A Brief History of Polish Folklore Books
Polish folklore books come from a long tradition of storytelling. Rooted in Slavic folklore, these tales traveled initially by word of mouth, binding families and keeping cultural traditions alive. Some are lighthearted and fun, while others explore darker, more mysterious themes.
No matter the story, your child is sure to be captivated by the imaginative Polish folktales that have stood the test of time. And with an Au Pair, these bedtime stories can become even more magical—immersing your child in language, culture, and traditions from around the world.
1. The Frog Princess
A young prince marries a frog, only to discover she is a cursed princess. She vanishes when he breaks the spell too soon, and he must embark on a quest to find her. This classic tale enchants children with themes of bravery, forgiveness, and true love.
- Lesson learned: Patience and trust are key to overcoming challenges.
- Activity to try: Create paper frog puppets and act out the story together with your Au Pair. They might even share how this folktale is told in their home country!
- Where to read: You can find this story in the book Polish Fairy Tales by A.J. Glinski or for free online.
2. The Eagles
A king remarries a wicked sorceress who turns his sons into eagles and his daughter into a dove. With courage and the help of an old man, she sets out on a quest to save her brothers. This adventurous lark is perfect for bedtime, offering a mix of adventure and heartwarming family bonds.
- Lesson learned: Bravery and selflessness bring hope and transformation.
- Activity to try: Design a family crest together, each member contributing a symbol or animal that represents them.
- Where to read: This story is available in Polish Fairy Tales by A.J. Glinski or for free online.
3. Prince Kindhearted
A prince is betrayed by his servant, who tricks him into swapping roles and forcing the prince to serve him. With the help of a magical knight, the prince exposes the servant’s treachery, saving the kingdom and restoring his rightful place. Packed with action and a touch of magic, kids will root for the prince’s triumph over evil.
- Lesson learned: The importance of honesty, bravery, and standing up for what’s right.
- Activity to try: Create a “Prince and Servant” role-play in which children act as the prince and the servant, practicing honesty and kindness in their actions from both viewpoints.
- Where to read: Look for audio versions of this story on YouTube and SoundCloud, in Polish Fairy Tales by A.J. Glinski, or read it online.
4. The Whirlwind
A magical dwarf kidnaps Princess Ladna after she rejects his love. With the help of a mighty steed, Prince Dobrotek embarks on a dangerous quest to save Ladna. This thrilling adventure captivates young readers with brave heroes, formidable challenges, and vivid magic.
- Lesson learned: The power of love, courage, and persistence triumphs over evil.
- Activity to try: Create a new magical adventure story using a favorite animal as a helper.
- Where to read: Find this story in Polish Fairy Tales by A. J. Gliński or Tales from Poland: Collection of Ancient Tales by A. J. Gliński on Amazon.
5. The Good Ferryman and the Water Nymphs
In this Polish take on a mermaid story by Maude Ashert Biggs, a poor man’s ferry business is passed down to his greedy sons, but only the kind third son earns the reward of a mermaid’s blessing. This heartwarming fable teaches the value of kindness and generosity, making it a perfect bedtime read for kids.
- Lesson learned: Kindness brings unexpected rewards.
- Activity to try: Draw your own mermaid or water nymph.
- Where to read: Find the audio version on the Fairytalez podcast or read it on Fairytalez.com.
6. Princess Miranda and Prince Hero
Princess Miranda lives happily on a magical island, but one day, the evil King Kosciey casts a curse, putting everyone to sleep. Only the brave Prince Hero can break the spell. With the help of a magical horse and a mighty mace, he must contend with King Kosciey and save the island. Kids will love this action-packed tale of bravery and adventure.
- Lesson learned: Together, we can accomplish more than we ever could alone.
- Activity to try: Create a scavenger hunt where your child has to find items related to the story, like a “magic stone” or “royal crown,” and tell a part of the adventure with each discovery.
- Where to read: Download the E-book online or watch it on the English Fairy Tales YouTube channel.
7. The Glass Mountain
A clever young man ascends a slippery glass mountain to rescue a princess trapped in a golden castle. Countless brave knights fail, but the boy’s ingenuity helps him overcome many challenges and reach the fabled golden apple tree. This is a perfect Polish bedtime story that inspires resourcefulness.
- Lesson learned: Clever thinking can overcome any obstacle.
- Activity to try: Have your child devise their own creative solution to a challenge.
- Where to read: Look for illustrated versions of the story, such as W.S. Kuniczak’s The Glass Mountain: Twenty-Eight Ancient Polish Folktales and Fables.
