Fairy Tales have enchanted us for ages. With stories of fantastical creatures, magic, and happy endings, what’s not to love about them? In addition to the classic fairy tales, there are now many engaging fractured fairy tales and new original stories to amuse and entertain readers. Compiled here is a list of our family’s favorite fairy tales that we can’t get enough of!
Included here are:
- Classic Fairy Tale Retellings
- Fractured Fairy Tales
- New Original Fairy Tales
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CLASSIC FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS
Once Upon a World series by Chloe Perkins
(Ages 3 and up)
This charming series takes classic fairy tales and breathes new life into them with multicultural characters. The stories themselves stick to the traditional telling, but the settings are changed to foreign countries including Japan, Mexico, India, Russia, and the Caribbean. While the author remains the same, each book is beautifully illustrated by a different artist who expertly captures the culture of each country. With diverse heroines, many children will love seeing themselves reflected in the famous fairy tale characters. Buy It Here
Current books include:
Layer By Layer series by Happy Yak, illustrated by Cynthia Alonso
Between the attention-grabbing illustrations and the layered pages with die-cuts for children to peek through, there is a lot to love about the reimagined stories. My kids especially love running their hands over the glittery pictures.
Books currently in this series include:
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen, 2022
(Ages 5 and up)
The dynamic team of Barnett and Klassen can do no wrong and their new retelling of the classic Three Billy Goats Gruff tale is one of their best collaborations yet! The deliciously smooth text is a joy to read aloud while the eerie illustrations masterfully elevate the original tale. This one still makes me laugh out loud every time I think about it.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Jerry Pinkney, 2017
(Ages 3 and up)
Jerry Pinkney’s gorgeous pencil and watercolor illustrations captivate readers in all of his books, but I’m especially partial to his beautiful fairy tale retellings. With his signature storytelling, these books are must-haves for any collection.
Here are more of our favorites:
FRACTURED FAIRY TALES
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz ; illustrated by Dan Santat, 2012
(Ages 3 and up)
Hi ya! This action-packed fractured fairy tale puts an exciting new spin on an old classic. When an intimidating wolf comes knocking on their door, three pigs decide to train at their local ninja school to learn self-defense. When the first two drop out early, their hardworking sister saves the day. With eye-catching illustrations, tons of amusing puns, and an entertaining storyline with great messaging, The Three Ninja Pigs is a great choice.
Cinderella With Dogs by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Freya Hartas, 2023
In this funny fractured fairytale, Cinderella is visited by a fairy dogmother whose magic has humorous outcomes. This enchanting read deserves two paws up!
The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier ; illustrated by Sonia Sanchez, 2018
(Ages 3 and up)
This updated version of The Little Red Hen stars a small Latina girl named Ruby who invites her brothers to help her build a fort. When they respond that they are too busy, she perseveres and creates an impressive structure. In the end, the brothers make amends by creating additions to the fort and all the siblings enjoy a feast to celebrate their hard work.
Children and adults will love Ruby’s resourcefulness, determination, and self-reliance. They will also adore the last page sharing examples of easy forts to make.
Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox; illustrated by Lydia Monks, 2004
(Ages 3 and up)
When a prince rides up to Rapunzel’s tower and calls out to her to let down her hair, she mishears him and throws down a variety of humorous items. With its vibrant illustrations and flowing rhymes, this comical story was always a favorite read aloud for my students. Not only is it guaranteed to make little ones giggle, it is also a great introduction to rhyming.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim; illustrated by Grace Zong, 2014
(Ages 4 and up)
In this clever twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, it’s Chinese New Year and Goldy is sent to the Chan family to deliver a plate of turnip cakes. When the family of pandas is not home, Goldy eats their food, sits in their chairs, and falls asleep in their bed. Where the story excels is in Goldy’s response after she is caught. Upon returning home, she feels guilty for her rude actions and returns to the Chans the next day to make amends. An author’s note describing Chinese New Year traditions and a recipe for turnip cakes also enhances this fabulous fractured fairy tale.
Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith, 2016
(Ages 4 and up)
This humorous version of Little Red Riding Hood stars an exuberant girl who travels through Africa to deliver medicine to her aunt, but is stopped by a naughty lion. This playful book includes numerous clever details that set it apart from the original and several funny scenes of the lion getting his comeuppance.
Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar ; illustrated by Troy Cummings, 2015
(Ages 4 and up)
My children love this entertaining story featuring well known fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters. When Little Red Riding Hood partners up with the Big Bad Wolf for an ice skating competition, there are surprising results. This humorous story is filled with lots of fun details making it an excellent winter read aloud.
It’s Not A Fairy Tale Series Josh Funk; illustrated by Edwardian Taylor
(Ages 5 and up)
When an unseen narrator attempts to tell classic fairy tales, the characters interrupt with snarky remarks questioning the plot of the story. The results are absolutely hilarious. The narrator grows more and more frustrated as nothing goes according to plan. The expressive illustrations add to the humor and children will love searching for the myriad of fairy tale characters hidden in the pictures. My kids are literally obsessed with this series and I highly recommend it to fans of funny books!
Buy It’s Not Little Red Buy It’s Not Hansel and Gretel Buy It’s Not the Three Little PigsIt’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk
Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez; illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, 2020
(Ages 5 and up)
In this modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, a Latino boy named Federico heads to the market to gather groceries for his grandfather when he stopped by a hungry wolf. There are many similarities to the original tale with several fun twists. Spanish words are effortlessly mixed into the text with a glossary in the back and a recipe for the perfect pico! This one is muy bueno!
Reading Beauty by Deborah Underwood; illustrated by Meg Hunt, 2019
(Ages 5 and up)
A fractured fairy tale about a book-loving princess? Yes, please! Taking place on a futuristic planet, Reading Beauty Y is an amusing modern spin on the classic tale Sleeping Beauty.
In a kingdom full of avid readers, an angry fairy curses Princess Lex with 
a spell that will put her under a deep sleep after receiving a papercut on her birthday. Resourceful Lex decides to take matters into her own hands and aided by helpful “how to” books, discovers how to find and defeat the evil fairy.
We also love the companion book Interstellar Cinderella.
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein, 2010
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s time for bed and Little Red excitedly awaits her Papa’s bedtime stories. As he reads each classic fairy tale, the exuberant Little Red can’t help but interrupt each one with comical results. This enchanting Caldecott Honor book is a ton of fun to read aloud and is a great way to approach a conversation about not interrupting.
After the Fall by Dan Santat(Ages 5 and up)
Using stunning illustrations, Dan Santat shares the story of how Humpty Dumpty brushed himself off after his big fall and gets back on that wall! This is a fun reimagining of a classic nursery rhyme with themes of perseverance and overcoming adversity. And just wait until you get to the ending. It is truly spectacular!
Rapunzel by Bethan Woollvin
(Ages 5 and up)
In this playful twist on a classic fairy tale, Rapunzel is no ordinary girl locked in a tower. She is clever, brave, resourceful, and a real go-getter. She does not play the victim for long and in a satisfying conclusion, the witches are the ones who need to be frightened. Pops of yellow set against hues of black, white, and grey bring even more charm to this entertaining fractured fairy tale.
Bethan Woollvin has made a name for herself reimagining classic fairy tales with a modern twist with tons of girl power and a little dark humor. You may also enjoy Little Red and Hansel & Gretel. I also highly recommend her original fairy tale Bo the Brave.
The Princess and the Greedy Pea by Leigh Hodgkinson, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This comical combination of The Princess and the Pea and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly is hysterical. My kids loved watching a ravenous pea devour everything in sight growing bigger and bigger with each turn of the page until he encounters a very grumpy princess. The expressive artwork paired with the rhythmic text makes this one fun read aloud.
Red by Jed Alexander, 2018
(Ages 3 and up)
This is such a gorgeous wordless wonder with the most charming conclusion. Little Red appears bold and bright against a black and white forest containing an enormous wolf. The detail in the illustrations is just beautiful and the dramatic facial expressions will have children begging to narrate the wordless story.
While the wolf is slyly conversing with Red, other forest animals are seen carrying party supplies to an unknown destination allowing children to predict the surprise ending. Once the ending is revealed, children will want to read the book again with a different perspective!
