Fairy Tales have captured the imaginations of children for generations. There is a reason these stories endure. Reasons, in fact.
They capture dreams. They have a predictable quality that endears them to kids. They consider good vs evil in a way that orders the world for children.
Do you have a favorite?
Feel free to read a collection of versions of one fairy tale over the course of the week. We love doing story studies like this.
Otherwise, get ready to explore the world of fairy tales by reading some of the most common stories. Below are some of our favorite versions of the classics but the variety out there is impressive.
This was originally shared as part of our A Read A Day Challenge – the details are in this intro post.
affiliate links are included below.
A Week of Fairy Tale
Picture Books
Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood
Interstellar Cinderella doesn’t need anyone to save her, in fact she does some saving of her own. When the prince’s spaceship stalls it is Cinderella to the rescue. Full of girl power and all kinds of outerspace fun, this is a rollicking good time.
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! By Jon Scieszka
At this point, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, is a classic but I still remember the first time a teacher read it aloud to me like it was yesterday. I thought it was pure genius. Told from the perspective of the big bad wolf, Scieszka offers a creative take on the traditional tale of the 3 Little Pigs. Brilliant in my opinion.
Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox
You’re probably sensing a theme because this is an unusual take on yet another fairy tale. Rapunzel is full of spunk in this silly version. This one makes my kids laugh out loud.
Very Little Red Riding Hood by Teresa Heapy
Love this cheerful book. Do you know the story of little red? Not like this you don’t. Very little red riding hood is a feisty little one who isn’t afraid of anything – including that big bad wolf. She cheerfully heads to grandmamas, invites wolf in for some fun, but then…she misses her momma. Can that not so bad wolf help? Adorable illustrations, charming characters, and fresh take on this classic story. If you love it as much as we do there is a whole series of these very little books to enjoy.
Jack and the Beanstalk by Richard Walker and Niamh Sharkey
In general, this version follows the classic story of Jack but the illustrations set it apart. From cover to cover this one draws you in with the whimsical, quirky illustrations. Follow Jack on his adventures and enjoy a little extra dash of comedy along the way with this take on Jack and his famous beans.
Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney
I am a huge fan of the way Jerry Pinkney re-imagines fairy tales. I have yet to read one that I’m not wowed by, but this is probably my favorite. His re-telling of the story of Little Red Hen is traditional, but his illustrations are a work of art.
Sunday Author Spotlight: Rachel Isadora
The Princess and the Pea by Rachel Isadora
Rachel Isadora is amazing. Her range is incredible. Her books range from darling board books for tots to stories of ballet to vibrant takes on fairy tales. My personal favorite book by Isadora is the first I ever read, Max. It is the story of a boy who loves baseball and accidentally falls in love with ballet on his way to practice. However in celebration of fairy tale week I thought I would share this gem with you. Isadora has a growing collection of fairy tales that she has re-envisioned with an African setting. They are full of rich vibrant color and interesting tweaks to the story. This princess and her incredible pile of quilts are no exception.
You May Also Like:
Ultimate List of Alternative Fairy Tales