8. The Princess of the Brazen Mountain
A kind-hearted prince rescues his wife, a princess with magical wings, after she mysteriously disappears on their wedding day. Using a magical whip, boots, and an invisible cap, he travels to the Brazen Mountain to reunite with her. This enchanting story weaves adventure, love, and magic together for a captivating bedtime read.
- Lesson learned: Perseverance and love make dreams come true.
- Activity to try: Ask your child, “If you could have any three magical items, what would they be and why?”
- Where to read: Watch it on the Fairy Tales & Bedtimes Stories YouTube channel or download the E-book online.
9. Bear in the Forest Hut
A kind girl abandoned in the woods helps a bear placed under an enchantment. Her kindness and hard work earn her a happy ending, while her selfish step-sister meets a tragic fate. Written by Antoni Józef Gliński, kids will enjoy this Slavic story’s magic, talking animals, and exciting journey from hardship to a royal wedding.
- Lesson learned: Kindness and hard work bring rewards, while selfishness leads to misfortune.
- Activity to try: Roll a die to choose a magical animal, a hero, and a challenge. Then, write or act out a short fairy tale using those elements.
- Where to read: You can read this story in Antoni Józef Gliński’s collection of Polish Fairy Tales or for free online.
10. The Plague and the Peasant
To save his village and loved ones, a brave peasant makes the ultimate sacrifice. He is forced to carry the Plague across the land, spreading sickness wherever he goes. This gripping tale captivates children with its suspense and heroism, teaching the power of courage, selflessness, and sacrifice.
- Lesson learned: True bravery is putting others before oneself, even in the face of great danger.
- Activity to try: Make a shadow puppet play of the peasant’s story using simple materials like paper and a flashlight.
- Where to read: Look for this story on Fairytales.com, ProjectGutenberg.org, or other online sources.
11. The Hare’s Heart
A courageous knight is cursed by a wicked witch who replaces his heart with that of a timid hare. Once a fearless leader, he is now consumed by terror, unable to face danger or lead his soldiers into battle. Children will enjoy the suspense and tragedy as the hero transforms from brave to cowardly.
- Lesson learned: The consequences of seeking revenge and the importance of inner courage and integrity.
- Activity to try: Ask your child, “What is something that scares you?” Have them write or draw a story where their character faces and overcomes that fear.
- Where to read: This story can be found in the book Slavonic Fairy Tales by John Theophilus Naaké.
The Benefits of Reading Bedtime Stories with Your Au Pair
Who doesn’t love a good story? But bedtime tales are more than just entertainment. There are many benefits to making these Polish bedtime stories a part of your child’s nightly routine. Some of these benefits include:
- One-on-one bonding: Reading together before bed allows for special one-on-one time with your child, strengthening their sense of security and connection. With an Au Pair, your child can experience bedtime stories in both English and the Au Pair’s native language, making these moments even richer.
- Cultural enrichment: Polish folktales carry deep cultural traditions, and with an Au Pair, your child gains an authentic storyteller who brings these tales to life. Whether it’s hearing the proper pronunciation of Polish names or learning traditional bedtime lullabies, your Au Pair helps make storytime a global experience.
- Language development: Listening to a story in both English and another language expands your child’s vocabulary and comprehension skills. An Au Pair can introduce words, phrases, and even songs in their native tongue, helping your child become more linguistically curious and adaptable.
- Improved sleep quality: The calming and relaxing nature of reading before bed can help children fall asleep faster and have a more restful night’s sleep. Your Au Pair can help establish this routine, ensuring that your child enjoys restful sleep while also engaging in a meaningful learning experience.
- Making learning fun: With an Au Pair, bedtime stories turn into engaging adventures! They can help act out scenes, create crafts, and even share how similar stories are told in their home country, making bedtime both educational and exciting.
Enjoy Polish Bedtime Stories with an Au Pair
With generations of storytelling and a rich cultural history, Polish folktales offer a treasure trove of adventure, magic, and life lessons. And when shared with an Au Pair — whether from Poland or another part of the world — these stories take on a whole new depth, offering your child a unique window into the world.
Beyond making bedtime more engaging, your Au Pair can support your family in so many ways, from helping with morning routines, preparing meals, driving to activities, and assisting with homework. They provide flexible, reliable childcare while also introducing your child to a new language and culture.
Want to make bedtime even more magical and simplify your daily routine? Hosting an Au Pair can bring these traditions to life while giving your family the support and flexibility you need.
