What is a Fairy Tale?
A fairy tale is a story, often intended for children, that features fanciful and wondrous character such as elves, goblins, wizards, and even, but not necessarily, fairies. The term “fairy” tale seems to refer more to the fantastic and magical setting or magical influences within a story, rather than the presence of the character of a fairy within that story. Fairy tales are often traditional; many were passed down from story-teller to story-teller before being recorded in books.
They are all fairy tales. They belong to no one and have been adapted and retold countless times.
Fairy tales do not need to be written down to be legitimate. Many tales that your parents or grandparents may have told you off the top of their heads are also fairy tales. For example, stories of the tooth fairy, the boogeyman, leprechauns and pots of gold or even Santa Claus.
Browse some of SWIC's children's fairy tales below.
See one you like? Request it and pick it up at the Library Front Desk. Watch a video on how to request books. You will receive an e-mail from SWIC Library in your SWIC student e-mail when it is ready for pick-up.
Fairy Tale. (2018, November 4). Literary Terms. https://literaryterms.net/fairy-tale/
A fractured fairy tale is a fairy tale that is designed to be humorous and usually is changed in an unexpected way. It may have changed characters, modernity added or may be told from a different perspective. Fractured fairy tales are great teaching tools about point of view, characterization, and of course alternate endings. They are also just really fun to read. The stories are still recognizable, but with fun — and often absurd! — twists.
Whether you read about a different point of view (Cinderella through her step-mother’s eyes,) retell the story in a modern or unique setting (Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty in another world or time), swap out characters (replacing dinosaurs for bears in Goldilocks), or turn damsels in distress into powerful heroes, these stories are hilarious and make for great read-aloud. Plus, they encourage children to create their own spins on their favorite stories.
The Rabbit Hole Children's Bookstore. “Spin-Off Tales - Oh-So-Fun List of Fractured Fairy Tales.” KidEngage, 6 Mar. 2020, kidengage.com/blog/2020/03/spin-off-tales-oh-so-fun-list-of-fractured-fairy-tales/.
The Three Little Pigs by
Retells the familiar tale in which one of three brother pigs survives a wolf's attacks by using his head and planning well.
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by
This interactive retelling of the Three Little Pigs story allows the reader to play the part of the big bad wolf. Three interior die-cut holes invite readers to huff, puff, and blow the pigsandrsquo; houses down! This fractured fairy tale ends sweetly when, rather than blowing down the third pigandrsquo;s brick home, the wolf/reader blows out the candles on a cake baked by the pigs! A satisfying and engaging read for every young Three Little Pigs fan.
The Three Pigs by
This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book begins placidly (and familiarly) enough, with three pigs collecting materials and going off to build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But the wolf's huffing and puffing blows the first pig right out of the story . . . and into the realm of pure imagination. The transition signals the start of a freewheeling adventure with characteristic David Wiesner effects--cinematic flow, astonishing shifts of perspective, and sly humor, as well as episodes of flight. Satisfying both as a story and as an exploration of the nature of story, The Three Pigs takes visual narrative to a new level. Dialogue balloons, text excerpts, and a wide variety of illustration styles guide the reader through a dazzling fantasy universe to the surprising and happy ending. Fans of Tuesday's frogs and Sector 7's clouds will be captivated by old friends--the Three Pigs of nursery fame and their companions--in a new guise.
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by
Introduce kids to the planets and solar system in this fractured fairy tale retelling of the classic The Three Little Pigs. Parents and children alike will adore this out-of-this-world story, which is set in outer space! GREEP BOINK MEEP! The three little aliens are happily settling into their new homes when the Big Bad Robot flies in to crack and smack and whack their houses down! A chase across the solar system follows in this humorous and visually stunning book from Margaret McNamara (How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?) and Mark Fearing (The Book that Eats People). The endpapers even include a labeled diagram of all the planets.
