The Best Clever and Funny Fractured Fairy Tales

Fairy tale retellings are one of my favorite kinds of stories. Whether written as picture books for the very young or novels for middle graders and young adults, there is something about fractured fairy tales that appeals to me as a reader and a writer. Certainly the magic and adventure at the root of the original stories is part of it. But it's fun to see how different writers make those classic stories their own. In picture books a clever twist or a new setting can give a classic tale fresh, new life even while the story follows the original plot closely.

Here is a list of some of my favorites (plus two of my own) to read if you enjoy fractured fairy tales that are clever and funny. 

The Great Gran Plan by Elli Woollard, illustrated by Steven Lenton

A funny story that blends Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs, with clever and hilarious results. 

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka, illustrated by Lane Smith

A classic that should be included in every library. This version of the story, told from the perspective of the wolf, just might convince you that the wolf was the victim. Or will it?

Twinderella by Corey Rosen Schwartz, illustrated by Deborah Marcero

This clever and charming retelling is twice the fun of the original story!

Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Troy Cummings

If you enjoy puns and fairy tales, you'll enjoy this delightful romp!

Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt

Cinderella in space! What more of a reason do you need to read this charming and empowering story?

Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox, illustrated by Lydia Monks

If you like mixups and misunderstandings--and hilarity--you'll love this delightfully silly fractured version of Rapunzel. 

Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson

More of a sequel than a retelling, this clever story takes the original and gives it a switcheroo!

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith

Little Rid Riding Hood set in Africa, with a delightful new twist on the traditional ending. 

A Cooked Up Fairy Tale by Penny Parker Klostermann, illustrated by Ben Mantle

This clever mash-up is sure to make you chuckle (and might make you hungry too!). 

And, naturally, I had to include my own books:

Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Dan Santat

Hansel and Gretel, but as ninja chickens outwitting a fox rather than a witch!

Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

A gender-swapped, Mexican-American retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. 

What are your favorite fractured fairy tales?

12 Picture Books that are Poignant, but not Preachy

Picture books for children almost always impart lessons, but the best ones do so in a way that allows the lesson to unfold naturally as the story progresses. Sometimes these lessons are straightforward. Other times they are subtle. But all of them are written by thoughtful authors who trust their audience to "get it" without having it spelled out for them. These books should be celebrated. Starting with these!

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley

This book is the perfect example of a picture book that tells a story while allowing the "lesson" to work itself out naturally. But that doesn't mean this book is shallow. It's a profound yet simple story about dealing with loss.

A Stone for Sascha by Aaron Becker

Another story--told completely through illustrations--about dealing with loss, in this case the loss of a pet. The book is imaginative and heartfelt, and addresses the issue of losing a beloved pet with tenderness and hope.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz, illustrated by Kayla Harren

This book tells an inspiring true story that will show young readers how much one person can make a difference if they are determined enough. 

Grandad's Island by Benji Davies

This is an imaginative and colorful story about a young boy's adventure with his grandfather, with a subtle message about saying good-bye. 

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

This is the story of a little boy and his grandfather, who is slowly losing his memory. This metaphorical tale is engaging and lovely. This book would be great for fostering discussions about what happens when someone suffers from memory loss caused by a disease like Alzheimer's. The story addresses the issue gently and with a message of hope.

In a Jar by Deborah Marcero

Another gorgeously illustrated, imaginative story. This one is about collecting and sharing experiences as part of the joy of friendship. It is also about that difficult but inevitable part of most friendships: moving away. But this book is hopeful too, in the way it shows how friendships can continue over distances and that new friendships are always a possibility. 

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

This story is very simple and relatable. Who hasn't been frustrated or disappointed and just needed someone to be there to wait, and to listen when you're ready to vent? This book is about the stages of grief and the value of a friend who is simply there to listen.

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry, illustrated by The Fan Brothers

This is a gorgeous and poignant story about an unlikely and unexpected friendship. It beautifully illustrates the value of helping others and shows that differences don't have to be a hindrance to friendship.

