Another 20 Books--Fairy Tales and Such

This weeks twenty books are all selections of Fairy Tales, Fabels, and their revisions. Enjoy reading to your child the stories you grew-up with. There are many fun and creative adaptions to the classics, as well. Hopefully the stories included in this weeks blog will bring back some fond memories while helping you create some new ones.

The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires
Children will enjoy this southwestern spin on the beloved classic tale of the Gingerbread Boy. Giddyup, and try to catch the Gingerbread Man as he races past the rancher and his wife, the roadrunner, the javelinas, the long-horned cattle, the cowboys, and the coyote who all try to eat him. Wonderful colored pencil drawings bring you through the adventure of The Gingerbread Cowboy. Parents and kids alike will have fun as they read along to find out how the tale ends.

Iron Hans, A Grimms’ Fairy Tale retold by Stephen Mitchell
This classic Grimm Fairy Tale is retold in this superbly illustrated story. Follow along as the unlikely friendship between a “wild man” and a prince begins and what lessons each of them must learn to reach their true destiny. Will the prince be able to live a life of meager means and poverty to pass the tests set out before him? And who is Iron Hans really? Enjoy this story again and again as it helps teach young children many of life’s lessons about humility, kindness and being content with what you have.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora
Brilliantly colored and exciting collages adorn this African adaption of Grimm’s classic Fairy Tale. Rachel Isadora’s retelling of the story of princes, princesses, and a secret world is fun and creative. Families will enjoy reading about the secret adventures of the princesses and all night dances. Follow the tale to find out what happens to The Twelve Dancing Princesses.

The Princess and the Pea retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora*
This wonderful retelling of a classic tale takes on a new twist in an African setting and with wonderful, colorful illustrations. Rachel Isadora gets it right again with the classic story of a prince who wants to marry a “real” princess. Learn if the prince gets his wish, or if the new “princess” can’t pass the test, and enjoy the new telling of this old tale.

Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox by Erin Dealey
Read along with the rhyming story of Goldie Locks who has come down with the chicken pox. You’ll recognize all of the nursery rhyme characters who come to visit Goldie Locks when she’s sick. Little Bo Peep, little Red Riding Hood and more stop by as Goldie Locks little brother, Jack continues to tease her about her chicken pox. You will love the old 50’s style illustrations of this new take on an old favorite. Children who are fighting a sickness themselves will enjoy hearing this sweet story.

Kate and the Beanstalk by Mary Pope Osborne
A new retelling of a timeless tale with a progressive twist, help give this story it’s new face. Cheer on the heroine as she uses her wits to undo the wrongs of the past and set in motion some events she never could have anticipated. Families and children will love this hopeful tale and want to hear told it over and over.

Carmine a Little More Red by Melissa Sweet
Carmine a Little More Red is a lovely retelling of the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood retold in a modern setting to keep the story fresh. The new twists will keep you intrigued about what is next for this dreamy little girl and keep the readers turning to the next page. Children will be involved in the story learning new words and their meanings from the big bold lettering. The use of special, highlighted set-apart bold words on every page will build vocabulary. Caretakers and children will enjoy the wonderful painted illustrations and creative story layout. Put these elements together and Carmine a Little More Red is sure to be on your family’s favorites list for a long time.

Jack and the Bean Stalk retold and illustrated by Steven Kellogg
This classic fairy tale with beautifully intricate illustrations assists in the telling of the tale. Enjoy reading this story with your children while pointing out the story found within the drawings. Children and caregivers will enjoy telling this favorite tale and will take pleasure in repeating along with the classic lines, “Fe-fi-fo-fum.”

Clever Beatrice retold by Margaret Wiley
From the North woods of Michigan comes the tall tale of a quick witted little girl versus a giant in tests of strength. Wonderful painted illustrations pull you through this story and each page is an adventure. Read aloud as little Beatrice challenges the giant to a bet of strength for his gold. Beatrice will leave you smiling as she lets her brain power win over brawn power and prompts you to wonder what she’ll think up next.

