The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales

This is an excellent book that changes the focus within traditional fairy stories in order to make them more relevant for readers today.
The crossover between the stories is such a nice touch and the illustrations would make an excellent animated show, should they be adapted.
There’s some activities after each story that will help check the readers understanding. All in all, its a book of fairytales for the modern age.

There's nothing I love more than fairytale retellings! Some of my favourite children's books to date are based on fairytales and the market is becoming noticeably larger. There's Roald Dahl's unforgettable classic Revolting Rhymes and Hilary Robinson/Nick Sharratt's brilliant Mixed Up Fairy Tales. And not to mention the recent Once Upon a Wild by Chris Riddell, Power to the Princess and Fairytales for Feisty Girls!

The delightful Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales makes for a beautiful addition to the above even if it might get a little lost next to its competitors.

Sue Nicholson has written some wonderful tales highlighting kindness, responsibility, honest and teamwork, and I'm loving the diversity captured within its pages, but what really made this picture book stand out to me was the next step discussion points and activities at the end of each tale. This will make for a wonderful conversation starter between parent and child, whilst offering encouragement and support to apply the lessons learnt into your own life.

"The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales" is an updated version of old favorites: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk and Snow White, to be specific. As the title states, these are not the same old fairy tales. Each fairy tale has a unique character focus, and moral/lesson to go along with it. Stories are predictable with interesting illustrations. Cute use in a Prek-2 classroom as a mentor text for SEL lessons.

I love fairy tales and believe we can learn a lot from them. I always enjoy reading twists on the classic fairy tales I grew up with.
These would be a brilliant addition to a classroom or bedroom....perfect for teaching those valuable lessons about sharing, kindness, honesty and being part of a team.. These are sometimes the hardest lessons to learn but by incorporating them into well known tales, it could work brilliantly.
I loved the idea of discussion points and an activity idea at the end of each story.

I will definitely be buying this title for home and school.
The illustrations are excellent and colourful....bright and engaging.

5 stars from me!

A great twist on 4 classic Fairy Tales. This book was so cute and the illustrations were so beautiful so much detail on every page. I thought each story was well written and had a great lesson to be learnt kindness, responsibility, honesty and team work. My 4 year old enjoyed all the stories and as soon as I was done asked me to read them all again! I think we have a new favourite bedtime book!

Ahh! <i>The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales</i> by Sue Nicholson and illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino was so damn cute! Not only was this a children's book that supports diversity, with the characters of Jack from <i>Jack and the Beanstalk</i> and Snow from <i>Snow White</i> as people of color, which is something I can't help being thoroughly excited to scream about, but also has a bunch of different messages to teach young kids with all their favorite fairy tales of the past and I am so here for this. Granted, I think these messages are sent all the time, but I love the format through which the author decided to teach them to the kids out there and I am also always overly eager to get my hands on fairytale retellings.

I do somewhat think the title is kind of misleading since I do picture something entirely different for the word "twisted" that does not have to do with good, exactly. I imagine twisted to represent a sort of awful change--in a good way--to an original story. In the case of this book, the <i>twist</i> is really just that the characters are a <i>lot </i>more realistic and relatable to your average child. There aren't really princesses, but Cinderella's family is poor and hardworking. Social class doesn't thoroughly separate friends, but Beauty's family is fairly well off. Jack's family kind of owns a farm and Snow White loves soccer. Also, there is no fairy godmother, but rather just a plain old godmother for the children who is present in each of their stories.

Speaking of stories, this children's book gives you four of them! One for each of the four characters I mentioned above, each one focusing on different messages from kindness to responsibility and good behavior to being a team player. And while, personally, I find realistic stories aren't exactly my cup of tea, I can definitely say that I see a lot of children really relating to and feeling a resonance with the stories collected in this adorable little book. And best of all, the artwork is the perfect mix of cute and simple, reminding me a bit of some of the popular children's shows out nowadays.

All in all, this is definitely a book to have on your radar, especially if you or your children love fairy tales!

<i>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

My 5 year old daughter loved the unique versions of the fairytales. I loved how each story had an attribute associated with it (kindness, responsibility etc) and had short discussions at the end.

