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?

My 12 Rules for Life as a Writer

A lot of people will tell you that there are certain things you must do if you want to be a writer. You must write every day! You must read 100 books in your genre. I'm here to tell you that most of those "rules" are more like the pirate code. They can be good guidelines, but really, you've gotta do what works for you. 

Have you figured out what works for you yet? If not, maybe my 12 Rules for Life as a Writer will help steer you in the right direction. 

1. Read widely. Yes, you should read the kinds of books you want to write. But read other stuff too. Mix it up. Have fun. Even an epic, sweeping fantasy can feed the brain of a rhyming picture book writer. 

2. Write consistently. What does that mean? Whatever you want it to mean! Some people insist that you have to write every day to be a real writer, but that is FALSE. But you do need to write to be a writer. Obviously. Figure out a schedule if you need one. Write when your kids are napping if that's what works. Write over your lunch hour or in the final 30 minutes before you go to bed. Like I said, do whatever works for you, as long as you're doing it.

3. Write what you want to write. You don't have to follow trends. You don't have to "write to the market." Yes, it's good to know what's being published lately, but this industry is slow. If you write to trends, you may end up falling behind. Just write whatever stories insist on being written. 

4. Find some writing peeps. You don't have to be a part of an official critique group, but it can help, especially if you're just starting out. Maybe you need a few writing friends with whom you swap manuscripts now and then. Having writing friends in your life isn't just about manuscripts, though. It's about mutual support and encouragement too!

5. Do other creative things. This will help you flex your creative muscles without the pressure you can put on yourself when pursuing your writing. This can take any form. Paint. Sidewalk chalk. Finger knitting! 

6. Be intentional about polishing your craft. It's not enough to just write a lot. Focus on improving your skills. Part of this is, of course, writing a lot. But it's also reading a lot in the genre you write, learning from other writers, brushing up on grammar and editing skills, etc. Try taking a workshop or writing class. Go to conferences. Buy (and read) books on the writing craft.

7. Build your tribe. When people are interested in you, they will be interested in your books! Figure out your author brand (there are lots of workshops on this topic) and engage with people on social media. Be authentic and consistent, and your tribe will grow.

8. Have fun. Sometimes writing isn't fun, but every writer (every person, really) needs to have room for fun in their life in order to be the best that they can be. 

9. Have a system for recording ideas in an instant. A small notebook or your phone will do. Yes, scraps of paper do in a pinch, but having a dedicated space will help you stay organized and sane.

10. Write what you know, but always keep learning. Don't let what you don't know keep you from pursuing a topic. Let it inspire you to learn so that you can write about it authentically!

11. Engage with the writing community. This goes beyond building your specific tribe or even finding your small group of writing peeps. The writing community, particularly the KidLit writing community, is a big, supportive, friendly bunch. Engage with them both online and in your own community. You'll not only feel supported, but you'll learn a lot. 

12. Spend time with people. I know a lot of writers are introverts, like me, happy to sit at home all day with only the dogs for company. But even I need interaction with people outside my family. Companionship and fellowship are good for you. And interacting with people will inform and inspire your writing. 

Ten Wonderful Things about 2020

This past year has brought some interesting challenges, even before the pandemic. Like having my first surgery in January and losing our beloved 16-year-old poodle, Chloe, in February. But along with the trials have come blessings. And since I’m the kind of person to focus on the positive rather than the negative, I’d like to tell you about some of the wonderful things that happened in my life over the past year.

Gimli and Lucy

1. We brought Queen Lucy the Morkie into our home, where she instantly worked her way into our hearts. She is a delightful, playful, happy little puppy girl who loves everyone. Here she is sitting on the steps with our poodle, Gimli. He was pretty heartbroken and out of sorts for a while after Chloe passed, and bringing Lucy home cheered him up (once he got used to her).

2. Federico and the Wolf was published in May! This was especially exciting for me because it was my solo debut! All of my other books were cowritten with the lovely and fantastic Corey Rosen Schwartz.

3. Two Tough Trucks Get Lost was published in September! It's the sequel to Two Tough Trucks.

Having two books release during the pandemic was a challenge, but I made the most of it by having online events and virtual readings. Online events can be a lot of fun, and the best thing about them is that people can join you from anywhere in the world! Even once we are back to doing in-person events (I can't wait!) I plan on holding more online events in the future. 

4. I was a featured author in The Texas Book Festival. This was an incredible honor, and I don't know if I would have been able to attend if it had not been virtual. I was able to record a presentation about Federico and the Wolf and do a live Q and A session with the book's illustrator, Elisa Chavarri. That was a lot of fun! And there's still more to come in the next couple of months!

