The Ultimate Fairy Tale Reading List
This is the third article in Christian Ohnimus’s Fairy Tale Series.
Previously, I discussed why fairy tales are important. I also offered some tips on how best to share them with your child. Today, I will share some of my favorites. Here are the top 30 fairy tale books I recommend.
This list starts with simple picture books to read aloud to your young children and advances to more mature stories for teens and adults. You can click on the book title for ordering information and reviews (contains affiliate links).
Nobody Likes a Goblin by Ben Hatke
Goblin may live in an abandoned, rat-infested dungeon, but he doesn’t let that get him down. He has everything he needs: a roof over his head, old boots to eat, and his friend Skeleton.
Then the Adventurers arrive. They steal the gold, the gems, and the scrolls. But—worst of all—they steal Skeleton. Now it’s up to Goblin to save his friend. He has just one problem: nobody likes a goblin!
This is a story about friendship, loyalty, and the lengths we’ll go to for the people we care about.
Classic Storybook Fables by Scott Gustafson
Scott Gustafson, renowned for his diverse artistic career spanning thirty-five years, finds his greatest satisfaction in illustrating children’s books. His work breathes new life into classic stories and fables.
Gustafson’s lavish oil paintings in Classic Storybook Fables capture the essence of beloved tales like The Little Red Hen, The Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Ugly Duckling, and Beauty and the Beast.
Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges
Margaret Hodges’ Saint George and the Dragon is a captivating adaptation of a classic episode from Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. It’s a celebration of bravery, perseverance, and the restoration of peace as George, the Red Cross Knight, triumphs over the fearsome dragon plaguing the land. A must-have for any folklore and fairy tale collection, this edition enchants readers with its stunning artwork and compelling narrative.
Recipient of the Caldecott Medal, Saint George and the Dragon is beautifully illustrated by renowned children’s artist Trina Schart Hyman.
Fables by Arnold Lobel
Renowned author-illustrator Arnold Lobel is best known for his Frog and Toad series but his other works are also well worth the read. In fact, he has over 60 bestselling award winners. One of these is Fables. A Caldecott Medal winner, Fables is a collection of 20 single-page fables, each with its own timeless moral at the end.
Each fable comes with a beautiful full-page illustration. Lobel’s stories present classic fables and fairy tales in a fun and often funny way. His illustrations are colorful and a pleasure to look at, bringing each short tale to life. Fables is an original addition to an ancient genre that will fit right in with Aesop’s Fables and other such classics.
The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring by Ruth Sanderson
Experience this classic Russian folktale anew through stunning full-color oil paintings.
Alexi, a young huntsman in search of adventure and fortune, discovers the Golden Mare, who pledges unwavering loyalty in exchange for her life. With her help, Alexi becomes the Tsar’s esteemed huntsman. However, the Tsar covets the Golden Mare, who will let no one except Alexi ride her. When the Tsar imposes impossible challenges upon Alexi, threatening death upon failure, Alexi must rely on the Golden Mare’s assistance to triumph each time. Yet, his ultimate test arrives in the form of winning the heart of Yelena the Fair, a maiden coveted by the old Tsar as his bride. Will Alexi harness his own strengths to safeguard both himself and Yelena from peril?
Aesop’s Fables by Aesop, illustrated by Charles Santore
Immerse your child in the enchanting world of Aesop’s Fables with a beautifully illustrated edition by Charles Santore.
These timeless tales were first crafted by the ancient Greek slave Aesop to teach moral lessons through animal characters. Such classics include The Hare and the Tortoise and The Lion and the Mouse. Santore’s artwork, known for its brilliance in depicting beloved stories such as The Velveteen Rabbit and The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit, brings these fables to life with stunning detail and charm. Perfect for both children and adults alike, this collection promises to captivate and inspire with its enduring wisdom and captivating illustrations.