This is not what I have come to expect from the "twisted" fairy tales but it would be enjoyable to a younger child and could be used as a teaching tool.
Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack(from the beanstalk) and Snow White are presented in different situations where your child will see how kindness, responsibility, honesty and teamwork can help them attain goals and lead to a happier outcome, Each chapter has colorful, engaging illustrations and discussion and activities at the end.
I think this would be a good book for kindergarten or a library story time.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my opinion.

This was a super cute book. I requested it to read to my daughter. I liked the idea of twisted fairy tales that were being used to teach lessons (kindness, responsibility, etc). My daughter LOVED this book. We read through it once, appreciated the cuteness of the illustrations and the stories, and then my daughter asked me to read it to her again. That makes this a hit in my book, and I will recommend it to all our friends!

I received an electronic ARC from Quarter Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Nicholson has changed the traditional fairy tales to offer life lessons. Each of the familiar characters - Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack (and the Beanstalk) and Snow White learn to be better versions of themselves.
Discussion questions and and an activity follow each tale. Families can interact and apply the lesson behind the tale.

This book was such a fun read! I just loved the different take on the fairy tales!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This book is about teaching kids lessons such as honesty, responsibility and kindness. It’s a spin on the classic fairy tales but I would not say they were twisted. This would be a great book to teach theme in the classroom.

One of the highlights of my childhood reading was discovering fairy tales and so I want to give the youngsters in my family the same wonderful experience. I acquired this without even reading the synopsis so imagine my surprise when the stories weren't dark and twisted as the title suggested. However, my disappointment didn't last long as these are wonderful contemporary takes on age-old fairytales each with uplifting moral messages at their heart. I only hope that the misleading use of the word 'twisted' doesn't put parents off seeing what it's really about.

There are four stories in all — Cinderella's Ballet Shoes, a story about the importance of kindness, Wake Up, Sleepy Beauty, a story about responsibility, Jack Breaks the Beanstalk, a story about honesty, and finally, Snow White, Star Striker, a story about teamwork. I should think you'd agree regarding the importance of installing such values and implanting such messages within children.

Each story is simplified and the short, engaging amount of text is incorporated into the double-page spread illustrations. The images are all bright and colourful and there is a section after each story that directs parents and/or teachers as to how to discuss the moral of the tale and what the word kindness etc actually means. On the same page, there is a task that kids can get involved in. This is a fun, interactive book with a tonne of heart. Highly recommended. Many thanks to QEB Publishing for an ARC.

There is something about revamped fairy tales that I just adore. This simple to follow group of stories teaches kids about the values of kindness, responsibility, honesty and teamwork. Each story took a fairy tale character we love and gave them a new. challenge to work through. The images were really delightful and bright! I really thought having Griselda present throughout each story as a conscience figure was fantastic.

Personally I think 'twisted' is a misnomer for a quartet of stories about honesty, kindness, responsibility, and teamwork, but it wasn't my choice! Rest assured that the stories are only twisted in the sense that they're changed and updated in relation to the originals.

Cinderella, whose original story revolved around a shoe fetish, loves dancing of course, but what's she to do when everyone except for her seems to be getting new shoes for the newly-opening dance school? Cindy puts her best foot forward however. This story is aimed at teaching about generosity and kindness. Unlike Cinderella, Beauty has her wish granted, and is given a pony which she names Flick, but (and here actually is a twist!), the beast isn't the animal, it's Beauty! She neglects her charge and the horse charges away! Will her parents have to pony-up for a new ride, or will beauty become more stable? This story aims to teach responsibility.

One of the fun things about these stories is how the characters each appear in the stories of the others. They not only exist in the same world, they live in the same town! One of those other characters is Jack who, like two beans in a pod, is just as irresponsible as Beauty, and who ends up destroying the family's crop. This story is about honesty, though. Will Jack fess up and will mommie bean him for his behavior? Last, but not least, is Snow White, who unaccountably isn't white in this story, so "yeay!" for diversity, but "huh?" for logic. Snow's problem doesn't exactly dwarf the others, but it is serious. She's one of the best soccer players, yet she's paradoxically not a team player! Will she also learn her lesson or will there be a penalty for her behavior?!

I liked these stories and commend them as a worthy read for young children, offering useful lessons.

The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales brings some of the popular fairy tales into the modern day setting and features scenarios that young children can relate to and learn from.

Aimed at the younger readers, there are 4 stories in this book and each story in this focuses on a different fairy tale character, a different strength or core virtue, and a challenge to overcome, often with the help of their friends. The stories of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack & the Beanstalk and Snow White are totally different from the original stories for e.g.: The story of Cinderella is about Cinderella wanting ballet shoes and teaches about the value of kindness.

