Fairy tales for children and teens
Children’s fairy tales mix magic, adventure and moral lessons, often with fairies, witches, giants or talking animals at the centre. Passed down through folklore, they explore timeless ideas of good and evil, bravery, kindness and justice. Classic and modern, these stories help children grow their imagination, understand emotions and think about choices. The simple plots and bold symbols make right and wrong easy to grasp, while the rich language and familiar tales spark empathy and creativity. This list features books by Hans Christian Andersen, The Brothers Grimm, Isabel Otter, Michael Rosen, Sophie Anderson, Sally Gardner, Konnie Huq, Richard Ayoade, Radiya Hafiza, and Trish Cooke.
Classic and modern fairy tales for children and teens – our recommendations
Alberta A Cautionary Tale by Margaret Sturton
When Alberta ignores her mother’s warning and heads into the woods, she meets a stranger and cheekily steals their cake. But her triumph doesn’t last long – the stranger turns out to be a wolf in a red hood. This cunning retelling of Little Red Riding Hood for 3-5 year olds turns the story on its head, as the wolf becomes the one teaching the lesson. With bold, expressive illustrations, it gently explores choices, consequences, with more than a hint of poetic justice.
Fairy Shopping by Sally Gardner
Take a stroll through magical streets filled with shops run by fairies, giants, elves, and more. There’s Sparks & Twinkle for wands, Dragon Dreams for pet owners, and Miss Prism’s for gift-wrapped wishes. The stunning illustrations and imaginative settings will keep 4+ years olds enchanted for hours, and this is the perfect picture book bedtime story for inquisitive children! Fairy Shopping is a masterpiece of nostalgia, magic and warm-hearted storytelling. Highly recommended.
We’re Off To Find A Fairy by Eloise White & Cory Reid
A beautifully illustrated picture book story about a diverse range of characters on a quest to find a fairy. Along the way, they travel through magical and evocative landscapes, punctuated by lyrical and alliterative verse and call-and-response questions. An ideal book to read to EYFS classes, and a great source of ideas for cross-curricular art projects.
Serena and Laloolee Fly Away by Rosemary Clunie
Dreaming of flight, Serena creates enchanted wings with a blue stone, allowing her to soar upwards. Soon she meets Laloolee in a magical realm, learns to control her flight, and finds her way home. Perfect for reading with 4-8 year olds, this marvellously imaginative and deeply satisfying modern fairy tale combines a charming narrative with spectacularly colourful collage and screen print illustrations. It’s ideal for sparking creative writing ideas in KS1 and enthralling younger children at bedtime.
The Glass Heart by Sally Gardner
Sally Gardner’s The Glass Heart is a dreamy fairy tale about three princesses with hearts made of glass. As they grow up in a kingdom of winding rivers and hidden gardens, life chips away at their delicate hearts – one shatters, one fractures, and one stays intact. It’s a gentle, thoughtful take on how we cope with emotion and change, wrapped in gorgeous storytelling and illustrations. Perfect for 5+ year olds who like their magic with a hint of melancholy.
The Magic Callaloo by Trish Cooke
In a village that once flourished on wishes granted by a magical callaloo plant, greed leaves only a single leaf behind. A desperate couple uses it to wish for a child – Lou. When Lou is stolen and enslaved, an old woman reappears, braiding secret escape routes into her hair. Rich with symbolism and emotion, this stunning picture book for 3–7 year olds, based on the Rapunzel fairy tale, draws on Caribbean folklore, weaving themes of family, resistance, and freedom through bold, vibrant artwork. Highly recommended.
You Choose Fairy Tales by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart
Children will love creating their own fairy-tale adventures in this playful, interactive book by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart. Each page is packed with illustrated options for heroes, villains, settings, and quests, encouraging imagination and choice-making. Every read offers a new storyline, making it perfect for revisiting again and again. Aimed at 3+ year olds, it’s a bright, engaging introduction to storytelling and creative play. Highly recommended.
