Some of these newly published fairy tales and myth books are familiar while others are totally new. Read these stories with your children. Then see what wonderful discussions you might have as you explore the richness and meaning of the stories together. Fairy tales began as allegories to explain abstract concepts with themes of birth, death, love, jealousy, growing up, and … [Read more...]
Ultimate List of Beauty and the Beast Retellings and Adaptations (for Kids and Young Adults)
Fans of the Beauty and the Beast movies, look no further to find Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête) books -- retellings and adaptations for kids and Young Adults (YA)! This originally French fairy tale became popular in the 1700s written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. When her father is imprisoned by a cursed Beast for stealing a rose, Belle, or Beauty, trades her freedom … [Read more...]
Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales
You know how I feel about fairy tales, that they are essential reading for kids. Today, I'm excited to share with you new mythical and magical folk and fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and two impressive collections of classic fairy tale stories. You're going to love these! Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales Once Upon a Gorjuss Time Six Classic Tales to Dream By by Santoro Beautiful illustrations and … [Read more...]
12 Favorite Fairy Tale Mashups
I love fairy tale mashups because they take some of an original fairy tale and combine it with another, creating an entirely new story. It's fairy tale fanfiction! Here are ten of my favorite chapter books for kids with mixed-up fairy tales. Add any more that you know about in the comments. Fairy Tale Mashups Big Bad Detective Agency by Bruce Hale (ages 6 - 9) series The Big Bad Wolf aka. … [Read more...]
Fairy Tales For Kids
I think that fairy tales for kids are so important because they develop a child's imagination and teach important life lessons. (The original fairy tales especially.) Here's a list of fairy tales, some original and retold, and some updated, and some modified. Fairy Tales For Kids Featured Book: The Wild Swans go here to see the next stop on the Wild Swan book tour The Wild Swans Retold … [Read more...]
New, Fascinating Fairy Tale Picture Books
We love fairy tale picture books with their life lessons, heroes, heroines, magic, and unusual creatures. It's interesting to watch as fairy tales adapt and change like the story below of Goldy Luck instead of Goldilocks. But equally as fascinating is the original versions retold to new audiences as with The Snow Queen and Little Red Cap. Finally, there are authors who invent new fairy tales that … [Read more...]
The Best Villains in Children’s Books
by educator, mom, and "education diva," Ruth Spivak. Mwahahaaaa! An awesome villain can really make a great children's book. Oh sure, it’s great to have a hero who models virtue and courage, but it’s the villains who are often the most interesting and memorable characters. What would Charlie and the Chocolate Factory be without the outrageously spoiled Veruca Salt, or without gluttonous … [Read more...]
Fairy Tales: Picture Books, Chapter Books, and Writing Ideas
Yesterday I explained why we must read fairy tales to our children, responding to the thinking that fairy tales are too scary, too politically incorrect, too stereotypical. Today we'll look at the best fairy tales for children of all ages -- from picture books to chapter books. Plus, ideas for writing fairy tales. “In a utilitarian age, of all other times, it is a matter of grave importance … [Read more...]
8 Reasons Why Fairy Tales Are Essential to Childhood
Not everyone believes in the importance of fairy tales for kids. In fact, 25% of parents recently surveyed said they wouldn't read fairy tales to a child under five years old because they didn't teach a good lesson or were too scary. Many of you shared your opinion about this on Facebook and please comment here, too - I want to hear your thoughts! The fairy tale survey, quoted in this UK's … [Read more...]
3 New Grimm Inspired Fairy Tale Books
This fall brings three new books that are inspired by the 19th century Brothers Grimm stories; they're not for the faint of heart just like the originals. In fact,The Story of Little Red Riding Hood, A Tale of Dark and Grimm and Reckless might actually scare you a little. (Just in time for Halloween?) Books Inspired By Grimm Fairy Tales The Story of Little Red Riding Hood written by The … [Read more...]
Mixed-Up Fairy Tales For Storytelling and Family Time
This summer, try telling mixed-up fairy tales for your family artists dates, road trips, plane trips, camping trips, bedtime, and even waiting rooms. Think of three different fairy tales and pick one from each -- a character, a setting, and a plot. Mix it all together in your own imaginative way and voila -- you have a mixed-up fairy tale. You are now a storyteller. :) Mixed Up Fairy … [Read more...]