Almost Time by Gary D. Scmidt and Elizabeth Stickney, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

A simply, lovely book about the value of patience in a story that shows that good things (like real maple syrup) are worth waiting for. Also, life keeps on going even when you're waiting, so don't miss out.

Why? by Adam Rex

Don't let the simple title and cover deceive you. This book is both poignant and hilarious! 

Ernestine's Milky Way by Kerry Madden-Lunsford, illustrated by Emily Sutton

A lovely, empowering story about bravery, neighborliness, and freshly churned butter!

After the Fall by Dan Santat

If you can only choose one book from this, make it this one. It's a brilliant, gorgeously illustrated book about overcoming fears. 

My 2019 Holiday Book Giving Guide

Board Books

For Christian-themed stories, consider Glenys Nellist's Good News! series. Each book is a sweet and simple introduction to a sound, Biblical concept.

Love is Kind by Laura Sassi is a sweet story with darling illustrations. This board book edition should be in every family's board book collection. 

Picture Books

For a funny read-aloud look for The Great Gran Plan by Elli Woollard, illustrated by Steven Lenton, a fractured fairy tale that combines Little Red Riding Hood with The Three Little Pigs.











In the market for a counting book? One Dark Bird by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Frank Preston-Gannon is a beautifully illustrated lyrical counting book about starlings.











Middle Grade

Fans of historical fiction may enjoy Lifeboat 12, a historical verse novel by Susan Hood. This story is emotionally gripping and fast paced.

If your reader enjoys smart, quirky stories that are darkly funny yet filled with hope, with a splash of magic for good measure, consider Very Rich by Polly Horvath. It's perfect for anyone who enjoyed Ingrid Law's Savvy or Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

For fantasy fans, look for Dragon Rider: The Griffin's Feather by Cornelia Funke, the long-awaited sequel to Dragon Rider. Also look for the third book in Brandon Mull's Dragonwatch series, Master of the Phantom Isle.










Young Adult

For fans of strange, action-packed science fiction adventure, consider Skyward by Brandon Sanderson.

Toxic by Lydia Kang is another science fiction page turner for readers who enjoy a little romance.

Review: I'M JUST NO GOOD AT RHYMING

The title just about says it all for I'M JUST NO GOOD AT RHYMING and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups by Chris Harris, illustrated by Lane Smith.

Doesn't the title alone make you want to flip open this book to find out what mischievous stuff is going on in there? Do it! You won't be sorry. This delightful book of poetry has something to amuse every kid or kid at heart, whether they think they like poetry or not. The poem "Out on the Farm on a Saturday Night" alone is more than worth the effort. What does an upside-down cow sound like? How about a sideways cow? I bet you're wondering!

Full of fun word play, irresistible humor, and clever poem structures, not to mention delightful illustrations, I'M JUST NO GOOD AT RHYMING is a must-have poetry book for every home or classroom library. Whether during National Poetry Month or All Year Long, it would be nonsensical for you to miss out on this brilliant book of poems!

I borrowed it from the public library. And I don't want to bring it back. So I guess I better go buy my own copy. You come too! Or go check it out at the library. But don't forget to bring it back, no matter how tempting it is to keep it for yourself!

Picture Book Review: BADGER'S PERFECT GARDEN

BADGER'S PERFECT GARDEN by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, is a perfect little book. Well, it's about as close to perfect as a picture book can get.

BADGER'S PERFECT GARDEN
by Marsha Diane Arnold
illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki
Sleeping Bear Press

Badger has been waiting all year to plant the perfect garden with seeds he gathered in the summer and saved in jars over the winter. With the help of his friends, he clears an area, then makes neat little rows. And together, the friends carefully plant the seeds, being sure to keep similar seeds together. "Bumpy seeds in this row. Round ones here. Keep the whirlies together!" After a lot of work, the garden is planted, and Badger and his friends celebrate with muffins and mulberry juice. When fierce rains come and wash Badger's perfectly planted seeds away, he is so sad that nothing can cheer him up. He'll have to start all over and wait until NEXT year for his perfect garden.

Or will he?

