Fairy tales are timeless and most kids fall for the same tales that we loved while growing up. But many times fairy tales don’t always portray the morals and values of today that we want to impart on our youngest, most impressionable minds.
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The push for modern-minded tales fairy tales isn’t exactly new, but it has been gaining more and more interest recently. With values like independence, feminism, and honesty being priorities for parents now, children’s books are being remade to feature stories of strength, courage, and diversity – which, let’s face it, is a great thing.
These fresh remakes of classic fairy tales will be sure to thrill both you and your children. Not only will the vibrant illustrations look great on your kids’ bookshelves but the brilliant stories are sure to become the newest timeless tales – there’s a chance you may like them more than the original.
Everyone remembers how Humpty Dumpty fell off of the wall, but what exactly happened after the fall? This book is a beautiful account of the courage it took Humpty to overcome his fears and is a true testament to what it means to fall and get back up in life. The illustrations are stunning and captivating, and the story is enough to bring tears to your eyes -- this book is a must have for every shelf.
This story is a delightful spin on the classic fairytale format of prince saving a princess. Not only does this bad-ass princess save the snobby, ungrateful prince, but her quip to him at the end of the book is worth its weight in girl-power gold.
Villains are mostly just misunderstood, or so says this wolf. This take on the children's classic tale of the three little pigs offers the perspective of the woeful wolf. This book is beautifully envisioned and pushes little ones (and adults!) to think critically and flex their imagination.
In this Cinderella-twist, Cinderella is a gal with a knack for repairs and mechanics. When the royal rocket ship breaks down on the way to the ball, someone has to come to the rescue. The witty, rhyming text and emphasis on independence is sure to make this a family favorite.
This story is a retelling of the classic Goldilocks tale, but with a Chinese-American spin. Goldy Luck wreaks havoc on the Panda family home, but when she takes responsibility for her actions, she makes a new friend.
Source: @studiodiy
Another spin on the story of the three little pigs, but this one taking place under the sea. Toddlers will love chiming in with the cute refrain of "Not by the skin of my finny-fin-fin!"
Martial arts take a front seat in this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. When the newly-trained wolf decides to go after young Red and her grandmother, he's in for a surprise. Dan Santat, author and illustrator of After The Fall, lends his gorgeous illustrations to this funny and charming tale.
No one writes a children's book quite like Mo Willems, and he definitely doesn't disappoint with this take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This silly story is filled with Williems' trademarked wit and charm -- your kids will want to read it over and over.
My 5-year-old is infatuated with the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, and this beautifully-illustrated take on it is one of his favorites. The longer text is suitable for older toddlers and young children.
This beautiful Latino take on The Princess and the Pea is sure to warm your heart. With Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text and endearing illustrations that reflect Peruvian culture, your kids are sure to be taken by this tale.
Source: Emily Henderson
The story of Little Red Riding Hood is retold once again, this time set in on the African savannah. Spunky little Red and her adorable pigtails takes on the villainous hungry lion -- but is her sass enough to outwit the lion? The bright colorful illustrations are thrilling and make for an interesting story.
This story is based on Algonquin Indian folklore and is a powerful retelling of Cinderella. With stunning and haunting illustrations and longer, slightly mature text, it's suitable for older children -- but, it's parents that will most relate to Cinderella's feeling unattractive or alienated. It's a beautiful and incredible story with a powerful message that will captivate the whole family for years to come.
This book was one of my favorites growing up (thanks, Reading Rainbow, for the impeccable recommendations) and it's one I still love today. The classic Cinderella tale gets retold with an emphasis on generosity and kindness -- and the incredible illustrations paint a picture of a world different than our own.
The Once Upon A World collection keeps classic stories but imagines them taking place in a different part of the world -- Rapunzel is Indian, Cinderella is Mexican, Snow White is Japanese. Though the stories are the classic versions and not updated, the multicultural take is much-welcomed and is a good reason to update your own bookshelves.
This sweet story is a mashup of many fairytales and takes on a new story altogether. Little Red wants to compete in the local ice skating competition but can't find a partner -- neither can the Big Bad Wolf. Little kids everywhere will be on the edge of their seats wanting to find out what happens when this duo partners up.