The Kitchen Knight by Margaret Hodges
Amid the grandeur of the Knights of the Round Table, a stranger arrives at the castle seeking King Arthur’s favor, offering to serve in the kitchen in exchange for his bread and meat.
But, unknown to anyone, he harbors noble lineage and is soon knighted by Sir Lancelot himself. With lush illustrations that immerse readers in the narrative, the newly knighted Sir Gareth embarks on daring adventures and confronts formidable foes to rescue a princess from the menacing Red Knight of the Plain.
Drawing from Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur and consulting the esteemed Caxton and Winchester texts, this timeless tale of chivalrous knights, quests, and heroic battles will appeal to aspiring young adventurers everywhere.
The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Marianna Mayer, illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft
Generations of children have cherished the mesmerizing tale of twelve beautiful princesses and the brave young man who unravels the mystery behind their worn-out shoes.
Marianna Mayer captures the splendor and romance of this beloved classic, transporting readers through dazzling forests of silver, gold, and diamonds to a twilight palace where enchanted princesses dance to captivating music. Award-winning artist Kinuko Craft contributes her own enchantment with stunning, jewel-like paintings that adorn each page.
Grimm’s Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm
Two hundred years ago, the Brothers Grimm published their famous collection of folk tales, including classics such as The Princess and the Frog, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, and many more.
In their research, the brothers made a science of the study of folklore and set standards for the research and analysis of stories and legends, making them pioneers in the field of folklore.
However, the brothers’ fairy tale collection was not immediately popular. Over time, their stories gained traction, and by the 20th century, their work was second only to the Bible as the most popular book in Germany.
Vasilisa the Beautiful and Baba Yaga by Alexander Afanasyev, illustrated by Ivan Bilibin
This well-known Russian fairy tale about a courageous young girl sent by her envious stepsisters to retrieve fire from the fearsome witch Baba Yaga was documented by the renowned folklorist Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev (1826–1871).
Afanasyev dedicated himself to gathering and publishing over 600 Russian folk tales during the mid-19th century. The illustrations featured in this particular edition were crafted in the early 20th century by Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin, a celebrated Russian illustrator and stage designer whose career was deeply influenced by Slavic folklore.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
The mouse Despereaux Tilling is in love with music, stories, and the Princess Pea. Roscuro, a rat dwelling in darkness, yearns for a life bathed in light. And Miggery Sow, a simple serving girl, has an impossible dream.
These characters are poised to embark on a journey that will lead them into dark dungeons, up to dazzling castles, and ultimately, intertwine their destinies.
Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Anderson
Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish poet and author, was a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems. But two hundred years later he is best remembered for his literary fairy tales. Among his timeless stories are:
The Ugly Duckling
The Snow Queen
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
The Emperor’s New Clothes
Thumbelina
The Princess and the Pea
The Little Match Girl
The Little Mermaid
Andersen’s stories have had a significant cultural impact. In addition to their enduring popularity, his stories influenced other children’s classics, such as The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne.
A Wonder-Book for Boys and Girls by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne, born on July 4th, 1804, penned stories that epitomized the American Romantic movement. His depictions of colonial life reflect his Puritan roots and offer fascinating profiles of individuals who strove for freedom.
A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys showcases Hawthorne’s skill as a master storyteller, delighting young audiences with lively retellings of six Greek myths. These include The Gorgon’s Head, The Golden Touch, The Paradise of Children, The Three Golden Apples, and The Miraculous Pitcher.
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
Andrew Lang’s first and most renowned book in his fairy tale collection, The Blue Fairy Book, has captivated generations with its finely crafted prose and diverse array of fairy tales. Initially published in 1889, these timeless tales continue to enchant readers. Among the celebrated stories featured are:
Sleeping Beauty
Rumpelstiltzkin
Beauty and the Beast
Hansel and Gretel
Puss in Boots
Goldilocks
Andrew Lang, the renowned Scottish novelist and poet, compiled many of these enduring tales into his renowned Fairy Books and his work is representative of the archetypal Victorian folktales.