Serena and the Little Blue Dog by Rosemary Clunie
In this enchanting modern fairy tale, Serena embarks on an unforgettable journey with her newfound friend, Haiku the little blue dog. As they travel through vibrant landscapes and encounter magical creatures, Serena seeks the help of the blue lady in a castle far away to solve a mystery. Rosemary Clunie’s delightful prose, paired with striking illustrations, makes this book a timeless treasure for readers of all ages. Highly recommended, Serena and the Little Blue Dog is a perfect gift book.
Not So Little Red Riding Hood by Michael Rosen, illustrated by David Melling
It’s Little Red Riding Hood but not as you know it in this hilariously funny story from the children’s picture book dream team of Michael Rosen and David Melling. When Little Red Riding Hood rides Pebbles to the woods, she wonders what ‘big surprise’ Granny has in store for her. With repetition, wordplay, call-and-response questions, and a reassuring rhyming refrain from the wind, this is a memorable story to read aloud and share with younger children and EYFS classes. Highly recommended.
Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin
Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green, with illustrations by Francis Martin, retells Little Red Riding Hood through the eyes of Gina, an autistic girl. Gina challenges the traditional narrative by identifying and fixing three mistakes in the story, ultimately saving the wolf. The book uses emoji language to reflect Gina’s unique perspective, making it ideal for promoting discussions on neurodiversity, logical thinking, and the importance of questioning conventional tales. Suitable for children aged 3-6, it will encourage EYFS and KS1 readers to become the heroes of their own stories. Highly recommended.
Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant by Craig Barr-Green, illustrated by Francis Martin
Confident, autistic protagonist, Gina Kaminski, comes up with a plan that involves no magic beans but plenty of cake, correcting the original plot in this distinctive modern version of the Jack and the Beanstalk story. This book will empower children to take control of their own narratives and appeal to fans of fractured fairy tales and character-driven stories. Great to read with children in KS1, Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant would also make an interesting modern fairy tale to study and model for writing in LKS2. Highly recommended.
Axel Scheffler Fairy Tale Treasury by Axel Scheffler
Axel Scheffler presents a selection of illustrated classic fairy tales in this beautifully produced gift book edition. Including Goldilocks, The Three Little Pigs, and Puss in Boots, it’s an ideal bedtime story book for preschool children. Scheffler’s clever visual storytelling offers an enchanting introduction to timeless tales.
Inside the Villains by Clotilde Perrin
This fantastically illustrated and highly original hardback presents fairy tale villains in forensic and scientific detail! The wolf, witch and giant are dissected with a series of clues, strengths, weaknesses, personality traits and physical attributes. The flaps to lift, ‘diabolical thoughts’ and even the stomach contents are a delight. A spectacular book like no other, this is a great book to inspire children to create monstrous characters in KS1 and KS2 creative writing.
GOTCHA! by Clotilde Perrin
Fleeing a ‘nasty hairball monster, a child hides in a series of fairytale houses. The intrepid reader can try to find them in the most unlikely places by lifting flaps, opening doors and peering carefully into each intricately illustrated cutaway. This oversized hardback is exquisitely presented in full colour with heavy stock card pages. With infectious language – ‘feculent’, ‘pestilential’, ‘collywobblers’ and a clever ending, GOTCHA! is an astonishingly good book. Children aged 5-8 will love it.
Dulcinea in the Forbidden Forest by Ole Könnecke
When Dulcinea’s father doesn’t come home from collecting blueberries, she begins to wonder what has happened to him. Are the tales of a wicked witch in the magic forest true? Determined to find her father, brave Dulcinea dares to explore the forbidden forest in this clever modern fairy tale. The illustrations are a joy – full of character, quirkiness and expression. We particularly liked the tree with a moustache and the Witch’s all-action keyboard playing. Ideal for emerging independent readers in KS1, this text will also be useful for teachers looking for high-quality fairytale texts to teach in lower KS2.
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld
This spellbinding modern fairytale is beautifully illustrated with atmospheric spreads and a level of detail that will fire the imagination of young minds. The little wooden robot faces magic puddings, goblins and a mushroom queen as he sets off on a quest to find his sister – the log princess. Blending sibling bonds with adventure, peril, unique illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess is a classic in the making.
