Books About Fairy Tale Retellings

The Best Fairy Tale Retellings Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Fairy Tale Retellings

Cinder Edna
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 · 3,249 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.
Ponyella
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.
Spindle's End
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 · 25,738 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.
Really, Rapunzel Needed a Haircut!
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 · 480 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?
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?
Because You Love to Hate Me
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.
Beauty and the Beast
Graphic Nov.
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.
Glass Slippers
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2022

Glass Slippers

By Leah Cypess · Book #2 in the Sisters Ever After series

A stepsister must clear her name to stay in the castle.

272 pages· 52,136 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 448 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Tirza, Cinderella's overlooked stepsister, faces banishment when Queen Ella's glass slippers vanish. Accused of theft, Tirza must uncover the real culprit to keep her place in the castle. As she delves deeper, she discovers unexpected truths about her sisters, challenging everything she believed. Can Tirza prove her innocence and mend broken family ties?
The Stolen Slippers
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2022

The Stolen Slippers

By Melissa de la Cruz · Book #2 in the Never After series

A twisted fairy tale quest for Cinderella's slippers reveals hidden truths and unexpected heroes.

336 pages· 59,999 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 1,830 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Filomena Jefferson-Cho returns to Never After, where fairy tales aren't what they seem. With Cinderella's glass slippers missing, Filomena and her friends, including the charming Jack Stalker, must uncover the truth. Cinderella isn't the innocent princess; her stepsisters, Hortense and Beatrice, are the real heroines. As they navigate a world of deceit and danger, including a stint in the Beast's dungeon, the stakes are high. Can they thwart Cinderella's schemes and fulfill a mysterious prophecy, or will the fairy tale end in disaster? Join this thrilling adventure to discover who truly deserves a happily ever after.
The Isle of the Lost
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2015

The Isle of the Lost

By Melissa de la Cruz · Book #1 in the Descendants series

A quest for a cursed relic tests the true nature of villainous heirs.

311 pages· 62,693 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.8 Goodreads · 28,533 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On the Isle of the Lost, Mal, daughter of Maleficent, seeks the Dragon's Eye, a cursed relic promising true darkness. With a plan and reluctant allies, she ventures into a forbidden fortress. But as they face the curse's peril, these young heirs of evil question if their legacy defines them. Can they defy their dark roots, or will the quest seal their fate? Discover if being good is truly so bad in this thrilling adventure.
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