The Book of Three (Chronicles of Prydain 1) by Lloyd Alexander
Since its debut in 1964, The Book of Three has enchanted young readers with the adventures of Taran, a humble Assistant Pig-keeper determined to prove himself a hero. Alongside Taran are memorable companions: the spirited Princess Eilonwy, the verbose bard Fflewddur Fflam, the loyal Gurgi, and the grumpy Doli. Together, they navigate an epic struggle of good versus evil that shapes the destiny of Prydain, a legendary land.
Released over five years, Lloyd Alexander’s skillfully crafted tales captivated children’s imaginations and earned widespread acclaim. The second book in the series, The Black Cauldron, received a Newbery Honor, while the concluding volume, The High King, achieved the highest honor of the Newbery Medal for its outstanding contribution to American children’s literature.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Written by C.S. Lewis in 1949, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey to the ends of the earth, populated by fantastical creatures and epic battles of good versus evil. Lewis expanded this universe with six additional books, collectively known as The Chronicles of Narnia.
Over the past fifty years, these novels have transcended the fantasy genre to become timeless classics of literature. Each installment is a masterpiece that transports readers into a realm that is truer than true.
With their deceptively simple yet profound narratives, The Chronicles of Narnia continue to enchant readers. Their adventures, characters, and timeless truths resonate across ages, ensuring their enduring popularity even half a century after their initial publication.
Redwall by Brian Jacques
Welcome to Mossflower Wood, where peaceful mice gather to celebrate a year of plenty. However, their joy is short-lived when a dark shadow looms over the ancient Redwall Abbey. Rumors swirl of Cluny the one-eyed rat, intent on conquering the abbey with his savage horde. The mice’s only hope lies in the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior, lost long ago. Thus begins the epic journey of a brave young mouse who rises to fight back and forge his own legend.
“I sometimes find it ironic,” mused Brian Jacques, “that a former seaman, longshoreman, truck driver, policeman, bus driver, etc., would find success writing children’s novels.” Yet Jacques’ talent shone through with the publication of his debut children’s book, Redwall, in 1987. Garnering acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, Jacques’ storytelling prowess impressed critics and authors alike. Newbery Award winner Lloyd Alexander praised it as “literate, witty, and brimming with the thrill of genuine storytelling—a delight for young readers and a joy to share with adults.”
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, initially published in 1900, is a beloved American children’s novel. Often referred to as The Wizard of Oz, like its famous 1939 film adaptation, it recounts the journey of Dorothy, a young farm girl, and her dog Toto after they are whisked away from Kansas by a tornado into the enchanting Land of Oz. This timeless tale remains a cornerstone of American literature, translated into numerous languages. Baum wrote thirteen more books continuing the adventures in Oz.
Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
A young boy named Peter Pan flies through the bedroom window of siblings Wendy, Michael, and John while searching for his lost shadow. After Wendy helps him reattach it, Peter invites them to join him in Neverland, a realm of fantasy, flight, and endless adventure alongside his band of Lost Boys. Yet, amidst the wonders of Neverland, the menacing presence of Captain Hook looms.
Sir James Matthew Barrie, a Scottish novelist and playwright, is renowned as the creator of Peter Pan. Educated in Scotland and later based in London, Barrie drew inspiration from the five Davies boys, whom he was an unofficial guardian after their parents’ deaths, to craft tales starting with The Little White Bird in 1902, followed by his best-known work, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up in 1904.
The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle
Howard Pyle, an influential American illustrator and author, was renowned for his works centered on medieval themes and legendary characters like King Arthur, Lady Guinevere, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, and the Knights of the Round Table. One of his notable publications was The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood in 1883, which remains popular to this day.
Pyle also wrote a four-volume series on King Arthur, filled with tales rich in magic and intrigue. Beyond writing, Pyle taught illustration at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry and established his own school, the Howard Pyle School of Illustration Art, influencing generations of artists. His vivid illustrations of pirates and historical adventures, published in magazines like Harper’s Weekly, helped shape the modern perception of pirate attire.
