Fairy Tales and Folk Tales: A Picture Book List

Google the difference between fairy tales and folk tales (or is it folktales?), and you’ll find some answers. For instance, folk tales are part of the oral tradition (“Little Red Riding Hood”) whereas fairy tales are ascribed to particular authors (such as Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”). Another difference is that, usually, folk tales feature ordinary folk and are for ordinary folk. Fairy tales often feature fairies (or other magical elements) and target a more literary or aristocratic audience. But it’s hard to determine a precise line, particularly if we start adding in myths, legends, and the like. So those answers you google may, or may not, agree with one another.

The truth is that we often use these terms interchangeably, particularly when we talk about picture book versions. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that an individual author’s unique creation (such as the tales of Oscar Wilde or George MacDonald) are treated as specific literary texts under copyright. Stories that have ebbed and flowed in cultures around the world for generations are options for creative license and retellings. But those retellings are now copyright by the retell-er and the illustrator!

The list below includes a variety of fairy and folk tales from different cultures. We’ve tried to showcase some of the breadth of literary and artistic talent in this field. Do preview before showing to young children. Enjoy!

Fairy Tales and Folk Tales: A Picture Book List

Waa’aka’: The Bird Who Fell in Love with the Sun by Cindi Alvitre and illustrated by Carly Lake. Heyday, 2020.

• A cautionary tale of a bird who falls in love with sun—or, rather, her own image—will remind some readers of the story of Daedalus, who flew too close to the sun. Read our review.

Tops and Bottoms written and illustrated by Janet Stevens. Harcourt Brace, 1995. 32 pages.

• A clever folktale that illustrates the wisdom of diligence and warning against laziness in the book of Proverbs. Read our review.

Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky. Dutton, 1997.

• This book exemplifies how an ordinary fairy tale can be beautifully well done. Read our reflection on this tale.

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2009.

• Stunning illustrations, a vast African savannah setting, and perfect pacing make this picture book a true delight. Read our review.

Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli, with illustrations by Lita Judge.  Hyperion, 2006.

• This gentle retelling of the “Ugly Duckling” tale combines the satisfactory ending with a love of natural beauty. Read our review.

Cupid and Psyche by M. Charlotte Craft and illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft. HarperCollins, 1996. 

• Fans of mythology, fairy tales and lovely picture books will enjoy the Crafts’ Cupid and Psyche. Read our review.

The Dragon Slayer: Folktales from Latin America by Jaime Hernandez.  TOON Graphics, 2018.

• These three tales illustrate the universality of traditional stories: the heroic, the fanciful, and the ironic. Read our review.

Dust Devil by Anne Isaacs, Illustrated by Paul Zelinsky, Schwartz & Wade, 2011.

• Dust Devil continues the tall-tale adventures of Angelica Longrider, the Tennessee “Swamp Angel” who tames the wild west. Read our review.

Busy-Busy Little Chick by Janice L. Harrington and illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2013.

• Little Chick is indeed busy-busy in this colorful Central African folk tale. Read our review.

Grandma and the Great Gourd (a Bengali folktale) retold by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and illustrated by Susy Pilgrim Waters. Roaring Brook Press, 2013.

• This is a great addition to a collection of trickster tales, and it offers a fun window into Bengali culture. Read our review.

Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman. Holiday House, 1983 (reprint).

• Little Red Riding Hood has a name in this gorgeous version: Elisabeth.

The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone. Clarion, 1983.

• The gingerbread boy gets his comeuppance in this classic story.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears by James Marshall. Puffin, 1998 (reprint).

• A clever, hilarious version of this familiar tale.

Hansel and Gretel by Lisbeth Zwerger. Simon and Shuster, 1992.

• A very artistic, evocative retelling; adults will enjoy more than children.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema and illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Puffin/Dial, 2004 (reprint).

• A West African tale about a mosquito who tells a little story….

Flossie and the Fox by Patricia McKissack and illustrated by Rachel Isadora. Dial, 1986.

• Flossie outfoxes the fox.

Lon Po Po by Ed Young. Puffin, 1996. (reprint)

• A Red Riding Hood story from China, and well worth comparing to Hyman’s version listed above.

The Boy Who Drew Cats by Margaret Hodges and illustrated by Aki Sogabe. Holiday House, 2002.

• An interesting story of a Japanese boy whose penchant for drawing cats instead of studying or working had interesting consequences.

Golem by David Wisniewski. HMH, 2007 (reprint).

• The dramatic legend of the Golem portrayed in intricate cut paper illustrations.

One Grain of Rice by Demi. Scholastic, 1997.

• A clever mathematical folktale in which someone makes an unfortunate bet

Related Reading from Redeemed Reader:

• A Book List: Cinderella Read-Alikes for Boys and Girls
• A Reflection: Christ in Literature: The Anansi Stories
• A Book List: Proverbs, Tricksters, and Fools