The story of Snow White is about her playing soccer and learning about teamwork and so on.
Each story is accompanied by discussion points to prompt further discussion about what the character has learned and Activities encouraging interesting activities like letter writing and team tasks.

The characters though from the fairy tale universe belong to the modern world. There are no fairies or princesses, which makes me wonder if the completely new characters could have been created for these stories. The Artwork and illustrations were really well done and I can see a lot of children really relating to the stories and the underlying message in each of them.
Overall, The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales is a short yet wonderful collection of tales highlighting kindness, responsibility, honesty, and teamwork, which will make an excellent gift to the younger readers.

Many thanks to the publishers Quarto Publishing Group – QEB Publishing, the author Sue Nicholson and NetGalley for the ARC.

I can honestly see The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales as a Disney Jr cartoon. It gives a modern younger 'twist' to some well-known fairytales.

***Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing me with a review copy.***

This gleefully illustrated book offers four interrelated stories. There is one about Cinderella, another about "Sleepy Beauty," one about Jack and the Beanstalk, and finally a story featuring Snow White. Each tale is centered on a virtue; included are kindness, responsibility, honesty and teamwork. At the end of each story is a section with questions and activities.

The stories here are not really twisted. They are more updates and lessons in citizenship for preschoolers that are told without preaching. I can easily imagine them being ready during "circle time."

Both children and adults who are familiar with the original fairy tales may enjoy this update. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e galley in exchange for my honest review.

Retelling of some classic fairy tales with emphasis placed on sharing, kindness, honesty and being part of a team. Discussion points and other extension ideas included.

***Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

This was a fun and funky take on some classic fairy tales.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

This book basically puts a modern day realistic twist on some of our children's favorite fairytales... It has some great storylines and morals... and overall makes it easier for our kids to relate to the newer situations!

Very cute story. I like how the author used popular fairy tale characters to teach lessons. I think children third grade and below would enjoy hearing and/or reading this book.

With familiar characters from well-known traditional tales this is a good collection of stories to teach children about important values. The stories featured Snow White, Cinderella, Jack (of beanstalk fame) and Sleeping Beauty who each encountered a dilemma that saw them making a choice about whether to act in the way they should, or the way they wanted to. Through the stories, children can learn the importance of honesty, teamwork, kindness and responsibility, Each short story focussed on one main character, however the others all featured too. While I’m not sure they really meet the criteria for ‘twisted tales’ as I feel they should be based more on the original story, the stories would be good for children and easy to relate to, as each situation the characters find themselves in could be one experienced by young children. The pictures were bright and the stories easy to follow. If I had this in my class book corner I’m sure lots of the children would pick it up.

I received an eARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales: Stories about Kindness, Responsibility, Honesty, and Teamwork, written by Sue Nicholson and illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino, is part of The Fairytale Friends series. It brings fairy tales into the modern day and features scenarios that young children can relate to and learn from. Each story in this new picture book series focuses on a different fairy tale character, a different strength or core virtue, and a challenge to overcome, often with the help of their friends. Readers will enjoy spotting characters from other books and recognizing key elements of the original fairy tale while enjoying the new twist. Notes and questions at the back of the book will summarize what the character has learnt and prompt further discussion while activities will provide more fairytale fun.

Cinderella wants more than anything to have lessons at the new dance school opening in the village, but she doesn’t have any ballet shoes! Can Cinderella’s fairytale friends help make her dream come true? This story teaches children about the value of kindness. Beauty has a lovely pony called Flick, but having a pony is hard work and Beauty can be a bit lazy sometimes. Then, one night, Flick runs away. Will he ever come back? This story teaches children about the value of responsibility. Jack loves climbing, but he isn't allowed to climb the beanstalks in his garden. One night, Jack can resist no longer and starts to climb the tall, green beanstalks. Will Jack's Mum find out? And will he tell her the truth? This story teaches children about the value of honesty. Snow White is one of the village football team's best players. But she wants to score all the goals herself and never passes the ball to her friends. Will she ever learn to play as part of a team? This story teaches children about the value of teamwork.