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
The Princess and the Goblin, written by Scottish author and minister George MacDonald, was first published in 1872. Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives in a lonely castle within a sparse mountain kingdom. Her father is far away, busy ruling the kingdom, and her mother is dead. Her only companions are her nurse and a mysterious lady who claims to be her great-great-great-grandmother. Unbeknownst to Irene, nearby mines are home to banished goblins plotting revenge against humans.
George MacDonald, educated at Aberdeen University, turned to writing fiction after a turbulent career as a minister. He authored over 50 books, specializing in poignant fairy tales and fantasy novels that inspired authors like G.K. Chesterton, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Madeleine L’Engle. C.S. Lewis considered MacDonald his “master” and was profoundly influenced by his work. Even Mark Twain, initially critical of MacDonald, later befriended him, and MacDonald likely impacted his work.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien’s timeless novel The Hobbit unfolds in the mythical realm of Middle-earth, blending myth and fairy tale.
Bilbo Baggins leads a quiet and comfortable life rooted in his cozy home. But everything changes when the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves appear at his door, inviting him on an unexpected journey. Their mission: to reclaim a vast treasure guarded by the formidable dragon Smaug the Magnificent.
Reluctantly, Bilbo embarks on an adventure that introduces him to a magical ring and the enigmatic creature Gollum along the way. Originally penned for Tolkien’s children, The Hobbit has captivated readers worldwide, becoming a beloved modern classic celebrated for its enduring charm and imagination.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A pilot crashes in the Sahara Desert only to encounter a peculiar young boy calling himself the Little Prince. Having journeyed from his lonely asteroid, the Little Prince tells a poignant and sometimes sorrowful reflection on human nature.
Originally published in 1943, this fable by the French aviator and writer Antoine De Saint-Exupéry captures the essence of adventure and peril through a poet’s lens. The Little Prince is a modern classic, resonating with readers through its tender exploration of friendship, love, and loss.
Translated into over 300 languages and dialects, and selling nearly two million copies annually, The Little Prince stands as one of the most translated and bestselling books worldwide. Voted the best book of the 20th century in France, it continues to enchant and enlighten both children and adults, offering a transformative journey into seeing the world anew.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book is the only novel to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Carnegie Medal.
Gaiman himself describes it as the best book he’s ever written. The Graveyard Book is heavily influenced by Kipling’s The Jungle Book and was inspired by Gaiman’s own experience taking his two-year-old son for walks in the cemetery near his house.
Like Mowgli, who is raised by the jungle animals and learns the things jungle animals know, Nobody Owens (called Bod) is raised by dead people and learns all the things that dead people know.
But Bod must uncover the mystery of his family’s deaths. If he doesn’t, he’ll surely meet the same fate. Navigating between the realms of the living and the dead, can Bod confront the marvels and perils that await him?
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Lost in the woods, Otto meets three mysterious sisters. What follows is a decades-long quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a magical harmonica.
Years later, Jewish Friedrich must save his father in Nazi Germany, orphan Mike does everything he can to keep from being separated from his brother in the Pennsylvania foster system, and immigrant Ivy is trying to hold her family together in post-Pearl Harbor California.
Each, in turn, stumbles across the same harmonica. Eventually, pulled by this common thread, their solo stories converge at Echo’s climactic conclusion.
Echo isn’t just a fantasy. Nor is it merely historical fiction. This story is a historical fairytale. It’s a duet of both genres, playing to the strengths of each.
If we can set our skepticism aside for a moment and believe in the magic of fairy tales—if we can entertain music as a kind of miracle, for example—then it becomes easier to believe in the truly fantastic: miracles like love, justice, and honor.
Fairytales exist to remind us not only that beauty, goodness, and truth exist but that they are miracles. They are real-world magic; they are powerful, and with them, we can slay the dragons of our world.
