Fairy tales are fun to read, but a lot of them are basically telling the same story: a princess is put in danger by an evil villain, and a prince comes to her rescue and marries her.
Don’t you wish those stories were a little different?
Lots of people have felt that way over the years, and there are tons of new versions of classic tales available these days. Now you can explore worlds where princesses aren’t helpless, and so-called “villains” tell their side of the story. You can also read a version of Cinderella where everyone’s a chicken! Books like these encourage readers to look at familiar stories from another perspective and teach them that all types of people (or animals) are capable of being the hero. Check one out and imagine a different kind of happily ever after!
The Princess Doesn’t Need Saving:
Princeless series by Jeremy Whitley
Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill (also available on hoopla)
Ninja-rella by Joey Comeau
Sleeping Bobby by Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne
Don’t Kiss the Frog!: Princess Stories with Attitude by Fiona Waters
The Villain is the Hero:
Seriously, Cinderella Is SO Annoying! by Tricia Speed Shaskan (also available as audiobook on hoopla)
Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten! by Tricia Speed Shaskan (also available as audiobook on hoopla)
Trust Me, Jack’s Beanstalk Stinks! by Eric Braun (also available as audiobook on hoopla)
Red Riding Hood and the Sweet Little Wolf by Rachel Mortimer
Everyone’s an Animal:
Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella by Jan Brett
Princess Pigtoria and the Pea by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Hamster Princess series by Ursula Vernon (also available as audiobook on hoopla)
– Cindy, Youth Services Assistant