5. Federico and the Wolf was on Parents Latina Magazine's list of Best Latino Children's Books of 2020. I gotta say, all the Federico love this year has really been an encouraging boost!

6. I signed with an agent--Jem Chambers-Black of Andrea Brown Literary Agency! The past year and a half of my agent search has been discouraging at times, but I finally found the right person after getting a referral from my former agent. Andrea Brown Literary has been my dream agency since forever. I'm so excited to be working with Jem, who's as excited as I am about my verse novel manuscript as well as my picture books. Maybe 2021 will be the year I sell my first novel! 

7. My husband agreed to hang outdoor Christmas lights. This may seem like a minor thing, but to me it's a small Christmas miracle. The most we've ever had before is a light-up Christmas wreath on the front door.

8. My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversay. We got to celebrate with them in June, despite all of the pandemic lock-downs. It was such a relief that they were able to follow through with their plans, even though the event was smaller than it would have been otherwise. They'd been planning (meaning Mom had been planning, haha) for this for about two years!

Salem Isaac

9. The 2020 #PBChat Mentorship. This was my second year volunteering as a mentor for this program, and it was a wonderful experience. I mentored THREE promising picture book writers. Each of them was a delight to work with because of their talent, hard work, and positive attitude. 

10. And now, the best, most wonderful thing about 2020. My daughter gave birth to our first grandchild! His name is Salem Isaac, and he has brought so much joy to our lives already. I just want to stare at his little face all day! But then I wouldn't get anything done. 

How about you? Do you have any wonderful things to be thankful for from the past year? 

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. 

Ten Things that Help Me Stay Productive as a Writer

Sometimes it's fun to write lists. In fact, writing lists should be the first thing on my list of things that help me stay productive!

1. My bullet journal.

Sometimes referred to as my "everything journal." This is not just for writing down daily task lists, though. I use it for story ideas, reading logs, Christmas gift lists, blog post topics, birthdays, and so much more.

2. My iPad.

Sometimes I want do work without leaving the comfort of my bed, you know? My iPad makes it easy. I don't even have to sit up if I don't want to!

3. A space heater.

It doesn't matter how efficient the furnace is. Sometimes I need help keeping my hands from freezing.  Typing can be cold work!

4. Tea.

Especially hot herbal chai. Hot tea helps keep me motivated any time of year.

5. Composition notebooks.

They are inexpensive, lay fairly flat when opened, and are easy to tote around. I draft and brainstorm a lot using composition notebooks.

6. My phone.

The notes feature is great for saving ideas, and sometimes even brainstorming or quick drafts.

7. Quality writing tools.

I love a good ball point pen that writes crisp and smooth, like the Pilot G-2. Sharpie pens are also great because they write nicely, come in lots of colors, and don't bleed through my journal pages (don't worry, Sharpie markers, I love you too). I'm also a fan of mechanical pencils, for both drafting (I erase a lot) and sketching.

9. My office.

Having my own designated workspace has been a big motivator, which is funny considering how often I have the house to myself. But the fact is that I love my office, so I want to be in my office. And when I'm in my office, I'm usually working. Go figure.

10. Other authors' books.

As a reader, I love to be impressed by a writer's skill. As an author, I try to learn from writers who are really good at what they do. And, of course, reading can also help me know what not to do in my own writing.

What things help you stay productive in your daily life?

12 Picture Books about Gardens: A Read, Discuss, Do! Book List

Gardens can be so many things. A pot of flowers on a front step, a manicured flower bed in a city park, even a stretch of wild prairie! These books explore gardens in all their forms, inviting readers to got out and get involved in nurturing their own little piece of nature.

I hope this list of 12 garden books inspires you to not only talk about gardens and nature with your kiddos, but also to get out and explore some gardens with them, and maybe even plant a little (or big) garden of your own. All it takes to get started is a pot, some soil, and a seed!

Badger's Perfect Garden by Marsha Diane Arnold, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

A story about gardening, friendship, and unexpected results. Use this book as inspiration to plant your own perfect (or perfectly imperfect) garden.

Anywhere Farm by Phyllis Root, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

This book shows readers--in bouncy, lilting rhyme--that gardening can happen anywhere. In an old pot or an empty lot! Let this book inspire you to grow your own "anywhere farm" whether you have room for one pot on the front step or a back yard of your own!

