13 Classic Fairy Tales Retold for a New Generation

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The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

This retelling of the traditional princess story flips the script. The story follows Princess Elizabeth, who must save her prince from a dragon after losing all of her royal possessions in a fire. Elizabeth’s cleverness and bravery show that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, making this a refreshing take on the classic.

The story stands out for its humor and empowering message, as the princess rejects the traditional role of waiting to be rescued. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands, demonstrating independence and self-confidence in a way that resonates with readers today.

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

This retelling of the classic Three Little Pigs is told from the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf. Claiming to be misunderstood, the wolf tells his side of the story, explaining that he was simply trying to borrow a cup of sugar. Through this clever twist, the story invites readers to reconsider assumptions and question different viewpoints.

The witty narrative and illustrations add a layer of humor that makes this book both entertaining and thought-provoking. It encourages children to think critically about who gets to tell the story and how different perspectives can change the narrative.

The Princess and the Pea by Rachel Isadora

In this reimagining of the classic Princess and the Pea, the story is set in Africa. The royal palace is depicted with vibrant colors, and the traditional “pea” is replaced with a small, uncomfortable stone. This version maintains the whimsical element while offering a fresh cultural perspective.

The retelling emphasizes themes of sensitivity and self-awareness. The princess’s ability to feel the stone beneath the layers of bedding highlights her extraordinary sensitivity, making her a fitting choice for royalty in this reimagined tale.

Little Red Riding Hood by Jerry Pinkney

In this beautifully illustrated version of Little Red Riding Hood, the familiar story is told with rich, expressive artwork that brings the characters to life. Set in a lush, detailed forest, the book’s stunning images make the story even more immersive. Pinkney’s artwork adds layers of depth, pulling readers into the forest’s mysterious atmosphere.

The story stays true to the original, but it also gives space for a more contemplative exploration of the relationship between Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf. The illustrations add a new dimension to this classic tale, making it more vivid and engaging for readers of all ages.

Cinderella by Marcia Brown

This classic Cinderella retelling preserves the well-known fairy tale elements but incorporates deeper cultural contexts. The story follows the familiar plot of the kind-hearted girl who, with the help of a magical benefactor, attends a royal ball and wins the heart of a prince. However, in this version, there is more emphasis on the relationship between Cinderella and her animal friends.

Through vibrant illustrations, the book gives a voice to Cinderella’s companions, illustrating the importance of kindness, support, and friendship in overcoming life’s challenges. It also adds a sense of community to the traditional tale of individual triumph.

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Jerry Pinkney

This retelling of The Ugly Duckling explores themes of transformation and self-acceptance. The story follows a duckling who is shunned by his peers because of his appearance but later grows into a magnificent swan. Pinkney’s illustrations enhance the emotional depth of the story, highlighting the beauty of the transformation.

The book reinforces the message that true beauty comes from within, and that growth and change, though often difficult, lead to self-discovery. Its timeless message resonates strongly in today’s world, where acceptance and understanding of differences are key themes.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jan Brett

In this version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the classic story is set in a snowy forest. The bears are depicted in rich, earthy tones, and the illustrations bring out the warmth and coziness of their home, creating a stark contrast to Goldilocks’s disruptive actions. The story maintains its original moral lessons while providing new details that give depth to the characters.

Brett’s detailed art highlights the personalities of the three bears, making them not just victims of Goldilocks’s curiosity, but also relatable characters with emotions of their own. The reimagined version provides a more balanced view of the story, where the bears are as much a part of the narrative as Goldilocks herself.

Jack and the Beanstalk by E. Nesbit

This reimagining of Jack and the Beanstalk introduces readers to Jack as a more complex character. In this version, Jack is not just a boy seeking riches but someone learning the values of courage, responsibility, and the consequences of his actions. The illustrations bring the towering beanstalk to life, making it a visual treat for readers.

The story focuses on Jack’s inner transformation, as he moves from a naive boy into someone who understands the importance of making wise choices. His journey teaches readers the importance of perseverance, not just in achieving goals but in recognizing what matters most along the way.

Sleeping Beauty by Trina Schart Hyman

This retelling of Sleeping Beauty retains the core elements of the traditional tale, but it adds more depth to the story’s characters. Sleeping Beauty is portrayed not just as a passive figure, but as a girl who faces challenges and ultimately finds strength in her own destiny. The beautifully detailed illustrations create an enchanting world, full of magic and mystery.

The story is presented with a strong emphasis on fate and the choices that define one’s path. It also includes a more balanced representation of the kingdom, where both the good and bad forces have roles to play in the princess’s fate.

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen, retold by Jerry Pinkney

In this retelling of The Little Mermaid, the classic tale of a young mermaid’s sacrifice is given a more thoughtful treatment. Pinkney’s vivid illustrations bring the underwater world to life, highlighting the beauty and depth of the ocean. The mermaid’s yearning for a different life is portrayed with great emotion, capturing her internal conflict.

This version of the story explores deeper themes of love, self-discovery, and the consequences of rash decisions. It emphasizes the importance of finding one’s voice and understanding the true meaning of sacrifice, making it both a visually captivating and emotionally resonant retelling.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Brothers Grimm, retold by Ruth Sanderson

In this version of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, the story retains its magical and mysterious elements but provides more context for the princesses’ behavior. The young princesses are portrayed as lively and curious, eager to escape the confines of their royal life and experience adventure. Sanderson’s beautiful illustrations highlight their secret, nighttime escapades in a fantastical world.

The story reveals themes of freedom and the desire for self-expression, as the princesses’ secret life shows their longing to break free from expectations. The clever soldier who solves the mystery represents the value of persistence and cleverness in overcoming challenges.

Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, retold by Marianna Mayer

This retelling of Beauty and the Beast introduces readers to a version of Beauty who is more independent and self-assured. The Beast, though initially frightening, is shown to be complex and sensitive, adding depth to the characters’ relationship. The story emphasizes personal growth, kindness, and the power of seeing beyond the surface.

The book illustrates the transformative power of love, not just in its romantic sense, but in its ability to change hearts and minds. Beauty’s eventual love for the Beast serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and true beauty is found in inner qualities.

The Elves and the Shoemaker by Brothers Grimm, retold by Jim LaMarche

This retelling of The Elves and the Shoemaker brings a fresh perspective to the classic story of generosity and kindness. The shoemaker, who struggles to make a living, receives unexpected help from a group of elves, whose nightly work transforms his shop into a success. LaMarche’s warm illustrations capture the generosity and magic that make the story so appealing.

The retelling emphasizes the power of kindness and how good deeds can be repaid in unexpected ways. The elves’ willingness to help the shoemaker without expecting anything in return illustrates the theme of selflessness and community.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.