Folk tales for children and teens
Folk tales for children and teens bring together memorable characters, clever tricks, remarkable journeys and stories passed between generations. This collection includes illustrated retellings for younger children, traditional stories from different countries and imaginative novels inspired by folk and fairy tales for teenagers. From Indian animal stories and Irish storytelling to European fairy tales and contemporary YA fiction, these books invite children to discover different storytelling traditions and compare familiar tales with fresh interpretations. This list features books by Julia Donaldson, Hugh Lupton, Narinder Dhami, Mac Barnett, Sophie Anderson, Liz Flanagan, Kalynn Bayron, Marissa Meyer, Elizabeth Lim, and Erin A. Craig.
Folk tales for children and teens – our recommendations
Folk tale picture books for 3-7 year olds
The Story Tree: Tales to Read Aloud by Hugh Lupton, illustrated by Sophie Fatus
Seven traditional stories from different countries come together in this colourful collection for 3-7 year olds. Hugh Lupton’s retellings are written to be heard as well as read, bringing out the repetition, humour and distinctive voices that make folk tales memorable. Among the stories are The Three Billy Goats Gruff and Little Lord Feather Frock. Sophie Fatus’s bright illustrations give each tale its own character, while the accompanying audio adds an additional way to enjoy the stories.
The Gingerbread Man: A Bloomsbury Young Reader by Kandace Chimbiri, illustrated by Richy Sánchez Ayala
A freshly baked gingerbread man springs to life and runs away, drawing a growing procession of pursuers into a familiar traditional tale. Kandace Chimbiri’s version brings Caribbean storytelling influences to the adventure, with lively illustrations by Richy Sánchez Ayala. This retelling for 6+ year olds is part of Bloomsbury’s Young Readers series and uses clear, inviting language for children developing their independent reading. Repeated phrases and an eventful chase make it particularly enjoyable for reading aloud, discussing story patterns and predicting what happens next.
A Tiger for Breakfast: A Bloomsbury Young Reader by Narinder Dhami, illustrated by Christopher Corr
Ram and Reeta have a precious white cow, but a hungry tiger called Bali has his eye on it. When the tiger demands the animal, Reeta must find a way to protect her family’s livelihood. Based on an Indian folk tale, Narinder Dhami’s story celebrates quick thinking and the power of a clever plan. Christopher Corr’s vivid illustrations bring plenty of colour to the village setting and its animal visitor.
Jack and the Beanstalk by Richard Walker, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey
A handful of magic beans sends Jack climbing into an extraordinary world high above the clouds. Richard Walker retells the traditional English fairy tale with the energy and suspense of a story being told aloud, accompanied by Niamh Sharkey’s distinctive illustrations. The enormous beanstalk, the giant’s castle and Jack’s daring adventures give children plenty to picture and discuss. This edition for 3-7 year olds is accompanied by audio, making it useful for shared storytelling.
The Clever Tailor by Srividhya Venkat, illustrated by Nayantara Surendranath
Rupa Ram is a talented but poor tailor who dreams of making something special for his family. When he receives a beautiful new saafa, or turban, he discovers how its fabric can be reused and transformed into gifts for those he loves. Srividhya Venkat’s Indian adaptation of a traditional European folk tale celebrates resourcefulness, generosity and making the most of what we have. Nayantara Surendranath’s colourful illustrations draw on Rajasthani textiles and traditions, creating an engaging picture book about creativity, family and the value of storytelling.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Three hungry goats want to cross a bridge to reach the grass on the other side. Unfortunately, an enormous troll lives underneath it, waiting for something tasty to come along. Mac Barnett gives this traditional Norwegian tale a deliciously comic voice, with Jon Klassen’s wonderfully expressive illustrations contributing to the suspense and humour. The contrasting personalities of the goats and troll make the story enjoyable to perform, especially when experimenting with different voices. This picture book for 3-6 year olds is a lively way to revisit a familiar folk tale.
Yokki and the Parno Gry by Richard O’Neill and Katharine Quarmby, illustrated by Marieke Nelissen
Yokki is a young Romani boy whose family travels in search of work, but difficult times leave his community struggling to earn a living. Through his imaginative stories about the Parno Gry, a magical white horse, Yokki offers hope for a better future. Richard O’Neill and Katharine Quarmby retell this traditional Romani story with colourful illustrations by Marieke Nelissen. An uplifting picture book about resilience, family, storytelling and the importance of hope, it also provides an engaging introduction to Romani culture and history for KS1 children.