BADGER'S PERFECT GARDEN, with its charming text and soft, glowing illustrations, is a delightful story about friendship, hard work, and dealing with disappointment. But more than that, it's a story about how sometimes, when things seem to be ruined, they are really only different. And different can be its own kind of perfect. 

It's a perfect story to share with anyone at any time, but especially with a little gardener at springtime. Perhaps it will inspire you and your little helpers to plant your own perfect garden!

Eight Perfectly Poetic Picture Books

When you think of poetry for kids, does your mind jump to poetry collections like Shel Silverstein's A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC and Jack Prelutsky's IT'S RAINING PIGS AND NOODLES, or the poems published in magazines like HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN and LADYBUG?

If so, you're not alone. But some of the best poetry for kids comes in the form of picture books. Not a collection of poems in the form of a picture book, but a picture book that tells a complete story in verse.

This is not necessarily referring to a picture book written in rhyme. While there is obviously a poetic element to a rhyming picture book story, a poetic picture book does more than tell a story with fun language, even meter, and rhyming text. The entire book, whether rhyming or not, reads and feels like poetry. Because it is poetry!

Verse is a powerful storytelling tool. The language is lyrical, often rhythmic (even when it doesn't rhyme), and there is an intimate, emotional quality with verse that often escapes traditional prose.Verse draws the reader in in order to share an experience, not merely relate a story.

The eight books listed below are books that I believe are stunning examples of picture books that utilize verse to its fullest effect. I hope you will use them to help open the eyes of young readers in your life to the world of poetry in picture book text.

A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Told in a flowing, free verse style, this picture book about a young girl's dreams of becoming a ballerina is sure to tug on your heart strings. Floyd Cooper's warm illustrations perfectly capture the life of the text.

DOGKU by Andrew Clements

This is a sweet story of a dog finding a home, told completely in haiku.

WON TON: A CAT TALE TOLD IN HAIKU by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Eugene Yeltsin

Another pet story told in haiku, this book is both amusing and touching.

HOUSE HELD UP BY TREES by Ted Kooser, illustrated by Jon Klaassen

Let's just say I wish more of Ted Kooser's poetry would be published in picture book form!

TWILIGHT CHANT by Holly Thompson, illustrated by Jen Betton

This book is beautifully lyrical, with illustrations to match. It perfectly captures the almost magical feeling of twilight.

OVER IN THE WETLANDS by Caroline Starr Rose, illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

I've never been in the midst of a hurricane, but the text and illustrations in this book make me feel like I'm *almost* there!

A HOUSE THAT ONCE WAS by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Lane Smith

This book perfectly captures the adventurous, mysterious feel of exploring an abandoned structure.

ONE DAY IN THE EUCALYPTUS, EUCALYPTUS TREE by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brenden Wenzel

The language in this book is perfection. It captures the silly, exaggerated feel of the folksy tale, with words and sounds that at once bounce off the page and roll off the tongue. It is an absolute joy to read!

The Best Books for Your Holiday Gift List!

Books make the best gifts, but it can be hard to know for sure if the recipient will enjoy a book you choose. So, to help increase the odds that the books you give this year will be received with enthusiasm, I've selected favorites that are sure to please a variety of readers of all ages. Most of these books have been published within the last couple of years. I hope this helps you find that just-right book for every kid (and kid at heart) on your list!

Board Books

For the babies and toddlers on your gift list, check out When Your Elephant has the Sniffles, and the three other books in the series, by Susanna Leonard Hill. These books are colorful, short, and full of humor.









Or, if you know a family of Star Wars fans, consider Star Wars Epic Yarns, which are brilliantly simple books with needle-felted illustrations. These aren't just for the little ones! Adult Star Wars fans would probably love these too (if they're anything like me).








Picture Books

For fans of gorgeously illustrated nonfiction, consider John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler.

Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus by John Hendrix is another fantastic option.






Someone who enjoys oversized books with lots of details and fun facts would appreciate Everything and Everywhere: A Fact-filled Adventure for Curious Globe-trotters by Marc Martin.

In the market for an ABC book? Check out Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai. It's gorgeous, unique, and has lots of fun page flaps!

