if this happened to them.
- Make a story basket with props (a princess, a dragon, castle, prince) and have children retell the story or create their own.
- Have children make a shopping list for your taco party.
Questions to ask your students
- Elizabeth chases the dragon after it destroys her castle. What does this tell us about Elizabeth?
- Why does Elizabeth call Ronald a bum at the end of the story?
- What would have happened if Wilma never returned to her real home?
- How did the aliens figure out they had made a mistake?
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