fairy/folk tale/myth

*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 12, 2024

Houses with a Story offers both a fascinating tour of storybook dwellings and a springboard to imagination. *Houses with Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly ...

Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 23, 2024

The Newbery Honor novel Eagle Drums portrays the mythical origin of a cherished tradition of the Iñupiat people. Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Raney Hopson. Roaring ...

YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter

By Hayley Morell | Dec 21, 2023

A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter. Murtagh ...

*Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 18, 2023

The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with ...

*The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 26, 2023

The Puppets of Spelhorst is a bittersweet fairy tale with engaging characters and an enthralling conclusion. *The Puppets of Spelhorst: A Norendy Tale by Kate ...

Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary Edition

By Megan Saben | Oct 18, 2023

Those who love dragons and long for more lore will find this field guide an excellent companion. Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary ...

Chinese Menu by Grace Lin

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 13, 2023

Chinese Menu traces the origin of everybody’s favorite Chinese dishes, from wonton soup to rice fortune cookies. Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends behind ...

*The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 2, 2023

An adventurous fairy tale set in Imperial Russia, perfect for teens who enjoy books like The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. *The Carver and ...

YA Graphic Novels: Graceling, Cheshire Crossing & Lore Olympus

By Hayley Morell | Sep 21, 2023

A rapid fire round up of three YA graphic novels for mature teen readers. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Clarion ...

*Arthur, the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 6, 2023

The lavishly-illustrated Arthur the Always King communicates the doomed majesty of the Arthurian legend. *Arthur, the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Chris Riddell. ...

American Born Chinese by Gene Yuen Yang

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 5, 2023

American Born Chinese is a coming-of-age story with great spiritual insight in graphic novel format. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. FirstSecond, 2021 (reprint). ...

*The Labors of Hercles Beal by Gary Schmidt

By Janie Cheaney | May 18, 2023

The title character of The Labors of Hercules Beal works through his grief by duplicating, in contemporary terms, the 12 "labors" of his mythical namesake. ...

Why Disney’s original animated Sleeping Beauty is the best cinematic fairy tale adaptation

By Megan Saben | Mar 22, 2023

In Megan's humble opinion, the best fairy tale adaptation ever is the Disney classic animated version of Sleeping Beauty (1959). Here's why. It opens with ...

Princess of the Wild Sea by Megan Frazer Blakemore

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2023

A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking. Princess of the ...

Windswept by Margi Preus

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 31, 2023

Windswept is a lovely fantasy/fairy tale of children learning to take on the responsibility of stewardship through story, service, and sacrifice. Windswept by Margi Preus. ...

2023 Newbery Buzz #3: Northwind

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 18, 2023

Might Gary Paulsen's last novel be a sentimental favorite for Newbery recognition? The State of Nature Betsy: Janie, this is only the second Paulsen book ...

The Rat Queen by Pete Hautman

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 30, 2022

Though not for every reader, The Rat Queen effectively exposes the harm caused to individual souls by hiding or excusing their own sins. The Rat ...

Fairy Tales and Folk Tales: A Picture Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2022

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 ...

Black Bird, Blue Road by Sofiya Pasternack

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2022

Black Bird, Blue Road is set in a neglected period of world history and explores the subject of death through a lens of Jewish mythology. ...

Truth and Story

By Megan Saben | Oct 19, 2022

(Note: Betsy and I are indebted to Ethan Pettit, librarian and Children's Literature professor from Covenant College, who enlightened us so much in seeing Christ ...

The Three Little Pigs: A Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 18, 2022

Just for fun, here's a round-up of some delightful version of the classic folktale "The Three Little Pigs" along with some funny spoofs and spins. ...

The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga #1) by Kathryn Butler

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 2, 2022

The Dreamkeeper Saga weaves Christian themes, Arthurian legend, and reliable fantasy tropes into a promising series for middle-graders. The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga ...

Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder and Dan Santat

By Janie Cheaney | May 26, 2022

Endlessly Ever After allows readers to mix and match traditional tales to the tune of catchy rhymes and lavish illustrations. Endlessly Ever After: Pick Your ...