The Princess and the Petri Dish by Sue Fliess ; illustrated by Petros Bouloubasis, 2020
(Ages 5 and up)
Hank & Gertie: A Pioneer Hansel & Gretel Story by Eric A. Kimmel ; illustrated by Mara Penny, 2018
(Ages 5 and up)
Set against the beautiful mountains of the West, this pioneer version follows Hank and Gertie as they wander away from their wagon train and stumble upon a cabin made out of licorice and rock candy. They are imprisoned by a witch named Aunt Caroline until Gertie ultimately outwits her and the siblings return to their family for a happy reunion.
The colorful illustrations featuring beautiful wildflowers and details from the 1800’s set this retelling apart from many other Hansel and Gretel stories.
The 3 Little Dassies by Jan Brett, 2010
(Ages 3 and up)
Using her signature artwork, master storyteller Jan Brett has created a captivating reimagining of The Three Little Pigs taking place in Africa. This gorgeous story introduces children to the beautiful landscapes and animals that reside in Namibia while sharing an engaging tale.
Splinters by Kevin Sylvester, 2010
(Ages 5 and up)
This hockey-themed take on Cinderella is a ton of fun! Cindy Winters loves hockey, but when she outplays the coach’s daughters, she is sent to the bench where she earns the nickname Splinters. Luckily, her fairy goaltender visits her just in time for her big tryout with Coach Charmaine Prince. There aren’t too many sports-themed fractured fairy tales and this one is a real winner!
Goldibooks and the Wee Bear by Troy Wilson; illustrated by Edwardian Taylor, 2021
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems, 2012
(Ages 6 and up)
Filled with dry wit, fans of off-beat stories are going to love Mo Willem’s take on a fractured fairy tale. When a reckless Goldilocks finds the house of three hungry dinosaurs, she is unaware that she might be entering a trap. With quirky jokes and his signature artwork, this is sure to be a hit with many kids.
The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet & Allan Ahlberg, 1986
(ages 3 and up)
This is one of my all-time favorite books from childhood that has been such a joy to share with my own children. This quaint story follows a postman who delivers letters to a number of fairy tale characters. The illustrations are utterly charming, but the real fun is slipping the letters out of the envelopes and browsing each character’s mail. This timeless story is a must-have.
Endlessly Ever After: Pick Your Path to Countless Fairy Tale Endings by Laurel Snyder; illustrated by Dan Santat, 2022
(Ages 6 and up)
Fairy tales take on new life in this entertaining choose-your-own-adventure book! From the first page, readers choose which path a girl named Rosie will take. Each decision leads her into a new fairy tale with surprising results. Adorned with eye-catching illustrations and rhyming text, this book is a ton of fun, but not for the faint of heart. Some of the paths lead to dire results occasionally ending in death, so this one is better suited for older kids.
NEW ORIGINAL FAIRY TALES
Knight Owlby Christopher Denise, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
Prepare to feast your eyes on one of the most enchanting books of the year! Little owl may be short in stature, but he is big in brains. When he pursues his dream of becoming a knight, he uses his wits to defend the castle against a hungry dragon. The lush artwork is a real feast for the eyes, while the endearing storyline could not be better. Filled with mesmerizing details and one of the most adorable characters in children’s literature, this one is a must read!
The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Princesses Can Fix It! by Tracy Marchini; illustrated by Julia Christians, 2021
When a castle is overrun by alligators, it is up to three clever princesses to construct a contraption to rid their home of the unwanted reptiles. Unfortunately, the king believes that proper princesses should not build. Naturally this doesn’t stop the three determined girls who stay awake each night assembling the perfect invention to return the gators to the moat.
While the focus is on the three STEM-oriented sisters, I also love that their brother, who enjoys sewing, follows his heart too. With its playful pictures and empowering story line, this has become a new favorite in our house!
Once Upon a Dragon Fire by Beatrice Blue, 2021
(Ages 4 and up)
My kids love fairytales, so they couldn’t wait to read this original story that is full of enchantment and wonder. Once upon a time, there was a village whose inhabitants feared a dragon. Everyone, except for Freya and Sylas, who loved sharing stories of the mysterious beast. When a cold storm blows in, Freya and Sylas are convinced it is the dragon’s fault and travel to battle him in order to restore warmth to their village. Upon meeting the dragon, however, they learn an important lesson in kindness and friendship that will change everything.