Peter and the Wolf: From the story by Sergei Prokofiev by James Mayhew
Peter’s grandfather warns him about the dangerous wolf living near their forest home, but Peter ventures into the meadow and encounters a duck, a bird, a cat and eventually the hungry predator himself. James Mayhew retells Sergei Prokofiev’s famous musical story through striking collage illustrations, introducing 3+ year olds to a traditional adventure with a distinctive orchestral connection. A QR code provides access to a specially recorded performance of the music, allowing families and schools to explore how different instruments represent the characters and bring the storytelling to life.
The Song of the Stars by Göknur Birincioglu, illustrated by Merve Atilgan
Merope is a small, shy star who worries that she will never shine as brightly as the others. After tumbling from the sky onto a tuft of sheep’s wool, she begins a magical journey across earth and sky and gradually discovers that her light was inside her all along. Göknur Birincioglu’s magnificent folktale-inspired story pairs courage and self-belief with Merve Atilgan’s dreamlike illustrations and the wonder of a star-strewn night. Its gentle pace and luminous theme make it especially well suited to sharing with 5-7 year olds at bedtime. Highly recommended.
The Magic Paintbrush by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Joel Stewart
Shen receives a magical paintbrush that can bring her pictures to life. She uses its remarkable powers to help people in her village, but news of the brush attracts the attention of a greedy emperor. Inspired by a traditional Chinese tale, Julia Donaldson’s rhyming story combines magical happenings with a kind-hearted and resourceful heroine. Joel Stewart’s atmospheric illustrations capture both the beauty of Shen’s painted creations and the drama of her encounter with the emperor.
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema, illustrated by Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon
A mosquito’s irritating remark sets off a remarkable chain of misunderstandings among the animals of the forest. As the consequences spread from one creature to another, this West African folk tale gradually explains why mosquitoes still seem to buzz in people’s ears. Verna Aardema’s rhythmic storytelling is complemented by Leo and Diane Dillon’s striking illustrations, which give the animals and their surroundings a memorable visual style. This picture book for 5-8 year olds lends itself to sequencing activities, expressive reading and conversations about how one small action can affect others.
Folk tales for children aged 7-12
Mat o’ Shanter by Simon Lamb and Ross MacRae
Mat o’ Shanter by Simon Lamb and Ross MacRae reinterprets and responds to Robert Burns’s classic 1790 poem “Tam o’ Shanter”. Lamb introduces Burns’s original narrative, with a sparkling and fresh contemporary retelling, supplemented with detailed author commentary. Illustrator Ross MacRae, known for murals, contributes atmospheric visuals that will appeal to reluctant readers. The book offers of heartfelt and powerful cultural insight into Scottish literary heritage . A great choice to read aloud, Mat o’ Shanter is highly recommended for 9-11 year olds in KS2.
Nature Tales by Dawn Casey, illustrated by Anja Susanj
This beautifully illustrated hardback offers 18 folk tales and myths about animals, birds, and plants from diverse cultures, including captivating stories from North America, Brazil, Ireland, and Japan. Each narrative is retold by award-winning author Dawn Casey, with stunning illustrations by Anja Sušanj. With a cloth cover and foil accents, this stunning book would make an excellent gift for 7–9-year-old children.
The Shade Tree by Suzy Lee
For years, the people living in the village have enjoyed the cool shade from an ancient tree. But one day the landowner decides he owns the shade. This clever retelling of a traditional Korean folk tale sees a young traveller get the better of the greedy rich man to make sure the rights of the villagers are upheld. Inventive and memorable The Shade Tree is perfect to read and discuss with LKS2 classes. Suzy Lee was a 2022 winner of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award.
The Sky We Share: Star Stories from Around the World by Laura Knowles, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Celestial-themed folk tales from around the world are paired with genuine scientific insight and stargazing tips in this beautifully realised hardback for 7-9 year olds. The book explores Polynesian voyagers using stars to cross open oceans, ancient farmers timing harvests by astronomical rhythms, and storytellers filling the heavens with legends, bringing myths and folklore together with modern scientific insight into the sparklingly illustrated night sky. Highly recommended.
Stories from Bengal: Myths, Legends and Folk Tales of the Region by Rumana Yasmin, illustrated by Farah Khandaker
Chaader Buri, the magical grandmother on the moon, spins stories from moonlight and invites children into Bengal’s rich storytelling traditions. Gods and goddesses, clever tricksters, mystical saints and magical creatures appear alongside Ganga’s journey from heaven to earth, Gopal Bhar’s cunning escapades and tales of Sufi wisdom. Perfect for 7-12 year olds, this 40-page collection combines engaging retellings with cultural insights, while Farah Khandaker’s intricate, nakshi kantha-inspired artwork celebrates the region’s folklore and textile heritage. Highly recommended.
