It’s National Tell A Fairy Tale Day 2022 and I am delighted to be sharing six reimagined fairy tale books as well as hosting an EPIC giveaway bundle.
Snowy White by Gareth P. Jones and Loretta Schauer
From the creators of Rabunzel and Cindergorilla comes another twisted fairytale – this time of the beloved classic Snow White.
Every night, Kingsley asks his “crystal ball” on the wall who is the finest cat of all, and every night it’s him, until Snowy White rocks up. Kingsley is determined to get rid of her and even stoops to throwing apples at her.
Luckily, Snowy gets a helping paw – or seven – from some very special new friends. This fun twist on Snow White gives the fairytale an environmentalism message, about respecting our community and recycling. We loved that the dialogue in the book was written in rhyme and enjoyed Loretta’s engaging, recognisable illustrations. This is a really fun series!
Keep reading this post to find out how you could win an AMAZING fairtytale bundle including this picture book!
Snowy White was published by Farshore. 17 February 2022
ISBN: 978-0755503407
Fairy Tale Land by Kate Davies and Lucille Clerc
If you are looking for a gift book of reimagined fairytales then look no further. This exquisitely illustrated coffee-table compendium is an absolute joy.
Fairy Tale Land opens the gates to the magical land where all the fairy tale characters live. The tales are retold with a modern and fresh perspective. Snow White doesn’t need a prince to wake her anymore and perhaps the ocean is more appealing to the little mermaid than a short-sighted human prince. The stories have a lovely touch of humour and are a great length for a bedtime read. I loved the addition of a detailed map and lyrical description of the setting that accompanied each story.
There are twelve stories in total, and something for all readers young and old to enjoy. Fairy Tale Land is a perfect gift to be enjoyed by all the family all year around!
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 5 October 2021
ISBN: 978-0711247529
Gender Swapped Fairy Tales by Karrie Fransman and Jonathan Plackett
The stories in this outstanding book are from the well-known Fairy Books edited by Andrew Lang, published around 1889-1913. All of the story text remains unchanged except for the gender identifiers which have been swapped using an algorithm, created by Jonathan. There are no reimagined endings, or twists, or indeed any other changes. As Karrie and Jonathan explain in their Authors’ Note, they didn’t want to influence the stories with their own prejudices about how each character should act.
Because the rest of the text has been left untouched, the stories feel so familiar and yet unfamiliar at the same time. As you read each story, you EXPECT to know what is going to happen next, but it feels different. Suddenly something that felt acceptable now sounds questionable. And something that once felt dated, now feels modern.
Gender Swapped Fairy Tales is a fabulous, thought-provoking read, that has been beautifully illustrated. It would make a wonderful gift as well as a fabulous learning resource in schools. I highly recommend it! Read my full review here.
Published by Faber & Faber, 5 November 2020
ISBN: 978-0571360185
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew
Published by indie, Owlet Press, Nen and the Lonely Fisherman has one of the most stunning silver-foil covers I’ve seen. We couldn’t wait to read this LGBT retelling of The Little Mermaid.
We are first introduced to merman Nen via a stunning vertical spread. He feels empty and despite the warning of his father, Pelagios, Nen often goes to the ocean’s surface to sing a song of hope. When a lonely fisherman called Ernest hears Nen’s song, he sails out to sea. As soon as they meet, the emptiness they both felt washes away. But Nen’s father is furious and creates a raging storm. Ernest is plunged into the ocean. Can Nen rescue Ernest in time and do they have a future together?
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman is a lyrical re-telling of The Little Mermaid, celebrating love and acceptance. James’ illustrations are absolutely magical and bring this gentle love story to life. This much-needed picture book is a pure delight! Read my full review here.
Published by Owlet Press, 6 June 2021
ISBN: 978-1913339098
I Can Catch a Monster by Bethan Woollvin.
If you are looking for a book for children that challenges stereotypes, then I highly recommend I Can Catch a Monster written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin.
