If you're in the mood for some fractured fairy tale action, go no further. Here are some great recommendations:
Picture Books:
- The Three Pigs by David Wiesner - I will never get tired of David Wiesner. In this one, the three little pigs get blown out of the story when the wolf huffs and puffs, and they find themselves popping in and out of all sorts of other fairy tales.
- Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson - In this reverse story, one bear goes for a walk and finds himself lost in the city. So he lets himself into an unlocked apartment for a little nap.
- Little Red Hot by Eric A. Kimmel and Laura Huliska Beith - I do believe I read this to Ella 1,000 times earlier this year. Little Red loves spicy food and she uses her fire-proof tastebuds to get the best of the big bad wolf.
- The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith - This is the first fractured fairy tale I remember. My grandmother gave this to my dad when I was a kid and it's remained one of my favorites. In it, the Big Bad Wolf shares his side of the story (he was framed!).
- Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems - If you know Mo Willems from his Pigeonbooks or Knuffle Bunny, you know to expect great things. And you won't be disappointed.
- Lon Po Po by Ed Young - This Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood won the Caldecott medal and definitely has a bit of a scary edge to it.
- The Frog Prince, Continued by Jon Scieszka and Steve Johnson - What happens when you kiss a frog and he turns into a prince? And then he realizes he doesn't actually want to be a prince and preferred life as a frog?
- The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg - This classic has held up surprisingly well in our house, despite all the parts. And show me a child who doesn't love all the tiny letters and envelopes, and I'll show you a pretend child.
Chapter Books:
- Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine - I know the movie is terrible. The book is anything but. Forget Anne Hathaway and read it.
- Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff - Who knew there was so much backstory behind Rumpelstiltskin?
- The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - This was one of the first books I ever wrote about here back in 2007, and it's still one of my all-time favorite books.
- Beauty by Robin McKinley - This was probably the first fairy tale retelling I ever read. I love this Beauty and the Beast story so so much.
- Rapunzel's Revenge by Dean Hale, Shannon Hale and Nathan Hale - I'm not a mega graphic novel fan, but this one is just 100% delightful. How can you not love the idea of Rapunzel using her long hair as a lasso?
YA and Adult Books:
- The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman
- The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
- Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire
What would you add?
This is a great list!
ReplyDeleteMissie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
Thanks! I loved it to. Definitely check out Everyday Reading if you want more book lists like this one!
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