Stories of Peace and Kindness For a Better World by Elizabeth Laird
This diverse collection of folk tales, including traditional stories from Ethiopia, China and Afghanistan is also ideal to use as a resource for primary school assembly storytelling or reading to whole classes in KS2 PSHE. With enchanting illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini and lyrical text by Elizabeth Laird, Stories of Peace and Kindness is a wonderful storybook proponent of the maxim “be kind”.
The Tale of the Tiny Man by Barbro Lingren
A lonely little man longs for friendship, but nobody seems interested in getting to know him. When he puts up a notice asking for a friend, a friendly dog eventually arrives and transforms his life. However, the appearance of a young girl leaves him worried that he might lose his new companion. Written by acclaimed Swedish children’s author Barbro Lindgren and translated into English by Julia Marshall, this touching picture book explores loneliness, friendship, jealousy and the importance of sharing. Eva Eriksson’s expressive illustrations make it a thoughtful choice for discussing empathy and relationships with KS1 and younger KS2 children.
Sasha and the Wolf by Ann Jungman
Sasha has always been warned that wolves are dangerous, but when he becomes lost on the snowy Russian steppes, an unexpected friendship develops between him and a wolf cub called Ferdy. Can Sasha persuade his village that humans and wolves can live alongside one another? This illustrated collection brings together two classic stories by Ann Jungman, including a second adventure in which the arrival of the railway threatens the peaceful relationship between the villagers and their wolf neighbours. Set against a wintry Russian landscape, these accessible stories explore friendship, trust, prejudice and change, making them enjoyable for independent reading or sharing with lower KS2 classes.
The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales: From Around the World by Naomi Adler, illustrated by Amanda Hall
Animals take centre stage in nine traditional stories gathered from different parts of the world. Naomi Adler’s retellings include tales associated with Australia, India, Germany and Brazil, introducing creatures whose actions reveal familiar human qualities. Some stories are comic, others thoughtful, and together they show how animals can carry important ideas through oral storytelling. Amanda Hall’s richly coloured illustrations give the collection a distinctive look. Ideal for 5-11 year olds, this anthology works well for comparing storytelling traditions, reading aloud and investigating how different cultures portray animals.
Cara and the Wizard: A Tale from Ireland by Liz Flanagan, illustrated by Valeria Docampo
When Cara’s sister Molly is taken away by a wizard, Cara sets out to bring her home. Her journey leads her through an Irish traditional tale filled with magical encounters, danger and unexpected help. Liz Flanagan’s retelling gives the young heroine an active role as she faces the challenges ahead, while Valeria Docampo’s illustrations add atmosphere to the adventure. Perfect for 6-9 year olds, this illustrated story introduces some of the familiar ingredients of oral folk tales, including a determined protagonist, a difficult quest and a satisfying conclusion.
Dara’s Clever Trap: A Tale from Cambodia by Liz Flanagan, illustrated by Martina Peluso
Dara is a resourceful young princess whose ingenuity becomes vital when danger threatens her family. Drawing on a traditional Cambodian tale, Liz Flanagan tells the story of how Dara uses her practical skills and quick thinking to outwit those plotting against her. Martina Peluso’s illustrations help bring the setting and unfolding scheme to life. This folk tale for 7-10 year olds has plenty to offer children who enjoy capable protagonists and ingenious solutions.
The Arabian Nights by Wafa’ Tarnowska, illustrated by Carole Hénaff
The great storytelling tradition of The Arabian Nights is introduced through a selection of interconnected tales retold by Wafa’ Tarnowska. At its heart is Shahrazade, whose extraordinary gift for storytelling holds the attention of a king night after night. The stories transport children into an imaginative world of adventures, surprises and remarkable characters, accompanied by Carole Hénaff’s decorative illustrations. This beautiful edition for 10+ year olds also invites discussion about the power of stories themselves: why people tell them, how they travel between cultures and what makes an audience eager to hear more.
