The article deals with the tales of Ivan Franko and their role in the formation of national-cultural values of elementary school students. The concept “national-cultural values” is defined. On the basis of analysis of texts of textbooks on literary reading it is determined which qualities the fairy tales bring up to children.Research confirms that among the spiritual values typical of Ukrainian culture, the first stage nowadays is the orientation towards the family (11%), followed by dependence on public opinion (10%). Ukrainians of the young age are optimistic about the young people (20%).I. Franko propagates these same values in his fairy tales: goodness, truth, justice, intelligence, orientation towards the family, optimism, faith in power.I. Franko instills the high and noble spiritual requests for young readers, involving children into the perception and comprehension of fantastic visions, gives them a wealth of cognitive material on the life of nature and society. Tales become for the little reader the initial reference point for a logical comprehension of life, they cultivate a sense of dignity; to love the environment, pride of their land, language.