Lies and Other Tall Tales collected by Zora Neale Hurston; adapted and illustrated by Christopher Myers
A collection of tall tales so tall you don’t even want to know the truth. These stories of old time tall tales accompanied with colorful collages will keep you turning the pages to see how deep these legends will go. Kids will enjoy these hyped up stories with a southern drawl and parents will have fun reading them aloud. A beautiful collection of African-American folklore.

The Gunniwolf retold by Wilhelmina Harper
A classic fairytale style depiction,the story of The Gunniwolf tells a tale of a little girl who disobeys her mother. As the little girl wanders into the jungle she is met by the Gunniwolf. Follow along as the story tells of the little girl’s adventure with a wolf and the songs she uses to put the wolf asleep and cleverly escape danger.

The Three Little Pigs by Paul Galdone*
Families will enjoy reading The Three Little Pigs as the story continues beyond where the nursery rhyme usually ends. In this timeless tale told with soft colors and pen illustrations find out how smart the third little pig really is and how he outsmarts the wolf time and time again. Children will enjoy the clever wisdom of the third little pig and how he protects himself from the big, bad wolf.

The True Story Of The Three Little Pigs By A. Wolf told by Jon Scieszka
This story is a great twist on the original tale. Trying to set the story straight the wolf of The Three Little Pigs fame gets to tell his side of the story. Wonderfully illustrated, with witty humor and clever details, this story is destined to be a new family favorite as you read it aloud again and again.

Little Red Riding Hood retold by Josephine Evetts-Secker
Soft illustrations in this beautiful book will help you retell the tale of Little Red Riding Hood and her trip to grandmother’s house. Read along as her journey begins through the forest where the cunning wolf awaits. Follow along as you find out where her trip begins to go awry, and continue as she matches wits with the wolf. The book keeps with the true, original telling of Little Red Riding Hood with the ending sticking to the classic ending.

Bruh Rabbit and the Tar Baby Girl retold by Virginia Hamilton
Once again clever Bruh Rabbit is trying to feed himself without having to do any of the work. Have fun while reading this tale aloud, with its southern style vernacular, and find out if Bruh Wolf is able to keep any of his crops with Bruh Rabbit around. An African-American classic tale is brought to life in this beautifully illustrated book.

Beautiful Blackbird retold by Ashley Bryan
Kids and caregivers alike will enjoy this mythic tale of how all birds received a touch of black color in their feathers. Follow along with the colorful paper cut out style illustrations and dance along with the beat as blackbird gives each bird a touch of his beauty. Winner of the Coretta Scott King award, Beautiful Blackbird is a must read for the beauty found in color.

Kibitzers and Fools – Tales My Zayda Told Me retold by Simms Taback
Are you a kibitzer? Get ready to sharpen your Yiddish skills in this book of tales passed down from the author’s grandfather. Read along with the tales as each has a moral lesson to learn and learn from the rich experiences of others. The book illustrates the rich heritage of the Jewish people and how language can transcend boundaries and time.

Flossie and the Fox retold by Patricia C. McKissack
Vibrant painted illustrations pull us along the story of Flossie Finley and the sly fox. Smile as Flossie works her magic, but can she outwit the fox and get to Miz Viola’s with her basket of eggs? Kids will enjoy the artistry of the illustrations and caregivers will enjoy the southern drawl of the language as they read this tale of the extremely clever little girl.

Strega Nona retold and illustrated by Tomie de Paola
Strega Nona, which means Grandma Witch, lives with her helper Big Anthony. Anthony helps Strega Nona with her chores because she is very old, but Anthony is told to never touch her pasta pot. Find out what happens when Big Anthony disobeys Strega Nona, creating disaster for himself and others. A Caldecott winner, children and caregivers will enjoy this wonderful book.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
You may think you have heard every adaption of classic fairy tales, but if you haven’t read this book then you haven’t head anything yet. Fun and extremely creative adaption of classic fairy tales, The Stinky Cheese Man will be loved by all who read it. The stories turn into quirky tales that may not always make sense in this wonderfully illustrated book of tales. Have fun reading aloud these funny stories that help illustrate just how fun reading books can be.