Tales of Wisdom and Wonder by Hugh Lupton, illustrated by Niamh Sharkey
Wisdom arrives in surprising forms in this gathering of traditional tales retold by Hugh Lupton. Stories from different storytelling traditions introduce characters who must look closely, listen carefully or discover that appearances can be deceptive. The collection balances humour and thoughtful moments, making it rewarding to read one story at a time and discuss its meaning afterwards. Niamh Sharkey’s expressive illustrations give each tale a visual identity. For classroom storytelling, the book is especially useful for exploring how a short narrative can communicate an idea through character, action and an unexpected ending.
The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Kathrin Honesta
Yanka has always wondered about her past, especially her unusual connection with the forest. When she wakes to discover that her legs have changed into bear’s legs, her search for answers takes her into a landscape shaped by the stories she has heard throughout her life. Sophie Anderson draws on Slavic folklore to create an original adventure about family, belonging and the importance of storytelling. Kathrin Honesta’s illustrations accompany this magical journey. The novel is particularly rewarding for children interested in the ways traditional tales can inspire a longer, contemporary fantasy.
World Tales for Family Storytelling III by Chris Smith
Chris Smith brings together 51 traditional stories intended for telling aloud to children aged 8-11. Drawn from a range of storytelling traditions, the collection is designed for adults and children to share, remember and retell. Its emphasis on the spoken story makes it particularly relevant to classrooms developing listening, speaking and narrative confidence. Teachers can use individual tales for short storytelling sessions or invite children to practise presenting a story in their own words. The varied narratives also create opportunities to compare characters, recurring motifs and different approaches to the same human concerns.
Folk tales for teens aged 13+
Baba Yaga’s Assistant: A Graphic Novel by Marika McCoola, illustrated by Emily Carroll
Masha knows the stories about Baba Yaga, the mysterious witch of Slavic folklore. When Baba Yaga advertises for an assistant, Masha decides to apply, despite the demanding tests that await her in the witch’s extraordinary home. The tales Masha learnt from her grandmother prove especially valuable as she works out how to meet each challenge. Marika McCoola’s graphic novel combines an original story with recognisable folk-tale elements, while Emily Carroll’s artwork gives the setting an appropriately eerie atmosphere.
The Price of Greed by Tanya Landman, illustrated by Katie Kear
Three brothers set out to defeat Death while sickness spreads through the land, but their mission changes when they discover gold beneath a tree. The promise of wealth draws them away from their purpose and turns brother against brother, revealing how quickly greed can distort judgement. Perfect for readers aged 11+ and written at a reading age of 6, this accessible and convincing retelling keeps the moral tension relentless.
Local Gods by Melinda Salisbury
When an FBI raid exposes her father’s double life, Sylvie Singer becomes a target in Pine Ridge Hollow and heads for a disused station in the West Woods, where carnivorous deer roam. There she meets Illican, a horned god bound to the forest, who warns that disaster is coming. With the town turning against her, Sylvie must decide whether to help the people who have cast her out. Sylvie is a memorable character filled with resentment, and readers will be desperate to know what she does with it in this stunning YA folk horror tale that will keep teens gripped from start to finish.
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
Inspired by The Arabian Nights, this YA novel introduces Shahrzad, a young woman who volunteers to marry Khalid, a ruler whose previous brides have died. She enters the palace determined to uncover the truth and avenge her friend, using storytelling to hold Khalid’s attention and survive each new dawn. As she discovers more about the kingdom and its ruler, her understanding of events begins to change. Renée Ahdieh blends the familiar framework of Shahrazade’s tales with romance, palace intrigue and a heroine whose words become her greatest source of power.
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
Vanja has survived by stealing, scheming and assuming the identity of Princess Gisele. Now she enjoys the privileges of a royal life while secretly pursuing her own ambitions. But when a supernatural curse threatens her future, her carefully constructed deception becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Margaret Owen draws on the Brothers Grimm’s The Goose Girl, shifting the story towards a morally complicated heroine who has her own reasons for taking another person’s place. This darkly comic fantasy for teens combines romance, elaborate schemes and a fresh perspective on a traditional fairy tale.
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Princess Shiori possesses forbidden magic, but a terrible curse transforms her six brothers into cranes and prevents her from revealing what has happened. Forced to navigate a dangerous world while remaining silent, she must discover a way to reunite her family and break the spell. Elizabeth Lim reimagines elements of the traditional Six Swans fairy tale in an East Asian-inspired fantasy setting. The novel’s combination of family loyalty, enchantment and personal courage makes it a compelling example of how an established folk-tale pattern can become an expansive YA adventure.
