Fairytales are classics for a reason. They appeal to all ages and have timeless messages wrapped in interesting events and courageous heroes. The fact that they have been passed down for so many years means that not only are they very well known by many, but there is a plethora of versions to enjoy.
When you take a familiar fairytale and change the perspective, or continue the story, or take different elements and switch them all around you get a fractured fairytale. I think fractured fairytales are so popular because they take the familiar and give it a fun twist that has never been down before. It’s delightful to be surprised by new endings and to have familiar stories take new turns. They are especially useful for young readers to practice comparing and contrasting as well as getting a good laugh. Below are some fantastic, fractured fairytales for you and your little bookworms to enjoy that we love over here.
“Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs” by Mo Willems- Everything by Mo is brilliant and this book is no exception. In this story Goldilocks wanters into the home of three dinosaurs who have actually laid it as a trap. Their plan? To entice her in, fill her up with their bowls of chocolate pudding conveniently laid out, then eat her up! It is clever and oh-so-fun.
“Rapunzel” and “Little Red” by Bethan Woolvin- In both of these fractured fairytales Bethan has taken two of our favorite fairytale ladies and turned them into true heroines. They are no damsel in directresses waiting to be rescued. Oh no, these ladies take matters in their own hands and come up with their own solutions. I love these powerful new takes on the stories and am in love with their design as well.
“The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith- I have read this book more times than I can count and it never ceases to be entertaining. It is the story of “The Three Little Pigs” told from the wolf’s point of view. He has a perfectly good explanation for everything “bad” that he appeared to do in the story and is out to set the records straight on how kind and innocent he really is.
“After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)” by Dan Santat- Okay, okay, so this one is a nursery rhyme and not a fairytale. But I am so in love with this powerful story that I had to share it. (Plus, nursery rhymes are just as famous as fairy tales are they not?!) We all know that Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall and we all know that that he couldn’t be put back together again by the kings horses and men. The part of the story that we are missing is how he did heal and how he did get back up again. This book is powerful! It is a stunning story of overcoming and persevering and I couldn’t love it more.
“The Three Pigs” by David Wiesner- In this story the three pigs find themselves escaping the big bad wolf by leaving the pages of their story and tracing through other stories. It is such a clever new twist that will have you completely entertained and excited to turn every page.
“Little Red Gliding Hood” by Tara Lazar and Troy Cummings- In this wintery tale Little Red is on ice skates and out to find the perfect partner for a skating competition. In a surpassing turn of events she ends up paired with the notorious “big bad wolf” who may not be so big and bad after all. But will the woodcutter get in their way of a sure win? This book is so much fun and the illustrations are darling.
“Fairytale Pets” by Tracey Corderoy and Jorge Martin- This one isn’t so much a fractured fairy tale as it is a fun story that includes so many familiar fairytale characters. It is about a little boy who decides to take on a job pet-sitting. However, the “pets” that show up at his door are none other than fairy tale characters such as the three little pigs and the goose that lays golden eggs. It’s not long before chaos ensues and it is so hilarious to read along.
“Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith- I have loved this one since I was a child and still think it is pretty much wonderful. It is a book that contains several, short retellings of fairytales in the most hilarious ways. For example, there is The Really Ugly Duckling and Little Red Running Shorts. And instead of chasing a gingerbread man, the star is a stinky cheese man. Absolutely clever and witty, this book will have you and your kids laughing.
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