Twisted fairy tales

We all know children love fairy tales, however there’s only so many times you can read the same tale (hopefully). Here’s a list of some of our favourite twisted fairy tales – fun and anarchic new takes on traditional stories.

  • Prince Cinders

    by Babette Cole 

    1997 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Prince Cinders leads a hard life, bullied by his three big hairy brothers – that is, until one Saturday night when Cinders’ luck changes

  • Goldilocs

    by Ella McLeod, illustrated by Rochelle Falconer 

    2026 3 to 7 years 

    • Fairy tale
    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Diversity and inclusion
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Goldilocs rewrites her story. She’s not a porridge-stealer or a chair-breaker! This twist on a classic fairy tale uses bouncing rhymes and a fresh perspective to create a truly engaging picture book. 

  • The Princess and the Peas

    by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Sarah Warburton 

    2012 2 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    In this light-hearted take on a favourite fairy-tale, Lily-Rose May is allergic to peas – so the doctor decides that she must be a princess!

  • Snow White in New York

    by Fiona French 

    1989 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    A beautiful 1920s Art Deco treatment of the classic fairytale – now a beautiful socialite, Snow White falls foul of her celebrity-loving stepmother who the tabloids call the classiest dame in New York’.

  • The Pea and the Princess

    by Mini Grey 

    2004 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    This is the real story of the princess and the pea, which recounts events from the Pea’s perspective.

  • Once Upon a Wild Wood

    by Chris Riddell 

    2018 4 to 9 years 

    A brand-new fairytale character, Little Green Rain Cape, sets off through the wild woods on her way to Rapunzel’s birthday party. On the way, she meets and helps a host of beloved fairytale characters. A delightful picture book that children of all ages will love.

  • Porridge Please!

    by Laura Mucha, illustrated by Marc Boutavant 

    2025 4 to 9 years 

    • Fairy tale
    • Funny
    • Picture books

    Mucha and Boutavant’s hilarious fairy tale-themed picture book is partly a Goldilocks retelling and partly a humorous tale about demanding friends, but it’s also an homage to book lovers and the love of reading. 

  • Revolting Rhymes

    by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake 

    2016 5 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Poetry and rhyme

    This is an hilarious collection of some well-loved fairy tales, cleverly reinvented by Roald Dahl.

  • Where Magic Grows

    by Onjali Q Raúf, illustrated by Katarzyna Doszla 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Around the world
    • Myths and legends
    • Short stories

    Short stories perfect for bedtime reading. 

  • Jack and the Baked Beanstalk

    by Colin Stimpson 

    2012 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    Stimpson sets his version of Jack and the Beanstalk in 1950s America, with skyscrapers surrounding the flyover under which Jack and his mother run a café

  • Fearless Fairy Tales

    by Konnie Huq and James Kay, illustrated by Rikin Parekh 

    2020 5 to 14 years 

    • Fantasy
    • Funny

    A hilarious, subversive collection of thoroughly modern fairy tales reflecting a new morality inspired by 21st century issues.

  • Gotcha!

    by Clotilde Perrin 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    Look out! Three fearsome monsters are coming to gobble you up! Hide inside the houses of the three little pigs, Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping Beauty. With 40 flaps to lift, this large format picture book is lots of fun for all ages.

  • Goldilocks and the Three Crocodiles

    by Michael Rosen, illustrated by David Melling 

    2022 5 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A funny re-imagining of the classic Goldilocks fairy tale, involving three scary crocodiles! Told in brilliant rhyming prose by Michael Rosen, with beautiful illustrations by David Melling.