I so enjoyed this retelling by Mac Barnett of a story I often forget is rather complex. But here he adds his particular wit which pairs so well with Ellis’ illustrations that transport you into another world.
Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett, (List Price: $19.99, Orchard Books, 9781338673852, February 2026)
Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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I absolutely devoured this Snow White reimagining! The story was such a delightful read with a wonderfully developed romantic subplot, and as someone who can’t resist a good fake dating trope, this hit all the right notes. The dark, moody atmosphere throughout kept me hooked from start to finish. I’m already looking forward to diving into more of this author’s work!
Seven Deadly Thorns by Amber Hamilton, (List Price: $20.99, Bloomsbury YA, 9781547619108, November 2025)
Reviewed by Sarah Blackwell, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Ashlee Latimer’s Witchkiller takes the story of Hansel & Gretel and completely flips it on its head with siblings who are increasingly at odds, witches who aren’t what they seem, and romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Gretel’s journey into learning who she is and who she wants to be is one that will resonate with young readers everywhere. Plus, it’s the perfect spooky season read!
Witchkiller by Ashlee Latimer, (List Price: $19.99, Scholastic Press, 9781546137689, October 2025)
Reviewed by Tori Finklea, Union Avenue Books in Knoxville, Tennessee
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A cute cautionary tale with beautiful art. I love how the wolf follows Millie around in the illustrations, and how Millie was able to outsmart the traps. The narration was easy to understand and fun. A great read for children.
Into the Goblin Market by Vikki VanSickle, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9780735268562, July 2024)
Reviewed by Kamilah Wong, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia
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Kalynn Bayron has done it again. Full disclosure, I love her work and have read everything she has published, and it feels really good to be able to continue to recommend her books to readers again and again. Sleep Like Death is another creative and fun twist on a classic story. I couldn’t wait to turn each page and longed to dive back into the world Kalynn had built after I finished the last one
Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron, (List Price: $19.99, Bloomsbury YA, 9781547609765, June 2024)
Reviewed by Rayna Nielsen, Blue Cypress Books in New Orleans, Louisiana
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This definitely crosses over to adult readers who grew up on Patricia Wrede and loved Naomi Novik’s Uprooted. Extremely well-written and smart fantasy.
Damsel by Elana K. Arnold, (List Price: $17.99, Balzer + Bray, 9780062742322, October 2018)
Reviewed by Jill Hendrix, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina
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I loved Cinderella is Dead! I love that Kalynn took a fairy tale we all know and turned it on its head, for the better. The whole time I am reading it I’m thinking this is a feminist fairy tale. I’m thinking this is the LGBTQ fairy tale I wish I could have read when growing up and I am so happy young people today will be able to read this story. We need more stories like this.
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron, (List Price: 10.99, Bloomsbury YA, 9781547606641, June 2021)
Reviewed by Rayna Nielsen, Blue Cypress Books in New Orleans, Louisiana
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Damsel messed me up beyond all belief, so when I heard about Red Hood, I knew I needed it in my hands immediately. It did not disappoint one bit, and I can’t quite find the words to explain just how it made me feel. It made me cringe, it made me angry, and above all it had me on the tips of my toes the entire time. Arnold has this innate talent to take fairy tales and rip them apart to tell you a new one that you didn’t know you needed, one that actually puts women in a position of power. Men think we want to be queens and princesses when really we just want to be able to protect ourselves and the women that can’t protect themselves. She just gets it.
Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold, (List Price: 10.99, Balzer+Bray, 9780062742360, February 2020)
Reviewed by Caitlyn Vanorder, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Everything is better with dogs, and the tale of Cinderella is no exception. Not only does Cinderella get a fairy dogmother instead of a fairy godmother, but she also gets some nice updates to her story, including a chance to suggest she gets to know the prince first instead of marrying him right away. I loved all the dogs in this book, but there are plenty of cute cats to see on each page, too!
Cinderella–with Dogs! by Linda Bailey, (List Price: $18.99, Nancy Paulsen Books, 9781984813824, February 2023)
Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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A modern-day retelling of one of my favorite books as a kid. They don’t change the story, which I liked, they just add some modern takes. So much fun and beautiful. You will want this in your collection!
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett (List Price: $18.99, Orchard Books, 9781338673845, November 2022)
Reviewed by Suzanne Lucey, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina
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Burton’s feminist retelling of Medusa is filled with wonderful illustrations, and a story with which we’re all somewhat familiar. Medusa has been exiled to a remote island with her two sisters. But they are immortal and have wings, so Medusa’s existence is fairly lonely. But one day, a beautiful boy named Perseus arrives by boat and he and Medusa strike up a friendship, talking while each is on the other side of a giant rock. They each find themselves heartbroken, telling the other their story.
Medusa by Jessie Burton, (List Price: $19.99, Bloomsbury YA, 9781547607594, January 2022)
Reviewed by Jennifer Jones, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia
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This book felt like a fever dream in all the wildest ways. From comedic to angering, this book covered an abundance of feelings and topics that made it whole. A fun and much needed adaptation to a classic fairytale. Will stay with you a long time after reading.
Hansel and Greta by Jeanette Winterson, (List Price: $17.95, Haymarket Books, 9781642595765, January 2022)
Reviewed by Stephanie Carrion, Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida
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