Twisted Tales
In the post ‘Fairy Tales on Trial’ we explored the objections against fairy tales and the benefits of reading them. The conclusion is that fairy tales have a place on our shelves, but are best balanced with contemporary twisted tales. In this way we develop children’s critical thinking, challenge stereotypes, and stimulate their imagination. We can enjoy classic story themes in new settings and from different perspectives, often with lots of humour.
There are countless fantastic books available in this genre, here are a few favourites to take a look at.
Clicking on the pictures will take you directly to Amazon where you can check out the books. Teachers Telling Tales are not affiliates and recommend supporting local, independent book stores where possible.
Chris Riddell creates beautiful, detailed illustrations and I recommend following him on Facebook if you like this style. Little Green Raincape is on her way to Rapunzel’s party, deep in the wild woods. The way is long and dark, but Green is a smart girl. Smart enough to turn down apples offered by kindly old ladies, smart enough to turn down travel advice from helpful wolves, and above all, smart enough to solve a wealth of classic fairy tale problems – not least mend a lovelorn beast’s broken heart.
Also illustrated by Chris Riddell and written by Neil Gaiman, a fantastic author and authority on fairy tales. You can watch them in conversation and read an excerpt from this new book on Good Reads. “You may think you know this story. There’s a young queen, about to be married. There are some good, brave, hardy dwarfs; a castle, shrouded in thorns; and a princess, cursed by a witch, so rumor has it, to sleep forever. But no one is waiting for a noble prince to appear on his trusty steed here. This fairy tale is spun with a thread of dark magic, which twists and turns and glints and shines. A queen might just prove herself a hero, if a princess needs rescuing. . . .”
For children who feel they are too old for fairy tales or the usual tales are just ‘too sweet’, Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes are sure to provide an antidote! Try not to giggle when reading about Little Red Riding Hood :
“The small girl smiles. One eyelid flickers.
She whips a pistol from her knickers.
She aims it at the creature’s head,
And bang bang bang, she shoots him dead.”
“Little fish, little fish, let me come in.”
“Not by the skin of my finny fin fin!”
“Then I’ll munch, and I’ll crunch, and I’ll smash your house in!”
“Once upon a bad hair day, A prince rode up Rapunzel’s way”
As the prince rides past Rapunzel’s tower he hears the sound of a damsel in distress – Rapunzel’s beautiful hair has lost its shine! The prince, convinced she is in need of his help, sets out to save her in the traditional way but this is no ordinary princess! She throws down everything except her curly locks – including a surprise that makes all his dreams come true.
Have you ever heard the story of Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs? Yes, you heard right – DINOSAURS. Once upon a time, there were three hungry dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur and … a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. Of course. One day, purely on a whim, they decided to tidy up their house nice and neat, make their beds up all cosy and comfortable, prepare delicious hot chocolate pudding of varying temperatures, place their chairs just so, and go … SOMEWHERE ELSE. Let’s be clear, they were definitely NOT setting up a trap for some succulent, poorly supervised little girl called Goldilocks who may wander by … ahem.
This is the deep dark wood. Everyone knows it’s no place to go for a stroll. There are monsters and trolls and giants everywhere, not to mention the Big Bad Wolf! Wait a minute! What’s that sweet little girl doing in the deep dark wood? Doesn’t she know it’s DANGEROUS here? The Big Bad Wolf will gobble her up for his lunch! But this deep dark wood is full of twists and turns, and all is not quite what it seems. The Big Bad Wolf is about to get a big, bad surprise…
In this reverse story, one bear goes for a walk and finds himself lost in the city. So he lets himself into an unlocked apartment for a little nap.
“I’m far too young for marriage, but I’ll be your chief mechanic!”
Have you read any of these? What other books would you recommend?
Please share in the comments.