Books About Fairy Tale Retellings

The Best Fairy Tale Retellings Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about fairy tale retellings? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Fairy Tale Retellings

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

Cinder Edna

By Ellen Jackson, Kevin O'Malley (Illustrator)

Two girls, two paths: who finds true happiness without magic?

32 pages· 1,656 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,253 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Cinder Edna and Cinderella live next door, both under the thumb of wicked stepmothers. While Cinderella dreams of fairy godmothers, Edna relies on her wit and resourcefulness. When the king announces a ball, both girls seize the chance for change. But as they pursue their dreams, only one discovers that happiness doesn't always come from a prince. Will Edna's practical skills and humor lead her to a more fulfilling life? Discover how two different approaches to adversity reveal the true path to joy.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2011

Ponyella

A pony's dream ride to the championship hinges on a magical transformation.

32 pages· 1,144 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 582 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Ponyella dreams of dazzling Princess Penelope with her graceful jumps at the Grand Royal Pony Championship. But farm life leaves her too dirty to compete, according to her mean stablemates, Plumpkin and Bun Bun. With a magical makeover from her fairy godmare, Ponyella's coat gleams, and her mane shines. As she captures the princess's heart, the clock ticks toward noon. Will the magic last long enough for Ponyella to prove herself? Discover a whimsical twist on Cinderella where dreams and magic collide in a race against time.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1997

The Three Little Pigs

By Steven Kellogg

Three pigs face a hungry wolf's huffing and puffing. Can they outsmart him?

32 pages· 869 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 580 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Percy, Pete, and Prudence enjoy a sweet life until Tempesto, a hungry wolf, arrives with a craving for more than waffles. As he huffs and puffs, the pigs must use their wits to avoid becoming his breakfast. Will their cleverness be enough to outsmart the determined wolf, or will Tempesto's appetite prevail? Dive into this lively retelling of a classic tale, where humor and suspense collide in a battle of wits and wills.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2000

Spindle's End

By Robin McKinley · Folktales series

A princess is cursed to eternal sleep. Can she escape her fate?

354 pages· 121,268 words· Est. 11 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 25,780 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Mass Market Paperbound

Summary: In a world where magic and danger intertwine, a princess named Rosie is hidden away to escape a dark curse. Destined to fall into a deep, unbreakable sleep, her life hangs in the balance. As the evil fairy Pernicia's spell looms, the creatures of the forest rally to protect her. Will Rosie find a way to defy her fate, or will the curse claim her forever? Dive into a reimagined tale of 'Sleeping Beauty' where every twist holds the key to her survival.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2013

Little Red Hot

By Eric A. Kimmel, Laura Huliska-Beith (Illustrator)

A spicy pie and a cunning wolf—can Little Red outsmart danger?

32 pages· 997 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 499 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Little Red Hot, a fiery young girl with a taste for chili peppers, faces a cunning challenge when her grandmother falls ill. Armed with a hot pepper pie, she encounters the sly Señor Lobo, who tries to deceive her. Will her spicy creation save the day, or will the wolf's tricks prevail? Discover how Little Red's fiery spirit and cleverness turn the tables in this twist on a classic tale.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2013

Really, Rapunzel Needed a Haircut!

By Jessica Gunderson, Denis Alexandre Alonso (Illustrator) · The Other Side of the Story series

Discover the untold truth behind Rapunzel's tower imprisonment.

24 pages· 787 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

3.9 Goodreads · 479 ratings

$9.95Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Think you know Rapunzel's tale? Dive into the witch's untold story, where the truth behind the tower and the fair-haired captive unfolds. What secrets lie in the shadows of this classic fairy tale?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2005

The Little Green Witch

By Barbara Barbieri McGrath, Martha Alexander (Illustrator)

A witch struggles to bake a pie with unhelpful monster friends.

32 pages· 568 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.7 Goodreads · 171 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: A little green witch faces a daunting task: crafting a pumpkin pie without any help from her lazy monster friends. Ghosts, bats, and gremlins refuse to lend a hand, leaving her to tackle the challenge alone. Will she succeed in her spooky endeavor, or will her monstrous companions learn a lesson in teamwork? This Halloween tale offers a whimsical twist on a classic story, filled with magical mischief and unexpected surprises.

Troll's Eye View

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2009

Troll's Eye View

By Ellen Datlow (Editor), Terri Windling (Editor)

Villains reveal their side of classic fairy tales.

200 pages· 38,174 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

3.7 Goodreads · 1,257 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Discover the untold stories of fairy tale villains as they challenge their wicked reputations. From the Giant's wife to Rumplestiltskin, these characters share their truths, turning familiar tales on their heads. With contributions from renowned authors, this anthology invites readers to question who the real villains are. What secrets will be unveiled, and how will these revelations change the stories we thought we knew?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2017

Because You Love to Hate Me

By Amerie

Discover the untold stories of villains as they seek power and reveal their hidden motives.

368 pages· 89,497 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

3.5 Goodreads · 9,340 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into a world where villains take center stage, revealing their untold stories of vengeance and heartbreak. This anthology reimagines classic tales like Medusa and Jack and the Beanstalk, offering a fresh perspective on the misunderstood. Thirteen authors and BookTubers collaborate to explore the complex emotions driving these iconic characters. What secrets lie behind their infamous deeds, and how will these revelations change your view of fairy tales forever? Uncover the pain and defiance that fuel their quests for power in this captivating collection.

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Sale price

$3386

Picture Book · Ages 7–11 · 1992

Beauty and the Beast

By Colleen Doran (Illustrator)

A prisoner must teach a beast kindness to break a curse.

48 pages· 1,136 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

4.0 Goodreads · 23 ratings

$35.64Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Belle, trapped in a mysterious castle, faces a daunting task: teaching a fearsome beast the true meaning of kindness. As she navigates this enchanted world, can she uncover the secrets that bind them and transform their fate? Discover a timeless story of courage and transformation.

Ages 3–6Picture Book Club