Glass Slippers by Leah Cypress

By Janie Cheaney | May 3, 2022

Glass Slippers reimagines the Cinderella story through the eyes of a third stepsister who is trying to sort truth from lies. Glass Slippers by Leah ...

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2022

In The Ogress and the Orphans, a winning fairytale, kindness and love overcome suspicion. The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill. Algonquin, 2022, 390 ...

Across the Rainbow Bridge by Kevin Crossley-Holland

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 24, 2022

Across the Rainbow Bridge puts Norse mythology in its original context of tales told around peat fires on long winter nights. Across the Rainbow Bridge: ...

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 18, 2022

The Last Cuentista, winner of this year’s Newbery medal is thought-provoking but leaves other thoughts unexplored. The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. Levine ...

Treasury of Magical Tales from around the World by Donna Jo Napoli

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 17, 2021

Veteran children’s author Donna Jo Napoli retells fairy- and folk tales from every continent, reflecting both local culture and common humanity. Treasury of Magical Tales ...

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 15, 2021

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball ...

What about Aru Shah?

By Hayley Morell | Oct 26, 2021

This is a question we often get at Redeemed Reader. In fact, there's a whole comment thread asking if we've reviewed it. Part of the ...

Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 8, 2021

Erik, who fears Everything, learns to live up to his Viking heritage with the help of his Norse-struck family. Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss. ...

Thornwood by Leah Cypess

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2021

Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...

Thought-Provoking YA Fantasy

By Hayley Morell | Apr 23, 2021

Between the two, The Theft of Sunlight and Into the Heartless Wood take on fairytales, humanity, and the complex web of sex trafficking. Into the ...

*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2021

Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...

Oversize Nonfiction: Math, Anatomy, and Classification

By Megan Saben | Mar 24, 2021

Do you see order, beauty, and relationships in the world around you? Three recent oversized picture books require special shelving, but offer a feast for ...

Native American Traditional Tales: #ownvoices

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 15, 2021

Back in the day, Gerald McDermott was one of our go to authors for Native American traditional tales. His Arrow to the Sun was a ...

Enclave Escape Round-up: YA Fantasy & Dystopia

By Hayley Morell | Feb 24, 2021

Two series end and one begins in this round-up from Enclave Publishing, a Christian publishing house. Enclave's mission is "to get Christian speculative fiction directly ...

The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 16, 2021

The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice explores what it means to be human in an interesting twist on the Pinocchio story. The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm. Page ...

A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 16, 2021

In A Wolf for a Spell, wolves join forces with humans and the earth itself to defeat a foul plot against all. A Wolf for ...

Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 27, 2021

The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...

2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 19, 2021

Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #4: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 15, 2021

We've been scanning the starred review lists and listening in on the chatter to tell you about the likely Newbery contenders for this year. So ...

Three New Christmas Picture Books: The Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Feast, and Native-American Night Before Christmas

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 19, 2020

Two versions of "The Night before Christmas" and one classic trickster tale make great additions to under-the-tree reading. Fun for ages 4-up. The Night Before ...

Two Excellent YA Fantasy Sequels

By Hayley Morell | Nov 18, 2020

The second book in a series faces a lot of pressure; here are two YA fantasy sequels that satisfy. Starsight by Brandon Sanderson, Delacorte Press, ...

The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 13, 2020

"Green Magic" lurks in an ivy-covered house, in this delightful MG fantasy. The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay. Simon & Shuster (Margart McEldery ...

*Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 2, 2020

In this one-of-a-kind, richly evocative memoir, "Everything Sad" disguises an otherworldly joy. *Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri. Levine Querido, 2020, ...

*Swift by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Oct 1, 2020

A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones. *Swift by R. J. Anderson. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 272 pages. ...

The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 28, 2020

Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by ...

The Golden Key and the Christian Imagination

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 23, 2020

Meeting George MacDonald I first met George MacDonald through the pages of his poetry and then, later, in his novels (the versions edited by Michael ...

The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 3, 2020

Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. ...

