There's also 'The Magic Pot'. This story is about a magic pot that can produce an endless amount of delicious food. However, it also comes with a catch. The story teaches children about greed and the importance of sharing. When the characters in the story become too greedy, they face consequences, but when they learn to share, things go well for them.
Polish children's stories can have a great impact on children's values. For example, stories that feature characters being kind and helpful, like in 'The Enchanted Snake', can encourage children to be more empathetic and altruistic. When children hear about the good that comes from helping others, they are more likely to do the same in their own lives.
They usually involve moral lessons. The ghosts or supernatural elements in the stories are sometimes the result of someone's wrongdoings in the past. For instance, in some stories, a person who was cruel or unjust during their life might come back as a ghost to haunt the place or people related to their misdeeds.
Polish horror stories often have a strong sense of atmosphere. They tend to use the gloomy and often desolate Polish landscapes, like old forests or abandoned castles, to create a spooky backdrop. For example, the thick, dark forests can be a setting where unknown terrors lurk.
Polish bedtime stories often have elements of magic. For instance, many stories involve magical creatures like fairies, witches, or talking animals. They also usually carry a moral lesson. Such as teaching children about kindness, courage, or honesty.
I would recommend 'The Issa Valley' by Czesław Miłosz. This story is a beautiful exploration of the author's childhood and the rural landscapes of Poland. It has a very nostalgic feel, with descriptions of nature and the simple life that are both charming and poignant. The story also delves into the themes of growing up and the passage of time.
One horror story could be when the nail polish doesn't dry properly. You think it's dry, then you accidentally touch something and it gets all smudged. Another is when the color turns out completely different from what you expected on your nails. It might look nice in the bottle but hideous on your nails.
One common theme is the supernatural. Many stories involve ghosts, like the Lady in White. Another theme is revenge. For example, the spirit of someone who was wronged in life coming back to haunt those who did them wrong. And nature often plays a role too, like in the story of the Wawel Dragon where the natural elements like sulfur were used to defeat the monster.
Haunted places are common, like old castles, forests, and abandoned houses. For example, the many ancient castles in Poland are often the settings for ghost stories.