The Big Book of Twisted Fairy Tales is a collection of fairy tales with a twist, which is one of my favorite things to read. Each of the stories is connected and takes a classic tale and makes it more relatable to young readers. Most everyone has faced the dilemma at the core of each story and I like they way they are woven into these tales. I was a little worried about the lessons being too heavy handed- because one of my biggest turn offs in any book is being preached to or talked down to (which happens across genres and target audience) but this book managed to keep that to a minimum. I enjoyed the art style, I loved the colors and the expressions that were clear on the character faces. There are some activities for the eager parents or caregivers to make sure young readers understand each story and its lesson. I think this would be good for bedtime reading or trying to get some of these lesson through in a fun way in a preschool or home environment.

Hmm. The title of this book was deceiving. I was thinking of a darker kind of fairy tales...dark enough that it won't scar little kids but...this book was twisted in a different way. It almost felt like I was reading parables, but in a lighter, kid-friendly tone. That was the twist!

Sadly there are only 4 tales here, all with familiar characters interpreted differently from when we were kids (finally inclusivity).. There should be more! The situations are familiar and easy to understand. And the pictures in the book were all so nicely done, so pleasant to look at.

I'd get this for my kids or give as a kids.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy of this book!

This was a very cute book that my son and I enjoyed reading together. Each character was recognizable with their fairytale, but the stories were unique and give a nice quick moral for the kids. The art in this book was fantastic. The colors were vivid and it was an absolute dream to look at.

Twisted Fairy Tales takes a twist on four well-known fairy tales to teach a different concept with each tale. Kindness, responsibility, honesty and teamwork.

The artwork is cute, the stories are well-written. But I am not sure whether the message of each story will come across IF the discussion questions at the end of each story (big plus) aren't used. Yes, discussion questions at the end of each story to engage in whole class discussions. Also, there is a little task to expand on the subject of the tale.

This book was received as an ARC from Quarto Publishing Group - QEB in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was so stoked to see that a book like this will be available very soon. Fairy Tales are very popular in our library and if they have a twist such as Cinderella taking Ballet classes but she can't afford her ballet shoes and just when things couldn't get more weird, Jack breaks the beanstalk and lies about it to his parents. This book had to be in my top twisted Fairy Tale books along with The Frog Prince Continued by Jon Scieszka and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. I know a lot of the elementary school teachers will really enjoy this book and it will do very well on our J Non-Fiction shelves.

We will consider adding this title to our J Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love finding new takes on fairy tales which I can share with my class and this is an excellent addition to my collection. The tale are not really 'twisted' but have been updated to be easily relatable and they address social and emotional qualities such as kindness and honesty. These stories would be enjoyed by a range of ages and I could see them used as standalone stories or a starting point for discussion about how people behave.

Fabulous book with lovely art work which holds plenty of interest to children. The book created from four fairy stories lessons in living a good like, with Cinderella, Snow White, Jack from beanstalk fame and Sleeping beauty, the book presents stories that teach about kindness, responsibility, honesty and teamwork. In addition there are reinforcement notes for activities for children to participate in.
A really nice book with good lessons in todays age.

My Thoughts
I do love good retellings, and when the modern day twist on the familiar starts with the words ‘Once upon a time, there was a misty blue mountain. Below the misty blue mountain was a wild, dark forest and by the wild, dark forest was a village‘ – then I know I am going to simply adore it!

This cute book of twisted tales is one such example where four favorite familiar fairy tale characters return to your bookshelf to teach important values without preaching.

Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty, and Jack (from the beanstalk story) live in the same town, and also feature in each other’s stories in this book. Each one faces different challenges and learns the importance of being kind, honest, responsible, and of being a team player.

I loved the bright, colorful illustrations that add to the story. Each story also includes discussion questions and suggested activities, that make it perfect for the intended audience.

In Conclusion
A great book for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms, as it provides a lot of avenues for discussion and group activities. And a sweet book to read aloud to little ones at home!

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the digital review copy of the featured book. These thoughts are my honest opinions of the book.

My daughter loved this book with characters from different fairy tales integrated into the story. The pictures are full of details that you can look for as you read the book. The story is fun with lots of different messages that come across, such as kindness, teamwork, being honest and take responsibility. This book has good talking points.

I love this style of illustration. This is a great little (big) book of twisted fairy tales (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Snow White) that gives a new and engaging twist (as expected) on traditional tales.

If you love fairy tales, you will really enjoy these more modern versions. They are safe for children to read, or for you to read to them. There are many valuable life lessons within these pages as well!