Whether they are called fairytales, legends, tall tales, fables, folklore, origin stories, or mythology, each of these stories carries pieces of history and cultural connections that draw lines of similarities between those separated by distance and time. They give us insight into the morals, principals, and beliefs of those who came before us, creating history lessons through drama and cultural lessons with plot. These stories provide a testament not only to who we are but how we’ve grown and what we’ve achieved throughout the years. They are ways to teach our children patience, perseverance, hope, love, kindness, bravery, and the importance of wit.
So, no matter if your tales are of a Grimm version, told through song, or related by a coyote or a spider, we look forward to hearing them. They are a celebration of heritage and history from around the world, showcasing that which we hold important and dear. Our world is a fast moving place, in which we constantly see shifting changes, especially in literature. But these tales, these have withstood the test of time.
During the month of August the @kidlitpicks book club explored fairytale books, new and old. Thanks to Wendy from Homegrown Reader for the exceptional theme!
A Year Full of Stories, by Angela McAllister and Christopher Corr
“The curious mind will be captivated by every fascinating detail and further engrossed in the diverse range of tales.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
The Wolf Who Fell Out of a Book, by Thierry Robberecht and Grégoire Mabire
“It’s interesting to see a story where the tables are turned and the Wolf is the one out of his element, threatened and alone.” — Mel from @spiky_penelope
Beauty and the Beast, by Francesca Rossi
“These types of stories boost a child’s imagination and cultural literacy, help teach us what is right and wrong, develop critical thinking skills, help children develop and work through emotions, model problem solving, and so very much more..” — Leah from @astoryaday
“This is such a beautiful tale about true worth, pure motivation and having a greater perspective.” — Clarissa from @book.nerd.mommy
Touch and Feel books
“These touch-and-feel fairytales are perfect for reading with the whole family!” — Kim from @bookbairn
Where’s Halmoni?, by Julie Kim
“A wonderful way to introduce children to the folktales of another culture and landscape.” — Miranda from @bookbloom
Rapunzel, by Bethan Woollvin
“In this version of Rapunzel, the fiesty main character outwits the evil witch and escapes her tower, all on her own.” — De from @books_and_babycinos
The Wild Swans, by Hans Christian Andersen and Susan Jeffers
“When I was little, this was one of my favorite stories! I still have the book!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore
Hare and Tortoise, by Alison Murray
“Whether encountering the classic tale for the first time or tracing the racecourse map to relive it, this is a witty and appealing tale for children that imparts the moral that slow but steady wins the race.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion, by Alex T. Smith
“This Little Red is one sassy, afraid-of-nothing girl of colour with spectacular pigtails and lives in an African savanna.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Once Upon an ABC, by Sophie Masson and Christopher Nielsen
“For every letter of the alphabet is a character from a folk or fairytale, ranging from the well-known to the obscure.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Baba Yaga, by An Leysen
“Just like most fairytales there is a happy ending for Olga.” — Fiona from @fee_loves_
Young Guinevere, by Robert D San Souci and Jamichael Henterly
“Henterly’s use of vibrant colors, that I don’t normally associate with Britain, and his depiction of Guinevere is rich and spirited.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader
Fairy Tale Pets, by Tracey Corderoy and Jorge Martín
“Playful text and eye-popping illustrations combine for an explosion of silliness in this fun walk down fairytale memory lane.” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits
Deep in the Woods, by Christopher Corr
“This traditional Russian folktale tells of a little wooden house (with nine neat windows and a red front door) that becomes the perfect home for a menagerie of forest animals.” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts