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by
It was time for the three little wolves to go out into the world, so off they went and built themselves a splendid brick house. But they hadn't reckoned on the big bad pig who soon came along and knocked their house down. The little wolves built a stronger house of concrete, in which they were sure to be safe. But that didn't stop the big bad pig, who made short work of it with a pneumatic drill. Even a house made of armor plates could not protect them. It was only a chance encounter with a flamingo bird that solved their dilemma in an entirely unexpected and satisfactory way. Helen Oxenbury's enchanting watercolor illustrations, full of humorous details and visual excitement, are the perfect accompaniment to this hilarious retelling-in-reverse of the traditional tale.
Three Little Pigs by
Only one of the three pig brothers survives the hazardous experience of building a house.
Cinderella by
A mistreated kitchen maid, with the help of her fairy godmother, attends the palace ball on the condition that she leave before midnight.
Cinderella by
A magical adaptation Charles Perrault's French classic that has been translated and illustrated by Marcia Brown, earning her the Caldecott Medal as well as the love of children everywhere. Even in rags, Cinderella is a hundred times more beautiful than her cruel stepsisters. And how she wishes to go to the prince's ball! But her sisters delight in telling her that people would only laugh at her at the palace. Fortunately, Cinderella is blessed with a fairy godmother who can turn pumpkins into golden coaches, lizards into footmen, and rags into riches. At the ball, Cinderella will have the most thrilling night of her life--until the stroke of midnight!
Yeh-Shen by
"...A worthwhile addition to picture book collections." -- Booklist."Executed with chromatic splendor--a unique combination of brillinace and restraint." -- The Horn Book"Every library will be enriched by it." -- School Library Journal
The Egyptian Cinderella by
"A stunning combination of fluent prose and exquisitely wrought illustrations" (School Library Journal). "An inventive twist on the classic tale" (Publishers Weekly). This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo. Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing--no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave, from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile. So when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself? And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh has promised to find the slipper's owner and make her queen of all Egypt? Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
Cinderhazel by
Filled with wonderful details and funny mishaps, this spin on the classic Cinderella fairy tale is the perfect Halloween treat. Cinderhazel is a blond witch who loves dirt more than anything. When her stepsisters and stepmother fly oiff to attend the annual Halloween witches' ball, where the elusive Prince Alarming will make an appearance, they leave Cinderhazel behind. All her attempted spells turn to dust -- until her witchy fairy godmother appears and sends Cinderhazel off to meet the equally messy prince. Could this be the beginning of filthily ever after?
Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella by
It's time for the annual fun-fest in the old growth forest, and this year the Bigfoot Prince is ready to choose his bride. He hopes she will be just like him -- a big, hairy, odoriferous nature lover. Rrrrrella, who's as golden as a banana slug with feet like log canoes, would be a perfect match. But can she get past her awful stepsisters and reach the funfest in enough time to win the Prince's heart?Tony Johnston's fresh and funny take on this classic story is brought to life in James Warhola's exuberant art.
The Persian Cinderella by
"A luminescent interpretation. Meticulously researched illustrations faithfully depict the ornate beauty of an ancient land" (Kirkus Reviews). In this jewel-like version of a classic story, popular folklorist Shirley Climo tells the tale of Settareh, the Persian Cinderella. Magic enables Settareh to outsmart two jealous stepsisters and win the heart of a prince. But where most Cinderella stories end, poor Sattareh's troubles are only beginning! The unexpected plot twists will enchant readers as they rediscover the familiar tale in the lush setting of long-ago Persia. Shirley Climo's authentic details bring the story to life, and Robert Florczak's stunning paintings echo the vibrant colors and motifs of an ancient land.
Prince Cinders by
In this delightful retelling of the classic fairy tale, Prince Cinders sets out on an adventure, aided by his very own fairy godmother. Great for ages 4 and up. "Take a classic story, substitute a few ingredients, season freely with silliness and imagination, dress it all up in jaunty illustrations, what have you got? In the case of Cole's Prince Cinders, an outrageously funny romp of a picture book. . . . A madcap, highly entertaining spoof."--Publishers Weekly "Would bring giggles to any age."--School Library Journal
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by
A Caldecott Honor and Reading Rainbow book, this memorable retelling of Cinderella is perfect for introducing children to the fairy tale as well as the history, culture, and geography of the African nation of Zimbabwe. Inspired by a traditional African folktale, this is the story of Mufaro, who is proud of his two beautiful daughters. Nyasha is kind and considerate, but everyone--except Mufaro--knows that Manyara is selfish and bad-tempered. When the Great King decides to take a wife and invites the most worthy and beautiful daughters in the land to appear before him, Mufaro brings both of his daughters--but only one can be queen. Who will the king choose? Award-winning artist John Steptoe's rich cultural imagery of Africa earned him the Coretta Scott King Award for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. The book also went on to win the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. This stunning story is a timeless treasure that readers will enjoy for generations. Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration Caledcott Honor Reading Rainbow Book Boston Globe-Horn Book
Goldilocks and the Three Bears by
"Once upon a time, there lived a little girl named Goldilocks, who was very, very good, except that sometimes she forgot to do things that her mother told her to do. Yes she did... " But worse is when she forget's not to do what she is told not to do. For sometimes that can lead to much more serious trouble....like what happened the day of this story. McClintock's art, that is reminscent of 19th Century children's book art, perfectly compliments Aylesworth's playful, original, and very involving rendition of the classic Three Bears story.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears by
Three bears return home from a walk to find a little girl asleep in Baby Bear's bed.
Somebody and the Three Blairs by
An entertaining reversal of the story of Goldilocks. The Blairs are people; 'Somebody' is a bear.--Kirkus Reviews. Children who have overdosed on Goldilocks will love this version.--School Library Journal.
Red Riding Hood by
"A thoroughly modern, thoroughly charming retelling of the old favorite. Witty and direct . . . both Granny and child are swallowed, then rescued intact by the hunter who kills the wolf. . . . A perfect union of words, story, and illustration."--Kirkus Reviews.
Little Red Riding Hood by
Traveling alone, deep in the woods, Elisabeth suspects her basket of treats isn't the only thing a sly wolf is after. A classic of children's literature, this retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale brings new life to an old favorite with illustrations that children will linger over. Surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds, Elisabeth heads off in her red cloak to visit her ailing grandmother. She's all alone--until she is joined by a wicked wolf, who urges her to stray from her wooded path. Framed with hand-drawn patterns and textured vignettes, Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations add intrigue to the familiar story, filled with subtle detail and depth. With the help of a brave woodsman, Elisabeth and her grandmother are saved, and Little Red Riding Hood learns a valuable lesson. Little Red Riding Hood was a Caldecott Honor Book, and received a Gold Kite Award for Picture Book Text.
Lon Po Po by
WINNER OF THE RANDOLPH CALDECOTT MEDAL, AWARDED TO THE ARTIST OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR "(Young's) command of page composition and his sensitive use of color give the book a visual force that matches the strength of the story and stands as one of the illustrator's best efforts." --Booklist "Absolutely splendid." -- Kirkus Reviews. "An extraordinary and powerful book." -- Publisher's Weekly The now-classic Chinese retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and one of the most celebrated picture books of our time.
Red Ridin' in the Hood by
Famous tales refashioned in Latin American settings Eleven classic tales are retold with an injection of Latino culture, providing a twist on the traditional forms while sustaining a freshness all their own. The title story, "Red Ridin' in the Hood," moves the setting to the barrio, where Red decides to brave dangerous Forest Street in order to reach her abuelita and encounters the menacing wolf in a thumping Chevy lowrider. Some stories are set in the Mexican countryside; in "Belleza y La Bestia," the beautiful heroine is a defender of the Revolution and teaches the beast about the righteousness of the freedom fighters. "El Día de los Muertos," a retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, takes place in the time of the Aztecs and casts Orpheus as the feather-maker Nochehuatl. These and the other cuentos in this book are further brought to life by abundant illustrations, by turns comical and poignant.
The Emperor's New Clothes by 
The Emperor's New Clothes by
Thieves pretending to create a magnificent new suit for the vain emperor fool everyone in the kingdom except for one small boy. Recommended.
The Principal's New Clothes by
In this updated version of the famous fairy tale, a school principal is tricked into wearing his T-shirt and shorts to school.