Hilary McKay's Fairy Tales

What happened to Rapunzel after she was freed from the tower? How did Rumpelstiltskin end up striking that notorious deal? And what's the TRUTH about the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood?

This marvellous collection of fairy tales by Hilary McKay aims to answer all of those questions and more. Meticulously researched and beautifully told in a traditional style, this collection doesn't completely reinvent the stories we know and love – but it might make you see them a little bit differently.

As always, the tales come with messages, but they're often surprising ones, exploring the price of freedom or the importance of empathy. But the anthology is never worthy, with Cinderella's grumpy Buttons being a particular delight and plenty of silly humour making The Princess and the Pea a joy to read.

Along with all the tales you'd expect, including Snow White and Hansel and Gretel, McKay has welcomed into the fold some slightly less common stories such as The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Swan Brothers. With quirky illustrations by Sarah Gibb to add the final sparkle, this is a collection you and your children will treasure, welcoming any chance to dip in for another bit of magic.