The Asterix Series, American-style

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 24, 2020

The now-classic Asterix comic series receives an American gloss in a new edition. Astrix Omnibus #1, 2, and 3 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. ...

Rapid Fire: YA Fantasy, July 2020

By Hayley Morell | Jul 14, 2020

Two series starters that fizzled and two new authors to enjoy. *Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Page Street Kids, 2020. 400 pages. The first ...

Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 13, 2020

Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator's books, they become part of your definition of "home" or "reading" or "friend." Gyo Fujikawa is ...

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

By Janie Cheaney | May 6, 2020

Mañanaland presents a dreamlike Latin-American landscape and a young boy taking a giant step toward adulthood. Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Scholastic, 2020, 247 pages. ...

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 20, 2020

Scary Stories for Young Foxes, a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, may be more disturbing than encouraging. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker. Henry ...

Newbery Roundup #1: The Line Tender, Tristan Strong, and 1919

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2020

Newbery season is upon us, culminating in the American Library Association Youth Media Awards on January 27. We've been keeping an eye on books that ...

Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 19, 2019

Briar and Rose and Jack mixes fairy-tale motifs with clear themes of good and evil in a magical and satisfying adventure. Briar and Rose and ...

The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2019

A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...

Noodleheads Find Something Fishy by Tedd Arnold

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 5, 2019

The Noodleheads series, by the author of Fly Guy, draws from classic simpleton stories to give early readers a chuckle. Noodleheads Find Something Fishy (Noodleheads, ...

Robin Hood: Twice Told

By Hayley Morell | Oct 8, 2019

There’s something appealing about Robin Hood. —Maybe even more-so to American sensibilities. Granted, we didn’t rob from the rich for the sake of the poor. ...

The Delights of Childcraft, part 2

By Megan Saben | Aug 22, 2019

Yesterday I introduced a set of books that impressed me as a child, and I appreciate them more now as a parent and home educator. ...

The Delights of Childcraft, part 1

By Megan Saben | Aug 21, 2019

I remember the first book that taught me to love poetry as a child. "Antonio, Antonio," by Laura E. Richards, was in the second volume ...

Reading Robin McKinley

By Hayley Morell | Jun 1, 2019

"I'm reading a book that's a little slow." I told a friend. "Why not stop reading it?" It was a fair question, but it hadn't ...

The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2019

This graphic-novel adaptation of The Odyssey has some beautiful panels and a few problems. The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds. Candlewick, 2010, 248 ...

The Iliad: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2019

Gareth Hinds' adaptation of The Iliad is an excellent introduction to Homer's classic for middle graders and teens. *The Iliad: a Graphic Novel Adaptation by ...

Lovely War by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | May 7, 2019

Lovely War is a satisfying romance that will leave readers with much to think about. Lovely War by Julie Berry. Viking, 2019, 451 pages. Reading ...

Pride and Prejudice: The Original and the Others

By Hayley Morell | Feb 14, 2019

It's Valentine's Day. So, of course, we're going to talk about Jane Austen! Nothing can compare to the original, but Hayley and Betsy have been ...

*Tales of Wonder edited by Phillips, Bianco, and Kern

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 3, 2018

Tales of Wonder provides parents and teachers a wonderful resource to use as they enjoy fairy tales with their students and children. *Tales of Wonder, ...

“Look for Illustrators” by Gladys Hunt

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 25, 2018

We're up to the sixteenth in our series of posts by Gladys Hunt, author of Honey for a Child's Heart. In this one, she shares ...

Multicultural Graphic Novels: Akissi and the Dragon Slayer

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 24, 2018

Two graphic novels give readers a glimpse of life and culture in Africa and South America. Ages 7-12 Akissi: Tales of Mischief by Marguerite Abouet ...

Fairy Tales (and More!) for Summer: A Booklist for Family Read Alouds

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 12, 2018

Lovely, Literary, and Light-hearted: Fairy Tales are a Perfect Match for Summer Fun Looking for some fun, low commitment reading for this summer? Perhaps you ...

Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 24, 2018

A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don't think they ARE fantasy ...

