Fairy tales are a part of most of our lives, from before we can even read. And they stand the test of time because of the universal themes that make a great story: good and evil, love, vengeance, heroism, and coming of age to name a few. The great themes also open the door to reimaginings, mash-ups, and yes, TWISTS on the classics.
Here are three books to guide tweens, teens, and adults into the realm of twisted fairy tales. And don't miss the link to a bonus book list at the end!
Beanstalker and Other Hilarious Scary Tales
From the publisher: Snow White is a vampire, Little Red Riding Hood is a zombie, and Cinderella is an arsonist--and that is only some of the mayhem the reader will find in this collection of fractured fairy tales.
This book has been in rotation for a few years now in our house. The kids love the humor, including a strong gross-out factor.
This heroine is not the oopsy-daisy Alice of old! Booklist says: McKinney breathes new life and fierce empowerment into Carroll's classic. Her Wonderland is menacing, lush, and unique and populated by nuanced characters that are fleshed out and refreshingly authentic.
Remember the movie Enchanted, where the princess is thrust into modern big city life and hilarious romance ensues? This is not that. From the publisher: Classic female fairy tale characters, including Little Red Riding Hood and Gretel, are reimagined into modern women who meet in a basement support group to process their traumas and realize they have more in common than they ever supposed.
If these titles pique your interest, you'll find even more in this list!
We love a twist on a classic tale! Some are funny, some are scary, some are not for children. Check annotations for recommended audiences.
