author
Laura Fry Kready
b. 1874
Best known for her thoughtful work on fairy tales, she wrote about why these stories matter to children and how teachers can use them well. Her writing bridges literary criticism and early childhood education in a way that still feels clear and practical.
1 Audiobook
A Study of Fairy Tales
by Laura Fry Kready
About the author
Laura Fry Kready was an American writer and educator born in 1874. She is chiefly remembered for A Study of Fairy Tales (1916), a book that examines fairy tales as literature while also considering their place in teaching young children.
The book presents her as "Laura F. Kready, B.S." and was introduced by Henry Suzzallo, then president of the University of Washington in Seattle, suggesting a strong connection to educational circles of her time. In it, she argues for fairy tales as an important part of the curriculum for children in kindergarten and the first grade, combining literary history, classification, and practical guidance for teachers.
Reliable biographical details about her life appear to be limited online, but records consistently identify her as Laura F. Kready, born in 1874 and deceased in 1928. Even with that sparse public record, her work stands out for taking children's stories seriously and explaining their lasting value with warmth and structure.