My Book of Classic Nursery Tales

Author-illustrator James Mayhew

Interest age: 3 to 7
Reading age: 7+

Published by Otter-Barry Books, 2025

  • Fairy tale
  • Myths and legends
  • Short stories

About this book

Nursery tales probably began as stories told around the fire, or as cautionary tales, told to children to prepare them for the harshness of life ahead. As with all traditional tales, there are many variations, evolving over time. 

Featuring eight traditional nursery tales, from Little Red Riding Hood to Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this charming book is written and illustrated by James Mayhew, an internationally acclaimed author, artist and storyteller. 

Illustrated beautifully with a colourful collage cut-out style, Mayhew’s tellings of traditional stories are warm and thoughtful. 

There’s also a super interesting double page spread at the back of the book where Mayhew talks about the history of the original tales and what inspired the style of his illustrations in each story – e.g. his version of The Three Billy Goats Gruff is set in Norway, with mountains, forests and tumbling waterfalls in the background. 

This is a beautiful, well-made book that would make a wonderful gift for any little ones, and something to treasure for the years to come.

About the author

James Mayhew studied illustration at Maidstone College of Art. In 1994 he won one of the New York Times's Ten Best Illustrated Books awards for his work on The Boy and the Cloth of Dreams (Walker). Recently he has been writing stories especially for illustrators. James lives in Letchworth, Hertfordshire

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