Updated fairy-tale picture books

Fairy tales have long been an important part of young children’s reading diets and development. Not only do they allow children to explore what is true or morally right or wrong within a safe fantasy setting, but their dilemma plots also support problem-solving, prediction, and empathy, as well as a wide range of other skills.

Fairy tales are also a worldwide phenomenon, and by reading tales from around the world, children can develop an understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

This diverse list of superb, modern fairy-tale picture books offers a fresh twist on modern classics like ‘The Paper Bag Princess’, as well as updated versions of older European traditional tales, including ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, and ‘The Snow Queen’.

These beautifully illustrated, updated stories bring familiar magic to life for 21st-century young readers, featuring diverse heroes, new lessons and plenty of adventure. Each book is inclusive in having brown, East Asian or neurodivergent main characters; LGBTQIA+ representation; challenges to gender or beauty stereotypes; or reimagined fairy tales in non-Western/non-European settings.

For other forms of traditional tales, check out our ‘Traditional tales of the world’ booklist.