The Best Fairy Tales & Folklore Kids' Books 2025

1. Paul Galdone Nursery Classic The Gingerbread Boy, (Paperback)

"The classic tale of the old couple, with no children of their own, who bake a gingerbread boy to keep them company. Just as the little old woman is about to take him from the oven, he slips away and runs out the door past a cow, a horse, a group of threshers, mowers, etc. All follow in hot pursuit until the gingerbread boy meets up with a wily fox, and 'at last and at last he went the way of every single gingerbread boy that ever came out of an oven . . . He was all gone!' A wonderfully frenetic cross-country chase is depicted in Galdone's broadly humorous color wash drawings. Of the eight editions of this well-known story now in print, this hilarious version is the most delectable." --School Library Journal, starred "Galdone has already proven many times over that he is perfectly at home with those traditional nursery tales that are still preschoolers' favorites, and his expressive, unassuming style just right for their very young audience. . . . Children will follow along breathlessly . . . right up to that last snip snap snip when the Gingerbread Boy goes 'the way of every single gingerbread boy that ever came out of an oven.'"--Kirkus Reviews

Paul Galdone Nursery Classic The Gingerbread Boy, (Paperback) Author: Clarion Books ISBN: 9780899191638 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1983-03-21 Page Count: 40

2. Paul Galdone Nursery Classic: The Teeny-Tiny Woman (Paperback)

A droll rendition of the old English ghost story about the teeny-tiny woman who found a teeny-tiny bone in the teeny-tiny churchyard.

Paul Galdone Nursery Classic: The Teeny-Tiny Woman (Paperback)

3. Little Red Riding Hood (Hardcover)

A Caldecott Honor Book A Golden Kite Award--Picture Book A stunning edition of the classic fairy tale, reimagined and illustrated by a Caldecott medalist. Traveling alone, deep in the woods, Elisabeth suspects her basket of treats isn't the only thing a sly wolf is after . . . Surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds, Elisabeth heads off in her red cloak to visit her ailing grandmother. She's all alone--until she is joined by a wicked wolf, who urges her to stray from her wooded path. Framed with hand-drawn patterns and textured vignettes, Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations add intrigue to the familiar story, filled with subtle detail and depth. With the help of a brave woodsman, Elisabeth and her grandmother are saved--and Little Red Riding Hood learns a valuable lesson. Little Red Riding Hood, a Caldecott Honor Book, received a Golden Kite Award--Picture Book as well as many other awards and accolades. A classic of children's literature, this retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale brings new life to an old favorite with illustrations that children will linger over.

A Caldecott Honor Book A Golden Kite Award—Picture Book A stunning edition of the classic fairy tale, reimagined and illustrated by a Caldecott medalist. Traveling alone, deep in the woods, Elisabeth suspects her basket of treats isn’t the only thing a sly wolf is after . . . Surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds, Elisabeth heads off in her red cloak to visit her ailing grandmother. She's all alone—until she is joined by a wicked wolf, who urges her to stray from her wooded path. Framed with hand-drawn patterns and textured vignettes, Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations add intrigue to the familiar story, filled with subtle detail and depth. With the help of a brave woodsman, Elisabeth and her grandmother are saved—and Little Red Riding Hood learns a valuable lesson. Little Red Riding Hood, a Caldecott Honor Book, received a Golden Kite Award—Picture Book as well as many other awards and accolades. A classic of children's literature, this retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale brings new life to an old favorite with illustrations that children will linger over.

4. Paul Galdone Nursery Classic The Three Bears, (Paperback)

This classic tale featuring an unsuspecting bear family and a naughty, gap-toothed Goldilocks from award-winning author/illustrator Paul Galdone is a must-have for your storybook collection! When three bears leave their house to go for a walk in the wood, leaving their porridge to cool, a young girl named Goldilocks comes calling....and what a mess she makes! Great Big, Middle-Sized, and Little Wee readers alike will love Paul Galdone's delightful depiction of the original folk tale.

Paul Galdone Nursery Classic The Three Bears, (Paperback) Author: Clarion Books ISBN: 9780899194011 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1985-09-23 Page Count: 32

5. Pre-Owned A Frog Prince 9780805018486

CONDITION – USED: Books sold are in GOOD or better condition. Good Condition: Minimal damage to the cover, dust jacket may not be included, minimal wear to binding, most of the pages undamaged(e.g., minimal creases or tears), highlighting / underlining acceptable on books as long as the text is readable and markings are not excessive, no missing pages. May be a former library book, with usual treatments(e.g., mylar covers, call stickers, stamps, card pockets, barcodes, or remainder marks). Extra components, such as CDs, DVDs, figurines, or access codes are not included. ISBN: 9780805018486 ISBN10: 0805018484 Contributors: Berenzy, Alix, Berenzy, Alix,

Paperback, Henry Holt & Company, 1991, ISBN # 0805018484

6. Reading Rainbow Books Liang and the Magic Paintbrush, (Paperback)

When a poor boy in China receives a magical paintbrush, everything he paints turns to life. But the wicked emperor wants to capture the boy when he hears the news. The story will excite readers as the ruler gets his just reward when the boy creates a masterpiece that spells his doom.