The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson
When Tasha moves to her grandad’s farm, she builds a snow girl who unexpectedly comes to life. Together, Tasha and Alyana explore the frozen woods and share secret adventures under the stars. But as spring nears, Tasha must choose between keeping her magical friend or saving her family from an endless winter. Blending magical folklore with an uplifting story of courage and friendship, it features enchanting wintry artwork by Melissa Castrillón. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric modern fairy tale to gift or read to 7+ year olds during the festive season.
Fearless Fairy Tales by Konnie Huq and James Kay
These are bedtime stories for independent-minded children! 17 well-known tales have been re-imagined and loosely intertwined for the 2020s, including Trumplestiltskin, a farting president who lives in a house full of mirrors, Rap-Unzel – a long-haired talent show star with rhymes, and Jack and the baked-beanstalk. This book is great fun and perfect bedtime reading to share with 7-11-year-olds.
Classic Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen & The Brothers Grimm
This stunningly presented hardback brings together stories by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, illustrated with vintage artwork by A. Duncan Carse and Charles Folkard. Inside are favourites including The Little Mermaid, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Red Riding Hood. The intricate illustrations, first created during the Golden Age of children’s books, capture the lingering magic of each fairytale. Perfect as a showstopping Christmas book gift, this is a collection for families to enjoy together and hand down through the generations. Highly recommended.
The Lost Fairy Tales by Isabel Otter
Twenty lesser-known tales from around the world shine a light on heroines who rely on courage and clever thinking to solve problems. Among them are Bella from Sweden and Maru-me from Japan, girls who take charge of their own stories and shape their own futures. Retold by Isabel Otter and illustrated by Ana Sender, this enchanting hardback gift book for 7-11 year olds celebrates cultural variety and offers young readers a gallery of strong, inspiring role models.
The Fairy Tale Fan Club: Legendary Letters Collected by C.C. Cecily by Richard Ayoade
This captivating bundle of letters between children and fairy-tale characters reveals what really happened after “happily ever after.” Through fun back-and-forth exchanges, 8+ year olds hear from familiar figures such as the Big Bad Wolf, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel, each with a surprising twist to their tale. Illustrated by David Roberts, the book blends humour and imagination, offering a fresh, funny take on classic fairy stories. It’s ideal for use in KS2 classrooms.
Sleeping Beauty by Charlotte Gastaut
This retelling of Sleeping Beauty revisits the tale of Princess Aurora, cursed at birth and guarded by good fairies, through artwork inspired by the classic ballet. Charlotte Gastaut’s intricate, layered paper cut-outs bring the story to life, while Edwige-Renée Dro’s sparkling translation adds lyrical rhythm to the text. Each page reveals rich, detailed scenes of magic, danger, and hope, blending the timeless charm of the original with a striking and elegant visual style. It’s a stunning gift book for 7–11 year olds.
The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P. G. Bell
At the Tooth & Claw championship final, star wolf Alarick collapses and dies. The shock barely settles before poison is discovered in human competitor Ruby Calvino’s bag. Branded a murderer, she teams up with Fillan, a young wolf with his own secrets, to hunt down the truth. Police give chase. A wolf assassin stalks their every move. To survive, they need to unmask the real killer first. This high stakes fairy-tale crime mystery drips with pace, danger and plenty of twists. Highly recommended for KS2.
The Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie Anderson
Olia’s life in Castle Mila is turned upside down when a violent storm exposes ancient magic and sends her on an unexpected quest. Guided by a mischievous house spirit, she slips into a hidden world alive with folkloric creatures and tangled spells. As she searches for answers, Olia uncovers long-buried secrets and discovers the true meaning of courage and home. Inspired by Slavic legends, Sophie Anderson’s spellbinding tale is rich with adventure and beautifully illustrated by Saara Söderlund. It’s a perfect class novel for KS2.
Rumaysa: a Fairytale by Radiya Hafiza, illustrated by Rhaida El Touny
The worlds of Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty are thrown together in this uniquely imaginative story about Rumaysa, who uses her hijab to escape captivity and embark on adventures with characters from classic fairytales. Using South Asian cultural elements and Islamic references, this chapter book, with illustrations by Rhaida El Touny and Areeba Siddique, offers a diverse perspective on traditional stories. Highly recommended.