The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
Fi is a treasure hunter whose discovery draws her into an ancient sleeping curse. Alongside the formidable warrior Shane, she travels through a magical landscape where the familiar Sleeping Beauty story takes an unexpected turn. At the centre of the mystery is Briar, a prince awaiting the end of his long enchantment. Leslie Vedder’s spectacular YA fantasy for 14+ year olds combines fairy-tale motifs with action, friendship and romance. Its adventurous heroines and reimagined central roles provide plenty of scope for comparing a traditional tale with a modern retelling.
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
Hazel is the thirteenth child of her family, and her unusual godfather is Death himself. Under his guidance, she develops a remarkable ability to heal, but her gifts come with responsibilities that force her to confront difficult decisions. Erin A. Craig reimagines the Brothers Grimm tale Godfather Death as a haunting YA fantasy about fate, compassion and the limits of human power. The relationship between Hazel and her godfather drives the story, giving a traditional folk-tale premise greater emotional depth. This atmospheric novel for 14+ year olds is especially interesting for discussions about moral choices.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Two hundred years after Cinderella’s story, the kingdom still expects young women to follow the rules supposedly established by the famous princess’s marriage. Sixteen-year-old Sophia faces the prospect of attending the annual ball, where her future will be decided for her. Determined to find another path, she begins questioning the story everyone has been taught and discovers unexpected allies. Kalynn Bayron transforms Cinderella into a YA fantasy about independence, resistance and the control of history. It invites teenagers to consider who gets to tell a traditional story and whose voices are left unheard.
Gilded by Marissa Meyer
Serilda has a remarkable talent for telling stories, a gift that brings her dangerous attention when she claims she can spin straw into gold. Summoned by the Erlking, she must somehow make good on her extraordinary tale. A mysterious young man offers assistance, drawing her deeper into a world of enchantment and unsettling bargains. Marissa Meyer’s YA fantasy brilliantly reworks the traditional Rumpelstiltskin story, placing storytelling, secrets and the consequences of promises at its centre. Gothic atmosphere and a developing romance add further layers to this imaginative retelling.
House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
At the isolated manor of Highmoor, Annaleigh and her sisters are surrounded by grief after a series of family deaths. Strange visions, mysterious events and the surviving sisters’ nightly dancing begin to suggest that something more troubling is happening. Erin A. Craig takes inspiration from the Brothers Grimm’s The Twelve Dancing Princesses, transforming the familiar fairy tale into a gothic YA mystery. Its coastal setting, unsettling atmosphere and gradual revelations create a story in which family secrets and supernatural possibilities become closely entwined. An absorbing example of traditional folklore reshaped as dark fantasy.
Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this folk tales for children and teens list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy 20 selected titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.
Buy from UK.Bookshop.Org Buy from Amazon.co.ukDisclosure: If you buy books using the buttons above: we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops; as an Amazon Associate schoolreadinglist.co.uk earns from qualifying purchases.
Schools & teachers: please respect copyright and don’t copy our folk tales for children and teens list. If you find our book recommendations useful, please consider sharing on social media or linking to this page instead. Thanks.
Folk tales for children and teens resources for teachers
- WorldStories – A collection of illustrated stories in English and other languages, including traditional tales from different cultures. Useful for multilingual storytelling, supporting children who speak English as an additional language and comparing different versions of a story.
- Oak National Academy: The Three Billy Goats Gruff – Primary English lessons built around the traditional tale, including opportunities to develop comprehension, sequence events and work towards written storytelling.
- National Literacy Trust: A Blackpool Banquet teacher resources – Literacy activities and teaching materials connecting stories with food and local community experiences. Useful for extending storytelling into talk, writing and creative classroom work.
- University of Sheffield: Traditional Tales, Untraditionally Told – Resources associated with retelling traditional tales through creative and multilingual approaches. Provides ideas for experimenting with familiar narratives, different perspectives and digital storytelling.
- British Council TeachingEnglish: Personal and creative storytelling – Practical discussion of storytelling as a classroom activity, with approaches to developing spoken language, creativity and learner participation.
- Storytelling Schools – A teaching approach centred on oral storytelling, helping children develop confidence in speaking, narrative structure and writing by learning and retelling stories.
- Lincolnshire Folk Tales Project: Storytelling Toolkit – A locally rooted storytelling resource with ideas for exploring traditional tales through oral performance and creative activities. Particularly useful for linking folk tales to places and community heritage.
BISAC JUV012000, JUV012030, JUV012040, YAF017000, YAF017010. | Thema YFJ, YFH.