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small

Another beauty that shows gardening can happen anywhere, even in a city full of concrete!

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

There's a lot going on in the garden all year long, both above and below ground. Perhaps this book will inspire you to take a closer look at what's happening in the garden, whether in your own back yard or at a local park.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Nature sprouts up in abandoned human places, inspiring a young gardener to learn and grow along with this "curious garden." This book might inspire you to look for places where curious gardens are trying to grow. The cracks in a city street? Inside an old, abandoned car? An empty lot that's overgrown with weeds and wildflower?

Florette by Anna Walker

Another gorgeous book about bringing a garden to the city.

My Busy Green Garden by Terry Pierce, illustrated by Carol Schwartz

What kinds of busy birds and bugs can you spot in a garden near you? Even a simple patch of grass has a lot of life buzzing in it. Look closely!

Mortimer's First Garden by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Dan Andreason

Let this sweet little book inspire you to plant a seed and watch it grow!

We are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines, illustrated by Julianna Swaney

A story about a family's journey to becoming gardeners, and all the ups and downs that came with it. Maybe this book will encourage you to learn and grow with gardening in your own way!

Dig In! by Cindy Jenson-Elliott, illustrated by Mary Peterson

A simple and bold book for the littlest gardeners that will encourage them to dig in the dirt. What will they discover? There are lots of things to discover when planting a garden!

Green Green: A Community Gardening Story by Marie Lamba and Baldev Lamba, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez.

A rhythmic story about bringing green to the city, with lots of helpful information in the back about how to make your own community more free as well as ways to support pollinators.

The Magic Garden by Lemniscates

A beautiful book that encourages readers to go out and experience that magical wonders that a garden can bring to light. This book includes extensive back matter for the curious reader!

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?

The Best Picture Books of 2017

Throughout 2017 I've been on a mission to read as many newly published children's books as possible. I've read nearly 200 books this year, and more than 50 of those have been picture books that were published in 2017! There was one that made me cringe, two that I didn't like at all, five that were okay but didn't live up to their potential, and many that were perfectly good. Then there were those that stood out above the rest and earned a rare, enthusiastic five-star rating.

For a picture book to earn a five-star rating from me it has to do these five things:

1. Be a genuine pleasure to read aloud. For wordless books, a visual story that is easy to follow.
2. Appeal to my emotions, whether that be making me laugh, cry, or relate personally to the story or character.
3. Use language that captures the attention and imagination. For wordless picture books, clever surprises and details in the pictures.
4. Have appealing illustrations that add to the depth and charm of the text.
5. Have a take-away or theme that feels like a seamless part of the story.

It's not a long list, but it's a good one! If you've missed any of these books this year, be sure to check them out in 2018.

JOHN RONALD'S DRAGONS: THE STORY OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN by Caroline McCalister

Fans of Tolkien's LORD OF THE RINGS and THE HOBBIT will enjoy this beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated glimpse into his life.

SIMPSON'S SHEEP JUST WANT TO SLEEP by Bruce Arant

The sequel to SIMPSON'S SHEEP WON'T GO TO SLEEP, this books is full of humor and charm, with a flowing rhythm that is a pleasure to read.

LINES by Suzy Lee

A wordless picture book that tells a heartwarming story of friendship and forgiveness.

TWINDERELLA by Corey Rosen Schwartz

A funny and clever "fractioned fairy tale" with perfect rhyme!

MY VERY OWN SPACE by Pippa Goodhart

This story is sweet and charming, and I related to it on a personal level having come from a large family.

NOTHING RHYMES WITH ORANGE by Adam Rex

This book is hilarious, clever, and tons of fun to read aloud.

LOVE IS by Diane Adams

It's as sweet as it sounds without being overly cheesy. It's perfect.

THE POMEGRANATE WITCH by Denise Doyen

So much to love about this book. A fun story, nearly perfect rhyme, stunning use of language, and a sense of nostalgia that lingers far beyond the last page.

FLASHLIGHT NIGHT by Matt Forrest Esenwine

This book captures perfectly a childhood sense of imagination and adventure.

CAP'N REX AND HIS CLEVER CREW by Henry L. Hertz

A rollicking tale of swashbuckling adventure.

'TWAS THE EVENING OF CHRISTMAS by Glenys Nellist

A lovely and creative retelling of the Christmas story, patterned after the classic poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore.

WATERSONG by Tim McCanna

A simple story about a fox seeking shelter during a storm, with vivid language and equally vivid illustrations.

I'd love to hear about your favorite books from 2017!