Glassborn by Peter Bunzl
When the clock strikes 13, Acton, the youngest of the four Belle siblings, finds himself in fairyland and forced to work for an evil queen. Can Cora, Elle and Bram save their brother before it’s too late? The spectacularly realised fantasy quest story is brilliantly written, with convincing characters in an unforgettable world. It’s a must-read for fans of magic, daring adventure and gripping twists. Highly recommended for KS2.
Presto! Magical Recovery Co. by Rutendo Dione
When 11-year-old Amber discovers her uncle is a thief who recovers stolen items and missing people from fairy tales, she realises that’s why the Big Bad Wolf is in her Brixton sitting room. Amber then embarks on a mission with her uncle to rescue Little Red Riding Hood, with help from Hansel and Gretel – deep in the mysterious world of Evadne. This distinctive and enchanting adventure effortlessly merges familiar fairy tales with twisty and thrilling adventures. It’s ideal for 9-12-year-olds who want to read something completely different. Read our full review.
Skeleton in the Cupboard: and Other Stories by Lilija Berzinska, translated by Zanete Vevere Pasqualini and Sara Smith
Award-winning Lilija Berzinska presents nine fairytales inspired by and set on the Livonian coast in northern Latvia. Exploring the lives and challenges of various mysterious creatures, the clever sequence of stories will make children empathise, consider the worries of others and think about their own experiences. The writing sparkles, and each short tale is a window into an imaginative yet strangely familiar fairy tale world. There’s much to discuss, from philosophical themes to creative writing ideas – and Skeleton in Cupboard is ideal for reading in KS2 book clubs and creative writing sessions. Highly recommended.
Girls: Life Isn’t a Fairy Tale by Annet Schaap
Seven classic fairy tales are reimagined through the eyes of fearless girls who make their own choices and face danger head-on. Wolves, frogs, and curses appear as expected, but these heroines refuse to wait for rescue. Annet Schaap’s retellings blend wit, darkness, and modern insight, giving old stories fresh power. Her expressive illustrations and dry humour make this a striking collection for readers who enjoy fairy tales with bite and independence. Girls: Life Isn’t a Fairy Tale is ideal for more able children in UKS2 and for reading in LKS3 book clubs.
Godfather Death by Sally Nicholls
In this retelling of the classic Grimm tale, a poor fisherman chooses Death to be his son’s godfather, trusting him to be fair and unchanging. Death rewards him with the gift of healing and a chance for wealth, but there’s one rule – never try to cheat him. When greed and love collide, the bargain unravels with deadly consequences. Sally Nicholls brings sharp wit and eerie beauty to the story, while Júlia Sardà’s expressive illustrations add rich, gothic depth and dark humour. It’s an immersive and memorable read for 9–12 year olds.
The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers: And Other Gruesome Tales by Jen Campbell
This weighty hardback collection of dark fairy tales reimagines traditional stories with a spark of modern twists. Featuring striking illustrations by Adam de Souza, it will appeal to early secondary school readers who enjoy thrilling, unexpected and thought-provoking narratives. It’s ideal for book club discussions and creative projects at Halloween time. Read our full review.
Nettle by Bex Hogan
Nettle is pulled from the human world into a faery realm built on deceit and dangerous bargains. To save her grandmother, she accepts three impossible tasks from the faery king, unaware of how high the stakes truly are. Along the way, she meets Conor, a fellow human, and Ellion, a shadow faery with secrets of his own. Blending folklore and fantasy, this modern classic for 12+ year olds explores power, identity, and the price of promises in a world where nothing is freely given. Highly recommended.
Faedom by Agnes Monod-Gayraud and Lorna White
Faedom immerses readers in a richly illustrated exploration of fairy mythology, drawing from global myths and folklore to present a detailed account of these magical beings. This spectacularly detailed guide includes stories, poems, and factual insights into fairy origins, powers, and cultural significance. Through captivating visuals by Nadzeya Makeyeva, Faedom is a stunning large-format hardback that brings to life the world of fairies. It’s an ideal gift book for imaginative 9+ year olds.
