Today is national Tell a Fairy Tale Day.
Yes, it was a surprise to me too. But here’s a chance for me to talk about my favourite fairytales retellings.
Sophie Anderson is the current queen of fairytales and I loved her latest book, The Castle of Tangled Magic. It’s magical, mysterious, and I love the way it overturns a lot of fairytale stereotyples. Erin Bow’s Plain Kate draws on Russian and Slavic folklore. It’s a strange and powerful story that will haunt you long after you’ve finished it. Plus there’s a cat.I’ve long been a fan of Catherine Fisher and one of my favourites is her ‘Snow Walker’s’ series. It cleverly weaves in pieces of fairytale so as you read you’ll suddenly find yourself recognising bits. Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee is a retelling of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, but set in a museum. The setting works brilliantly making for an intriguing and exciting mystery. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making wins the prize for the best title ever. Also Catherine Valente is a wonderful writer. This book is full of surprises and big emotions. And finally, Where Magic Hides by Cat Weatherill was on the Tir na n-Og shortlist alongside my own Storm Hound. Aimed at younger readers, it’s a collection of short stories, proving that Wales has not lost its old magic. The book really inspires you to look at the world with new eyes.
And, of course, if you haven’t read my own book of Welsh fairy tales yet, it’s available from all bookshops.
What are your favourite fairytale books?