Frogkisser! by Garth Nix

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 2, 2017

Popular children’s author Garth Nix raids a storehouse of fairy-tale elements to roll out this fresh and funny quest tale. Frogkisser! by Garth Nix. Scholastic, ...

Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 2, 2017

Seven classic fairy tales are retold in a concise but winning style that highlights both their humor and sympathy. Brave Red, Smart Frog: a New ...

Till We Have Faces: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Megan Saben | Mar 29, 2017

Before you read Till We Have Faces, you must first know the myth. You can either read a picture book version or the one by ...

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 28, 2017

This novelized spin-off of the movie doesn't have the same dramatic tension, but stands up well as a story-within-a-story. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in ...

Cupid and Pscyhe by M. Charlotte Craft

By Megan Saben | Mar 27, 2017

Fans of mythology, fairy tales and lovely picture books will enjoy the Crafts’ Cupid and Psyche. Cupid and Psyche by M. Charlotte Craft and illustrated by ...

To See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 22, 2017

This discussion is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. The text below reflects several ongoing discussions the Redeemed Reader team has had via ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3

By Hayley Morell | Mar 17, 2017

Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . . And her name was Esther. There's a definite fairytale quality ...

Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 13, 2017

Beautiful, lengthy prose accompanied by striking woodcut illustrations make this retelling a good fit for intermediate and middle grade readers. Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard ...

Beauty and the Beast retold by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Meg Park

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 6, 2017

This is one of the picture book retellings of Beauty and the Beast we are featuring as part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #1

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2017

Me and My Mirror Is there anyone reading this who has never, in their lives, spent time staring into a mirror seeking out all the ...

Beauty and the Beast Adventure

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2017

Join us as we dive into the themes and stories behind Beauty and the Beast during the month of March! And don't worry, it's not just for girls--we ...

*Beauty by Robin McKinley

By Hayley Morell | Mar 1, 2017

This is one of the retellings of Beauty and the Beast we are featuring as part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. We are exploring ...

By Hayley Morell | Feb 2, 2017

New England mill girls, fairies, suffragettes, and a curse reaching across the years blend together in this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Spindle by Shonna Slayton. Entangled: ...

*The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2016

The first book in a top-notch series about an extraordinary thief and the intertwining of three kingdoms is amazingly well done. *The Thief by Megan Whalen ...

*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2016

The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...

Snow White: a Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2016

In this fairy-tale retelling, Snow White is updated to the late 1920s, with the stock-market crash and the early days of the Great Depression shaping ...

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 25, 2016

Haitian folklore comes to life in this spooky story about jumbies, a brave girl and her friends, and oranges. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. Algonquin ...

Kid Beowulf by Alexis Fajarda

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 14, 2016

A venerable legend gets a total makeover with this new graphic-novel series that does for early Europe what the Astrix series did for Rome. Kid ...

By Megan Saben | May 30, 2016

This post is part of our "Summer of Great Family Reads" series. Don't miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre ...

Romance + Reading = Love

By Hayley Morell | Feb 12, 2016

Once Upon a Time... ... there was a little girl who loved stories and fairytales. She discovered Andrew Lang’s colored fairy books and read through them—pretty ...

5 Fun Fairy Tale Reads for February

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 1, 2016

Love is in the air! Or is it? Despite the myriad of hearts, chocolates, and flowers festooning every available merchandising spot, not everyone wants to ...

By Alysha | Sep 30, 2015

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George. Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2009. 352 pages Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 16-up ...

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 29, 2015

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2009. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Stunning illustrations, a vast ...

*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 29, 2015

*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Vibrant, colorful ...

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 29, 2015

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2013. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Slow and ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 26, 2015

The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville. Knopf,2015. 389 pages Reading Level: Young adult,ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up (especially girls) Bottom ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 28, 2015

In 2008, a middle-grade novel called Savvy swept numerous awards lists and was anointed with the silver medallion of Newbery runner-up. The first-time author, Ingrid ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 13, 2015

Why Cinderella? —a joint post from Betsy, Hayley, and Megan We at Redeemed Reader love a good fairy tale. Cinderella is perhaps the quintessential fairy tale ...