High Five to the Hero: 15 Favourite Fairytales Retold with Boy Power
by Vita Murrow, illustrated by Julia Bereciartu
Interest age: 6 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by Frances Lincoln, 2019
About this book
What if heroes weren't always the strong and silent type? If you've been looking for books that cast diverse boy characters in a wealth of non-traditional and modern, aspirational roles, this is the book for you!
By rewriting classic fairy tales such as The Pied Piper, Jack and the Beanstalk, Pinocchio and the legend of King Arthur as well as cultural stories like the African Anansi tales, the tale of Hercules from Greek myths and the story of Sinbad, Vita Murrow brings them into the modern day and presents stories for an audience which recognises that boys can be more than fighters, kings and monsters.
In Murrow's retold King Arthur legend, Art is a boy who realises that his power lies in mediating disputes. In the legend of Hercules, the hero of the tale realises that while his mother Hera is a fearsome warrior, his skills are best used healing people in hospital. In The Elves and the Shoemaker, Otzi and Lyman realise that their true calling is in providing the needy in their community with clothes and shoes.
This is an extremely well-produced book and has plenty of food for thought in the stories within. Perfect for bedtime and storytime alike.
More books like this
-
Nell and the Cave Bear
by Martin Brown
5 to 14 years
-
Max and the Midknights
by Lincoln Peirce
5 to 14 years
-
Flyntlock Bones: the Sceptre of the Pharaohs
by Derek Keilty, illustrated by Mark Elvins
5 to 14 years
-
Explorers on Witch Mountain
by Alex Bell, illustrated by Tomislav Tomic
5 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books for National Children's Day
To help you celebrate National Children's Day, we've shared some of our favourite books all about the incredible things that children and young people can do. From trying to save the planet to tackling bullying, these books are all about the inspiring things that children are doing to shape their future. There are also some books packed with tips and suggestions for joining in!
-
Books about masculinity
Explore our pick of the best books to help children develop confidence, compassion, and an understanding of healthy ideas about masculinity.
-
All sorts of heroes (older children)
These books are perfect for showing children that there are all sorts of heroes in life - and will inspire them to make a difference, too.