Classic Nursery Rhymes and Bedtime Stories

The comfortable familiarity of nursery rhymes and fairy tales unites generations. Many of these children's stories, some dating as far back as the Middle Ages, have been passed down generation to generation. They form a collection of classic bedtime stories shared by grandparents, parents and children for hundreds of years in some cases. 
 
While these classic tales are found in numerous print forms, current generations carry on the oral tradition of retelling these children's stories to the next generation, often with fun embellishments that make them original and exciting for kids.
 
Hidden behind the lyrical cadence and sense of whimsy of these nursery stories are deeper meanings. Nursery rhymes and fairy tales possess a rich undercurrent of history, making them fascinating even to adults who have heard (and recited) them dozens or hundreds of times. These classic bedtime stories originated centuries ago as people told tales that reflected history. Some tales were innocent, while others alluded to episodes as dark as the Bubonic Plague ("Ring Around the Rosie").
 
The durability of these children's stories can be attributed to simpler things as well. Nursery rhymes often help develop vocabulary, assist with counting skills and foster an appreciation of music and rhythm. Some nursery rhymes also include dances or other motions that children enjoy performing while the nursery rhyme is recited.
 
In this section, you can read (and appreciate) some classic children's stories and fairy tales that will be sure to entertain your children.

Red Riding Hood

One of the most famous bedtime stories, "Little Red Riding Hood" originated in French folklore of the 17th century. Some of these tales were modified by the Brothers Grimm in their famous collections of fairy tales. Learn about the girl in the red hood.

Puss in Boots

"Puss in Boots" ranks among the classic fairy tales. It is European in origin. Frenchman Charles Perrault included it in his famous collection of "Mother Goose" tales in 1697. Discover the magic in this wondrous bedtime story and meet the cat who wore boots!

Jack and the Bean Stalk

A favorite among children's stories, "Jack and the Bean Stalk" provides a sense of adventure to classic bedtime stories. An English tale, the most popular version was recorded by Joseph Jacobs in 1890, though its origin dates back to 1807. Keep reading for this fun fairy tale about a boy who climbs a bean stalk.

Cinderella

Among the most popular fairy tales, "Cinderella" has seen thousands of variations, and they continue in popular culture today. The oldest-known variant is from Greece and dates all the way back to 1st century B.C. Read on to enjoy the happy ending in this well-known children's story about a girl named Cinderella.
 
Resources
 
Alchin, L.K. (2007). Nursery Rhymes Lyrics and Origins.
Retrieved March 21, 2008, from the Rhymes.org.uk Web site.
 
Project Gutenberg EBook of The National Nursery Book (2008). The National Nursery Book. Retrieved March 21, 2008, from the Project Gutenberg Web Site.
 
Project Gutenberg etext of Andersen's Fairy Tales (2005). Retrieved April 4, 2008, from the Gutenberg.org Web site.