We don’t have to wonder if Echo’s music is magical; all music is.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea marks the beginning of Ursula K. Le Guin’s essential Earthsea Cycle.
Ged, once known as Sparrowhawk, emerges as Earthsea’s most powerful sorcerer. Yet, in his reckless pursuit of knowledge and dominance, he inadvertently releases a malevolent shadow upon the world.
This gripping saga chronicles his trials—mastering ancient words of power, befriending an ancient dragon, and confronting mortality itself to restore balance.
Comparable in stature to timeless classics like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea novels stand uniquely on their own. They have garnered prestigious awards such as the National Book Award, a Newbery Honor, the Nebula Award, and numerous other accolades, solidifying their enduring impact on readers and the literary landscape.
Arabian Nights by various authors
Arabian Nights (also known as One Thousand and One Nights) is a compilation of Middle Eastern folktales originating from the Islamic Golden Age.
Every night for three years the vengeful King Shahriyar marries a different virgin—only to put her to death the next morning. In an effort to halt this brutal cycle Shahrazad, the vizier’s daughter, volunteers as his next bride. Every night, she captivates the king with a new story and the king postpones her execution for another day. Shahrazad’s tales will last 1,001 nights. But will they save her own life?
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
This is the first of Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels featuring the young witch Tiffany Aching, penned by the beloved and bestselling grandmaster of fantasy.
Armed with nothing more than a frying pan and her wit, Tiffany Aching, a budding witch, must defend her homeland against the creatures of Fairyland. Fortunately, she receives unexpected assistance: the local Nac Mac Feegle—also known as the Wee Free Men—a tribe of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding blue men who stand six inches tall.
Together, they confront headless horsemen, ferocious grim hounds, nightmares turned real, and ultimately the malevolent Queen of the Elves herself.
DISCLAIMER: This book is part of a series, and while this first book is appropriate for middle grade and up, the fourth book is more mature, including depictions of physical abuse, a miscarriage, and an attempted suicide.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Florin and Guilder stand on the brink of war, while Princess Buttercup reluctantly navigates a whirlwind of events: losing her true love, being kidnapped by mercenaries, rescued by a pirate, compelled to marry Prince Humperdinck, and ultimately saved again by her former captors.
Amidst this epic journey, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters like Vizzini, the cunning philosopher-for-hire; Fezzik, the gentle giant; Inigo, the vengeful Spaniard; and Count Rugen, the sinister mastermind. Foiling their schemes and weaving through their narratives is Buttercup’s beloved Westley.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
Long ago, the dark lord Sauron created the One Ring with which to ensnare Men, Dwarves, and Elves, and conquer all of Middle-earth. After losing it, the ring falls into the hands of Bilbo Baggins. Years later, Bilbo passes it to Frodo, setting him on a perilous journey to destroy the ring and thwart Sauron’s plans, aided by Gandalf the wizard, hobbits Merry, Pippin, and Sam, Gimli the Dwarf, Legolas the Elf, Boromir of Gondor, and the enigmatic Strider. This fellowship must do all that they can and give Frodo one desperate chance to destroy the One Ring in the fire of Mount Doom.
“The Lord of the Rings” is considered one of the greatest fantasy books ever written. Since its initial publication in 1954, it has been cherished by readers worldwide, selling over 150 million copies across numerous editions and transforming the fantasy genre forever.
Conclusion
In this third installment of the Fairy Tale Series, I’ve shared my top 30 fairy tale books, ranging from simple picture books for young children to more mature stories for teens and adults. These tales, filled with timeless themes of courage, friendship, and morality, not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons. As you explore these stories with your children, I encourage you to embrace the wonder and wisdom they offer, fostering a love for literature and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
May these fairy tales inspire and delight your family, becoming cherished favorites for years to come.
What are your favorite fairy tales? Join other homeschooling parents at the Homeschool Connections Community or Facebook group to continue the discussion!
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