Owl King by Bex Hogan
Ilsette and Lyla are drawn into the faery court, where the Owl King is choosing a new bride. While Lyla slips under his spell, Ilsette hunts for a stolen talisman that could tip the balance of power. Their journey takes them through perilous realms steeped in faery lore, old magic, and treacherous bargains. Owl King is a brilliantly written and highly immersive standalone YA fantasy set in the world of Nettle, weaving folklore and courtly intrigue into a tale of survival and shifting loyalties. It’s perfect for KS3 book clubs. Highly recommended.
The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears
This gripping dark fantasy is inspired by a Malian fairy tale. Amie, a disinherited servant in the court of Timbuktu, is thrust into Princess Mariama’s brutal trials for suitors. As Amie navigates courtly dangers, she faces a life-altering choice: escape with her love or help the princess end the trials. Magic, romance, and betrayal collide in this high-stakes tale about fate, survival, and the price of loyalty.
The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren
Ova Ceren’s debut introduces Sare Silverbirch, a young woman living under a strange curse: four heartbreaks, then her heart gives out. When her mother dies unexpectedly, Sare’s search for answers takes her to Istanbul and a seer named Leon. As their connection deepens, so does the danger. The novel blends grief, fate, and romance with a touch of the cosmic, all while unravelling a family mystery that’s been buried for far too long. This immersive romantasy is ideal for 12+ year olds.
Never, Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan
Set in a world inspired by Chinese folklore, this reimagining of Cinderella follows Yining, a quick-witted thief who slips into the royal palace to steal back an enchanted ring. Instead, she finds herself caught in a web of power, deception, and dangerous alliances involving a calculating prince and a secretive advisor. As loyalties twist and truths unravel, Yining must decide who to trust and what she’s willing to risk. A rich mix of fantasy, myth, and ambition drives this striking retelling. It’s a highly addictive modern fairy tale for older teens.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
When Tristran Thorn leaves his quiet village of Wall to fetch a fallen star for the beautiful Victoria Forester, his quest leads him deep into the land of Faerie. There, he discovers the star is not a lump of rock but a young woman named Yvaine, whose light others would kill to possess. Together they face witches, sky pirates, and treacherous magic. Stardust is a captivating modern fairy tale of love, courage, and the strange turns that shape who we become. Suitable for older teens.
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Fairy tale resources for teachers
- The British Library’s “Fairy Tales” schools visit offers an interactive exhibition for Years 1–6 exploring enchanted settings, archetypes and objects – ideal stimulus for comparing traditional and fractured tales in English.
- BBC Teach: Jack and the Beanstalk (full school radio animation) – a complete KS1 narrative sequence to model story structure, repetition and motifs; pair with inference/retelling tasks. See also Little Red Riding Hood: Stay on the Path and Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock for variant/virtue comparisons.
- CLPE teaching sequence: The Story Tree provides oral storytelling approaches for KS1, mapping tale patterns and language play – a strong entry to traditional tales.
- CLPE teaching sequence: Rapunzel supports KS2 close reading, viewpoint, and creative re-tellings of classic fairy-tale archetypes.
- Seven Stories: Jan Pieńkowski spotlight – background on silhouette illustration and folklore influences; perfect art/English crossover when studying Haunted House and paper-cut techniques.
- University of Chichester: Centre for Fairy Tales, Fantasy & Speculative Fiction – research hub with talks and projects to inform curriculum planning and CPD on the genre.
- Into Film: Forest Homes and Fair Reflections – KS1/KS2 film-literacy activities linking fairy-tale settings, character archetypes and environmental themes.
- Historical Association: Folk tales – universal values, individual differences – article for using folktales to discuss continuity/change, values and culture within KS2 history-literacy links.
- Society for Storytelling: National Storytelling Week resource pack (PDF) – practical activities and prompts to build oral storytelling confidence across the school.
JUV012030 – JUVENILE FICTION / Fairy Tales | Thema YFJB