For the fan of a rhyming read-aloud, you can't go wrong with A Hippy-Hoppy Toad by Peggy Archer, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf.

Another great rhyming read-aloud is Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Rebecca Gerlings.

Or send someone on a wordless, imaginative adventure with The Fish and the Cat by Marianne Dubuc.



Middle Grade

For the fantasy fan, Dragonwatch, the first in a new series by Brandon Mull (book two, Wrath of the Dragon King, was published in October). It's a follow-up series to Fablehaven, so be sure the recipient has read Fablehaven first (or get it for them instead).

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech is perfect for fans of heart-warming stories about friendship, family, and pets!

Another good fit would be Moo, also by Sharon Creech.

For the reluctant reader in your life, consider Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes, a short verse novel with themes of friendship and strained family relationships.

If you know a young reader who enjoys stories about dystopian societies set in a future post-apocalypse, consider The List by Patricia Forde, a fast-paced story reminiscent of The Giver and The City of Ember.









Young Adult

Does someone on your list enjoy lyrical stories that tug on the heart strings? Consider One by Sarah Crossan, a verse novel about conjoined twins.

Another good verse novel is Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess, an engaging story with themes of music and family.

For the fan of magic, danger, and a bit of romance, The November Girl by Lydia Kang can't be beat! It's gorgeously written, mysterious, and will keep readers turning the pages.

And, for the fan of dark speculative fiction full of death and mystery, I recommend Scythe and Thunderhead, the first two books in a new series by Neal Shusterman.










Need more ideas? Check out these book lists for other great suggestions:

Ten Rhyming Picture Books to Read if You Like What About Moose?

Top Ten Verse Novels for Middle Grade Readers

The Best Picture Books from 2017

Top Ten Rhyming Picture Books

My Favorite Books of 2016 

Ten Rhyming Picture Books to Read if You Like WHAT ABOUT MOOSE?!

I love a good rhyming picture book. To me, nothing is more fun to read than a book with flowing rhyme, interesting language, and a fun story. Many people have said that those qualities are what they love about What About Moose?! If that includes you, I have a list of books that I think will you will be happy to add to your read-it-again shelf.

Each of these books has earned a rare 5-star rating on my Goodreads shelf because they are so much fun to read aloud. And more than half of them (so far) have even made it onto the picture book shelf in my family room. I hope you and yours enjoy them as much as I have!

1. Teeny Tiny Toady by Jill Esbaum

An adorable story about a teeny tiny toad's efforts to rescue her family from a bucket.

2. A Hippy-Hoppy Toad by Peggy Archer

Who doesn't love toads? This is a fun and bouncy little adventure.

3. The Forgetful Knight by Michelle Robinson

Join the knight on his hilarious adventure. With a dragon!

4. Diva Delores and the Opera House Mouse by Laura Sassi

A sweet story about learning to accept help.

5. The Prince and the Porker by Peter Bently

In case you can't guess by the title, this is a hilarious romp.

6. Simpson's Sheep Just Want to Sleep by Bruce Arant

A funny and colorful story about sheep who don't want to wake up.

7. It's Only Stanley by Jon Agee

A clever, amusing story about an ingenious dog.

8. Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty

A funny story about a boy destined to be an architect.

9. Twinderella by Corey Rosen Schwartz

Cinderella has a twin?? And math!

10. The Pomegranate Witch by Denise Doyen

What child hasn't imagined that there is a witch in their neighborhood?

Verse Novel Review: To Stay Alive by Skila Brown

TO STAY ALIVE
by Skila Brown
Candlewick Press

TO STAY ALIVE by Skila Brown is a young adult historical verse novel told from the perspective of Mary Ann Graves, one of the survivors of the Donner party's tragic trek through Sierra Nevada in 1846.

Reading this book is like a journey. The story begins with a sense of anticipation as the Graves family heads west with their wagons full supplies and their hearts full of hope. The narrator, Mary Ann, is looking forward to a new life in California, where they will no longer have to suffer the hardships of winter.

As the journey progresses, anticipation gives in to weariness and tension. Mary Ann's traveling dress, at first crisp and green and new, gradually becomes more faded and filthy--a fitting metaphor for the human body and spirit when subjected to suffering.