Bo the Brave is on a mission to catch a monster. Her two older brothers think she is too little to catch a monster, but Bo doesn’t let that stop her. She sets off on a quest to catch a fearsome beast and prove her bothers wrong. In fact, Bo discovers many monsters: a griffin, a kraken, a dragon but… are they the real monsters?
This is a book that will inspire children to think for themselves, stand up for what’s right and challenge stereotypes. Bethan’s illustrations are beautiful, packed with little details children will love and Bo is simply unforgettable. Read my full review here.
Published by Two Hoots, Macmillan, 17 September 2020
ISBN: 978-1509889815
I Am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis and Beatrix Hatcher
Finally, I couldn’t do a post on National Fairytale Day without mentioning I am NOT a Prince, written by me and illustrated by Beatrix Hatcher. It is a fairy tale for the 21st century that challenges gender stereotypes and encourages children to be proud to be themselves.
On a misty lagoon in a fairy tale land, young frogs wait patiently to be turned into magical princes. But one little frog is different… Hopp definitely does NOT want to be a prince! When Hopp sets out on a journey to find their true self, everyone assumes the little frog is destined to be a prince… how could such a strong, brave, and kind frog be anything else?
But all it takes is one understanding new friend to help Hopp undergo a magical transformation that causes a positive change to ripple all across the lagoon! Here is what reviewers had to say: My Book Corner, Picture Book Snob and Candid Cocoa.
Published by Orchard Books, 20 January 2022
ISBN: 978-1408362259
And now here is your chance to win an AMAZING bundle of books plus some Snowy White goodies courtesy of Farshore! Simply leave a comment on this post with your favourite fairy tale.
You can also enter on Twitter.
I am very grateful to the publishers for providing me with complimentary copies of these books. This voluntary feature contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
I love having reimagined fairy tales for my classroom and my own little bookworm. Last year I introduced my nursery class to Nen and they loved him. Would love to win some more to share with them. I’m also keen to read I’m not a Prince.
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What a wonderful bundle to win! My favourite fairy tale is Rapunzel, and I’m reading Rumaysa to my class which they’re loving, particularly my witch voice!
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Thanks for all these fantastic recommendations! We are teaching a twisted fairytales topic at the moment so they’re perfect. Love these reimaginaed modern versions x
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What an amazing giveaway Rachael! Thanks for the chance. Favourite childhood fairytale was Beauty and the Beast as I had a lovely illustrated version. Now as an adult I love re-imagined fairytales for modern times like Bethan Woolvlin’s and Anthony Browne’s Into the Forest.
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I love fairytales my favourite book as a girl was the brothers grimm. I also collected all the cannon fairytale videos .
Following on twitter as @jeanettel1979
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What an amazing giveaway! I am loving reading your stories to my child!
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These look amazing! Would love these for our brand new school library being launched on World Book Day! 📚💖
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Great post and giveaway – love the look of these books as I’m having a go at writing some reimagined fairy tales myself at the moment!
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What a great selection. Bookmarking this blog x
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This looks great!! My students wrote fractured fairy tales for their Write a Books (ie: The Princess and the Pea from the princess point of view, and Jack and the Beanstalk from the Giant’s POV)! So this seems right up their alley.
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So excited to find this blog! I love learning about new books for my classroom library!! My fairy tales tub is already bursting…my favorite is The Three Bears.
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It is great to learn of so many new books for my classroom! Fairy tales are so appealing to kids and I love these you have recommended.
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These fractured fairy tales look great! I can’t wait to get some for my school library.
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We do a whole fairytale unit in 3rd grade. These would be perfect!
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What a fantastic group of books! Thanks for sharing.
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I love all these clever titles!
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They sound fabulous reads 📖📚 Love the illustrations they jump out the page the kids will would love them
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I love to read different takes of fairy tales and to share them with my students.
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Fairy Tale Region is a mystical land where all the characters from fairy tales live. The stories are retold in a modern and creative way. Thank you!
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If I won this I would keep it to share with my nieces and nephews.
18
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The book’s dialogue was written in rhyme, and Loretta’s engaging, recognizable drawings were a hit with us. This is a fantastic series!
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Continue reading to see how you can win a fantastic fairytale bundle that includes this picture book!
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