Fairy Tales Retold

Hungry for Once Upon a Time..., but craving a twist? Here are some picture books from recent years that might satisfy.

Updated January 12, 2023
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The little mermaid
Pinkney, Jerry
Paper Book
In this captivating reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's classic, Caldecott medalist and bestselling artist Jerry Pinkney conjures a poignant friendship story and an epic tale of redemption -- the definitive new version for our time. Melody, the littlest sea...
Little Red and the Big Bad Editor
Rector, Rebecca Kraft/ McCloskey, Shanda (ILT)
Paper Book
In this clever and playful fractured fairy tale picture book, the Big Bad Wolf is so distracted by Little Red's poorly written thank you note to her grandmother that he keeps missing the chance to eat her! Once upon a time, Little Red received a bold new cape from her Granny. She...
It's Not the Three Little Pigs
Funk, Josh/ Taylor, Edwardian (ILT)
Paper Book
Meet the three (ahem--four!) little pigs as they convince the narrator to tell a slightly different version of their fairy tale: First, there's Alan, the one pig in the bunch who is actually a builder. He's got a BIG problem with building a home out of flimsy straw. Next, there's Alfred, who...
Tortoise and Hare : a fairy tale to help you find balance
Verde, Susan
Paper Book
Once upon a time there were two neighbors, Hare and Tortoise. Although they lived side by side, they did things very differently. Hare did everything quickly and energetically. But she was so busy that she didn't always pay attention to the things-or people-around her. Some might say...
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Barnett, Mac.
Paper Book
Instant New York Times bestseller! The MOMENTOUS debut of a groundbreaking Fairy Tale series -- a brilliantly crafted, hilarious twist on this beloved classic, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, from renowned, award-winning, and New York Times bestselling duo and...
The little wooden robot and the log princess
Gauld, Tom
Paper Book
A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year   In this fresh new fairy tale, a wooden robot embarks on a quest to find his missing sister-- making for a memorable contemporary bedtime story in acclaimed graphic novelist Tom Gauld's first...
Juno Valentine and the magical shoes
Chen, Eva
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller! Featured in Oprah Magazine's Holiday Gift GuideRecommended by Rachael Ray as the perfect holiday giftFeatured in InStyle's Holiday Gift Guide Juno Valentine's favorite shoes don't light up. They...
Marcy and the riddle of the sphinx
Todd-Stanton, Joe
Paper Book
Kids will love this exciting excavation of ancient Egyptian myths as they follow along with the clever Marcy on a quest to save her dad from the belly of the sphinx! Many years have passed since the tale of Arthur and the Golden Rope, and Arthur is now a world-famous adventurer....

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