Tension builds as the autumn nights grow colder and their supplies run low. Readers familiar with the basic story of the Donner party may find themselves wanting to shout a warning into the pages. When the inevitable happens, and the party becomes stranded due to winter's early arrival, readers' hearts will ache as Mary Ann watches the people around her succumb to hunger and cold, all while doing what she can to help herself and her family stay alive.

The verse in this story is well done. The way the author formats the poems, at times with words that jump jarringly about the page, is as effective as her choice of words at evoking the appropriate emotions.

TO STAY ALIVE is gripping, heartbreaking, and at times horrifying. An excellent, beautifully written story of survival.

TOP TEN Verse Novels for Middle Grade Readers

With National Poetry Month coming in another two weeks, I thought it would be a good time to write a TOP TEN list of my favorite middle grade verse novels!

Verse novels are one of my favorite things to read. And to write! There's something especially special about verse novels written for middle-graders. They are so honest, often raw. They can be simple in form, yet complicated and/or tragic at their heart.

Narrowing this list down to ten was challenging, as I've read so many truly wonderful books written in this form. But these are the ones that stick in my heart the strongest. If you see any on this list that you haven't read, take National Poetry Month as an excuse to add them to your reading list!

LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech

One of my favorite books of all time. This book is beautifully simple, heartfelt, moving, and a little bit tragic.

HATE THAT CAT by Sharon Creech

The sequel to LOVE THAT DOG (and my son's favorite of the two). Every bit as lovely, with a hopefully and heartwarming story about a boy and a cat.

HEARTBEAT by Sharon Creech

Another by Sharon Creech. What can I say? She's a genius!

FORGET ME NOT by Ellie Terry

A beautiful story about a girl with Tourette's syndrome trying to adjust to a new school, and the friendship she develops with the boy who lives in her apartment building.

GONE FISHING by Tamera Will Kissinger

A wonderful family/sibling story about a boy who is annoyed that his sister is coming along on the father-son fishing trip. Told in a variety of different poetic forms.

OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse

Gut-wrenchingly tragic, yet hopeful at the same time. Gorgeous poems throughout. This is the first verse novel I ever read, and I was instantly in love.

RHYME SCHEMER by K.A. Holt

A bullying story turned on its head! The main character in this story is the bully, and it's fascinating to see what drives him and how he changes. Cool "blackout" poems throughout the book.

THE CROSSOVER by Kwame Alexander

Family, middle school, sibling rivalry, basketball! Kwame's verse is irresistible throughout this un-put-downable book!

BOOKED by Kwame Alexander

Another wonderful sports and family (and school) story told in brilliant verse.

RED BUTTERFLY by A. L. Sonnichsen

Get ready to cry when you read this one. It's the story of a little girl in China, who was abandoned as a baby and is being raised by an elderly American woman.


Do you have a favorite verse novel that didn't make my top ten? I'd love to hear about it!

Picture Book Review: WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING by Mariana Ruiz Johnson

Let me tell you about a beautiful book.

WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING is a wordless picture book by Mariana Ruiz Johnson. This book may not have words, but it says a lot. It begins with a sweet image of a child at bedtime, listening to his mother read a story. With each turn of the page, the image zooms out, revealing more and more of what is happening as the boy sleeps -- in his house, his neighborhood, his town, and even (as I interpret it) in his dreams.

The illustrations in this book are vibrant and richly detailed, showing snapshots of other stories happening throughout the night and into the morning. A child in the hospital, a mother holding a baby, a group of friends having dinner, and a colorful group of interesting characters who head out on an adventure. Where did this group of characters come from? you may wonder when you see them set out to sea for the first time. So you'll turn back to see what you missed. And if you're like me, you'll notice something new even after exploring this book a few times.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves pictures that tell a story. It would be an excellent book to share at bedtime to encourage a child's imagination to wander. Share it with young ones who aren't reading on their own yet, or with budding writers looking for a bit of inspiration. Whoever you share this book with, it will be worth adding this gorgeous book to your home or classroom library.


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