Reading Rainbow Books Liang and the Magic Paintbrush, (Paperback) Author: Henry Holt & Company ISBN: 9780805008012 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1988-07-15 Page Count: 32

7. Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill, (Paperback)

When the fiercest giant in all of Ireland comes knocking at his door, what can peaceful Fin M'Coul do to escape him? An ALA Notable Book, by the bestselling author-illustrator of Strega Nona, Quiet, and many more. Fin M'Coul lives atop windy Knockmany Hill, and spends his days with the other giants of Ireland, moving huge stones to build a causeway to Scotland. But one morning, he hears a rumor that Cucullin, the strongest giant in the land, is coming to find and fight him. Fleeing home, Fin tells his wife of his worries. But clever Oonagh the giantess has a plan-- with her wits and her skills and her magic charms, she sets out to trick Cucullin and save her husband. Full of humor and charm, Tomie dePaola's retelling of this classic fable is boldly illustrated, with detailed borders based on ancient Irish metalwork.

Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill, (Paperback) Author: Holiday House ISBN: 9780823403851 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1981-01-01 Page Count: 32

8. Little Red Riding Hood: By the Brothers Grimm, (Paperback)

A Caldecott Honor Book A Golden Kite Award--Picture Book A stunning edition of the classic fairy tale, reimagined and illustrated by a Caldecott medalist. Traveling alone, deep in the woods, Elisabeth suspects her basket of treats isn't the only thing a sly wolf is after . . . Surrounded by an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, pinecones, and birds, Elisabeth heads off in her red cloak to visit her ailing grandmother. She's all alone--until she is joined by a wicked wolf, who urges her to stray from her wooded path. Framed with hand-drawn patterns and textured vignettes, Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations add intrigue to the familiar story, filled with subtle detail and depth. With the help of a brave woodsman, Elisabeth and her grandmother are saved--and Little Red Riding Hood learns a valuable lesson. Little Red Riding Hood, a Caldecott Honor Book, received a Golden Kite Award--Picture Book as well as many other awards and accolades. A classic of children's literature, this retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale brings new life to an old favorite with illustrations that children will linger over.

Little Red Riding Hood: By the Brothers Grimm, (Paperback) Author: Holiday House ISBN: 9780823406531 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1983-01-01 Page Count: 26

9. World Storytelling from August House Wisdom Tales from Around the World: Fifty Gems of Story and Wisdom from Such Diverse Traditions as Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Ch, (Paperback)

Winner of PLA/ALLS Best New Books for New Adult Readers and the Storytelling World Award This collection of fifty folktales and parables was selected from diverse story traditions such as Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, African, and Native American. Comprised of ancient plots both poignant and comical, this anthology contains simple truths, common sense, and the promise that we can benefit from past generations' wisdom and experience. By metaphorically suggesting constructive strategies for living, these ancient tales resonate with a universal appeal. "The characters in these stories may gain wisdom by observing a good example or by bumbling through their own folly," Heather Forest observes. "I hope these stories will provide discussion and offer insight into joys, sorrows, fears and farce of human experience." Wisdom tales offer useful insights into life's joys and sorrows that all of us experience.

World Storytelling from August House Wisdom Tales from Around the World: Fifty Gems of Story and Wisdom from Such Diverse Traditions as Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Ch, (Paperback) Author: August House Publishers ISBN: 9780874834796 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 2005-12-15 Page Count: 160

10. Bilingual Fairy Tales Goldilocks and the Three Bears/Ricitos de Oro Y Los Tres Osos, Book BILI, (Paperback)

Striking art accompanies the favorite tale of Goldilocks giving it a fresh look that will enchant a new generation of readers. Retold in both Spanish and English, this universally familiar story is now a springboard for inspiring early readers and older learners alike to recognize Spanish and English words. The dual-language text make this book a useful and beautiful addition to both home and classroom libraries.

Bilingual Fairy Tales Goldilocks and the Three Bears/Ricitos de Oro Y Los Tres Osos, Book BILI, (Paperback) Author: Chronicle Books ISBN: 9780811818353 Format: Paperback Publication Date: 1998-04-01 Page Count: 32