Snow White in New York by Fiona French, Oxford University Press
A beautiful retelling of the Snow White Fairy Tale with illustrations full of contrast and originality. Set in the ‘Big Apple of 1920’s America, Snow White’s wicked stepmother is ‘Queen of the Underworld’ who the New York tabloids call the ‘classiest dame in New York’. Abandoned, Snow White is left to fend for herself in the city, and is befriended by seven jazz -men and a handsome music reporter who help her become ‘The Belle of New York’ City once more. The poisoned apple in this tale is replaced by a poisoned cocktail cherry.
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by A Wolf Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, Puffin
Written in newspaper style, this inventive book tells the story of the Three Little Pigs from A. Wolf’s point of view and he became known as the ‘Big, Bad Wolf’. However, A Wolf’s version tends to be less than reliable and attempts to ask his neighbours the pigs, for some sugar, leads to much misunderstanding and eventually disaster. A book that provokes much discussion on whether A Wolf’s version is convincing and what really happened that fateful day.
The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, Puffin
This book is full of parodies of well -known fairy tales. Written in a highly original style, and with titles such as ‘Little Red Running Shorts’, ‘Cinderrumplestiltskin’ and ‘The Princess and the Bowling Ball’, each retelling is one to be enjoyed for its hilarious, zany humour and unexpected twists.
The Princess and the Pea by Lauren Child captured by Polly Borland, Puffin
This incredible version of the story is set in the world of a Dolls House. Each scene has been lovingly created in miniature scale and then photographed in 3D. The detail is amazing. The tale is told with warmth and humour.
Into the Forest by Anthony Browne, Walker Books
Following the disappearance of his father, a young boy sets off on a magical journey through a forest to take a basket of food to his sick Grandmother. Along the way he meets some familiar characters, including a boy with a cow, two abandoned children and a girl with golden hair with the illustrations cleverly signposting references to the familiar tales. When the boy does finally arrive at his Grandmother’s house, an unusual surprise awaits
