Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm, Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair! That’s what the witch says whenever she wants to climb up to the tower where she’s imprisoned the beautiful girl. But one day, someone else climbs up-and changes Rapunzel’s life forever.

Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm, Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi.

I’ve read several other fairy tale retellings in this series, and have always appreciated them for their detailed storytelling that doesn’t stray too far from the originals—while also adding something more.

Rapunzel has plenty of angst to go with the fairy tale romance, which is a bonus for me. I liked the backstory in this version.

The artwork unites all the books in the series—all the fairy tale princesses look similar, with their different hair colours being about the only difference. I preferred the style in this one to The Little Mermaid, which was the last in the series I read. Sometimes there’s something a bit dopey about the characters’ faces that doesn’t work for me, but I didn’t have the same issues here.

Not a bad version (though I’m seeing younger people, who think Disney invented the story, pretty surprised by it!).

The Little Mermaid by H C Andersen, Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi.

When she falls in love with the prince she rescues during a storm, the Little Mermaid sells her voice to a witch for the chance to become human. But if her prince doesn’t love her back, she could lose it all . . .

The Little Mermaid by H C Andersen, Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi.

I 100% blame Disney that it’s almost impossible to find a proper version of The Little Mermaid anymore! This is a tragic story about unrequited love and sacrifice, not a Happy-Ever-After!

I do enjoy this series of fairy tale retellings for the most part, and know that each time I pick one up I’m going to get some solid writing and storytelling—a longer story than your average picture book.

There’s a consistency across the series, both in writing style and art style, which would make these a great box set for a young reader. This one, though, I’m on the fence about. It’s the Disney version and little about it resembles the proper story (odd, because Rapunzel was done closer to the original). The happy ending is wrong. Characters are wrong. The prince looks like a Hollywood character with big Hollywood teeth.

I did find the Little Mermaid’s dopey face odd. It’s an art style all the princesses have through the various retellings, but occasionally in this one she actually looked like she was drunk!

I’ve always adored this story, but this is far from my favourite version.

The Little Mermaid (An Usborne Peep Inside a Fairy Tale Book)

In a beautiful fairytale journey above and beneath the waves, the little mermaid learns that the only way to find true happiness is by being herself… Discover the enchanting story in this board book with delicate cutaway scenes to peep through and flaps to lift, all beautifully illustrated by Valeria Abatzoglu.

The Little Mermaid (An Usborne Peep Inside a Fairy Tale Book)

Another Little Mermaid that is not the real story—but at least it’s not the Happily Ever After most versions seem to be these days!

The peep-through pages will entertain children for ages. It’s a cleverly-constructed book with more detail than I’m used to with board books. I thought it was very well-done, and there’s always something new to see in the pictures.

Blending all kinds of cultures (it’s a Danish story, but we have a Prince Ali with his gold-domed palace and European servants and guests), I’ve noticed these Usborne books tend to weave diversity in.

I’ve seen many odd versions of this fairy tale since Disney ruined it, but the ending of this one was interesting, at least. It’s an ending without being either a full, Disney marriage and without the tragedy of the original story.

You Choose Fairy Tales by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart

A new fairy tale adventure every time – what will YOU CHOOSE today? Explore the bold and intricately detailed illustrations and create your own adventure.

Make up your very own fairy tale adventure where YOU CHOOSE what happens next. Which fairy tale hero would you like to be today? Where will you go on your fairy tale quest? And what fairy tale baddy would you least like to meet?

You Choose Fairy Tales by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart

Oh, children will love this series! Every picture has so much to study and find, accompanied by rhyming text that helps them understand what to do.

Every page is filled with characters and settings and foods children will easily recognise, and there’s even a bit of humour and there for adults, too. Everyone will enjoy identifying the fairy tale references, and then combining them to make up their own stories. The book has that “read again and again” factor because so many different options can be chosen.

When I picked this one up I expected it to be more like the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books of the past, but this one is also a fun concept.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Mary Hoffman (Retelling) and Miss Clara

The king has a problem. His twelve daughters wake up every morning with their slippers in rags and tatters. Where are they going? The palace is guarded to the hilt, and the shoemakers are exhausted. The king has promised his kingdom to anyone who can solve the mystery in three days and three nights. Prince after prince fails, then a dishevelled soldier arrives at the palace door. Will he succeed? Miss Clara’s dazzling artwork takes the twelve princesses waltzing across the pages of this classic fairy tale.

The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Mary Hoffman (Retelling) and Miss Clara

This story fascinated me when I was growing up, even though none of the characters are as individually interesting as in some of the other fairy tales. I always loved the idea of all those princesses!

I quite liked this retelling. It took the better parts of the original story and played down the lass likeable parts. It’s a detailed version—not a normal picture book length by today’s standards.

The artwork was magical. I loved the colour palette and all the little details in each image. The dreamy style with the eighteenth century-inspired costuming was nearly perfect.

One complaint is that doll-like look to the characters—their long, skinny necks in particular.

However, that’s one small thing in an otherwise gorgeous book.

Ladybird Tales: Snow White and Rose Red

Ladybird Tales: Snow White and Rose Red

Even though it’s not as well-known as many other fairy tales, I’ve always had a soft spot for Snow White and Rose Red – probably because I had a few beautifully-illustrated versions of my own when I was growing up.

Amongst them was at least one copy of the Ladybird version, written by Vera Southgate in the 1960s. This is the same text as my childhood books, but with distinctly more anime-style pictures.

This was a nostalgia trip for me, but – even though I enjoyed the medieval-style images near the end – this new version was a bit lacking in magic for me.

Sleeping Beauty: A Fairy Tale Adventure by Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi

Sleeping Beauty: A Fairy Tale Adventure by Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi

I picked this one up after reading the adaptation of Snow White by the same author and illustrator. I loved the other book – especially the fantastic artwork – and I think I liked Sleeping Beauty even more.

Francesca Rossi’s illustrations have so much energy and whimsy, and I could look at the pictures in this version for hours!

What a nice little take on a classic. Recommended.

Snow White by Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi Francesca Rossi

Snow White by Giada Francia and Francesca Rossi

Disney Classic Collection: Cinderella

Disney Classic Collection: Cinderella

A simple retelling of the Disney version of Cinderella in a beautiful book! I’ve been enjoying working my way through these.

These Disney classics would make great presents.

Disney Classic Collection: Snow White

Disney Classic Collection: Snow White

It’s been fun revisiting all the Disney classics. This “classic collection” – retellings of the Disney movies – are gorgeous books that would make a lovely gift set.