Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales

ISBN13

9781447292296

Review published

24/10/2017

By Reviewer

Sue

Star Rating

(4)

By Author / Illustrator

Hilary McKay, illustrated by Sarah Gibb

Age range(s)

11+

Review

Here is a selection of fairy tales with some Hilary McKay magic sprinkled on them! Ten traditional tales have had her special treatment and have been re-told to offer the reader a glimpse into a character's background or the 'what happened next?' stage of the story. Some are well known favourites (Snow White or The Pied Piper); others less known (The Swan Brothers or The Twelve Dancing Princesses). All have been reworked with humour and love. I really enjoyed 'Straw into Gold' (Rumpelstiltskin) where the little man's point of view is considered and the selfish actions of others called into question. There is a real satisfaction in seeing him rewarded in the end - in an unexpected way. 'Chickenpox and Crystal' is Snow White's story, cleverly reworked to challenge the notion of 'who is the fairest in the land?' and what is really important in life. Each story weaves the original with new threads, challenging the reader to think again about the tales of childhood, beautifully illustrated with atmospheric silhouettes. 292 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.