Lush illustrations bring Freya and Sylas’ world to life with a particularly impressive four-page foldout revealing the dragon’s new talent.
Tiny Cedric by Sally Lloyd-Jones; illustrated by Rowboat Watkins, 2021
Prepare for tons of giggles while reading this royally funny tale! While he may be short in stature, King Cedric has an enormous ego. He is so narcissistic he banishes anyone in his kingdom taller than himself. This leaves only the babies of the kingdom. In a colossally comical twist, King Cedric is forced to care for them resulting in the shrinking of his self-importance and the growing of his heart.
The hilarious illustrations add to the comedic off-beat tone of the story making this a fun read aloud that is sure to be a hit with a variety of ages.
The Story Book Knight by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty, 2016
(Ages 4 and up)
Leo was a gentle knight who simply wants to read. When his parents force him to tame a dragon, he sets off on a quest where he encounters a griffin, a troll, and ultimately the fearsome dragon. Each time, he shares a book with the menacing beast making a new friend in the process. The flowing rhymes make this a nice read aloud and I loved the illustrations in this book. I was so happy that my son requested it so many times since I always enjoy reading a story that celebrates the power of books.
Bo the Brave by Bethan Woollvin, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
A new fairy tale filled with a self-reliant heroine and a message of looking beyond appearances? Yes, please! Bethan Woollvin has made a name for herself reimagining classic fairytales with a modern twist and now she has created a unique, original tale full of heart. When Bo’s brothers go monster hunting, they leave her behind in the castle. Not wanting to miss out on adventure, Bo embarks upon her own quest and discovers a group of unfamiliar creatures who are far from monsters.
Attack of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Pete Oswald, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
Kids who love to laugh will be excited to receive this hilarious story with heart. When Cole becomes the assistant to his favorite knight, he bravely faces the fearsome, but comical Underwear Dragon! Expect requests for multiple readings of this funny story!
Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Spider in the Well stars a very gullible, but well-meaning newsboy who investigates a broken wishing well at the request of the townspeople of Bad Göodsburg. Here, he finds a spider who helps him realize he has been taken advantage of and so he returns to the town to seek justice. This entertaining story is enhanced with pops of neon colors that are a true feast for the eyes.
The King of Little Things by Bill Lepp, illustrated by David T. Wenzel
(Ages 4 and up)
The selfish King Normous wants to take over every kingdom in the land, but surprisingly, it is only the King of Little Things who can stop the mighty monarch. Filled with beautifully detailed illustrations, this unique fairy tale is an entertaining lesson that bigger doesn’t always mean better.
The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight by Elli Woollard, 2016
King Hugo’s Huge Ego by Chris Van Dusen, 2011
(Ages 4 and up)
You cannot go wrong with a Chris Van Dusen book and this one is an absolute delight! King Hugo overcompensates his tiny stature with a a giant case of self-importance. When he is cursed by a sorceress, his head grows larger and larger every time he boasts about his greatness. The detailed illustrations capturing Hugo’s giant head are absolutely hilarious making this lesson in humility a terrific read aloud.
Here Be Dragons by Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
This comical story follows a clueless knight searching the countryside for dragons. Children will love spotting parts of the dragon hiding in plain sight and the satisfying ending of this fiery tale!
Whoops! by Suzi Moore; illustrated by Russell Ayto
(Ages 3 and up)
When a confused cat, dog, and mouse consult a witch to help them find their voices, her spells go awry with funny results. Filled with rolling rhymes and onomatopoeia, this sensational story is a delight to read aloud.
There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight by Penny Parker Klostermann ; illustrated by Ben Mantle, 2015
(Ages 4 and up)
Knowing my kindergartner’s love for dragons and the There Was an Old Lady series by Lucille Colandro, I had no doubt this was going to be a huge hit in our house. This medieval version of the classic song uses the same bouncy rhyming cadence to share the story of a dragon who eats a myriad of things from a squire to an entire castle. “There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight. I don’t know why he swallowed a knight. It’s not polite!”
While the reader is not sure why the dragon swallows the knight (and everything else), one thing is clear; this is an entertaining read aloud that begs to be shared again and again.
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