12 Beautiful Fairytale Books for Kids We Absolutely Loved
Last summer I went on the hunt for the best fairytale books for kids and it turned into one of our favorite reading adventures ever. I was actually inspired by this quote from Albert Einstein: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”
We checked out 50+ versions of all the different fairytales and landed on these 12 as some of our absolute favorites. They are so well done and my kids and myself all loved them.
Hansel and Gretel by Cynthia Rylant
Cynthia Rylant’s retelling is gentle and lyrical without losing any of the magic that makes this story a classic. The illustrations are rich and almost painterly, and it’s one we found ourselves slowing down to look at page by page. A beautiful first introduction to the tale for little ones.
Jack and the Beanstalk: A Nosy Crow Fairy Tale
Nosy Crow and Ed Bryan
This is such a fun, bright version with bold, modern illustrations that immediately grabbed my kids’ attention. The retelling is lively and easy to follow, which makes it a great read-aloud. If you have a child who loves a little adventure, this one’s a winner.
Little Red Riding Hood by Arianna Candell
A sweet, approachable take on the classic that’s perfect for younger listeners. The art is warm and inviting, and the story is told in a way that feels cozy rather than scary. We loved this one for bedtime.
The Princess and the Pea Illustrated by Maja Dusikova
Maja Dusikova’s illustrations are the reason this version made our list. They’re soft, delicate, and absolutely gorgeous. The story stays true to the original, and the gentle artwork makes it feel timeless. A lovely one for the shelf.
The Elves and the Shoemaker
This is one of those quietly charming tales about kindness coming full circle, and it’s stayed a favorite in our home. The story of the little elves helping the kind shoemaker never gets old, and there’s such a sweet lesson tucked inside. Perfect for cozy reading.
Rumpelstiltskin adapted by Peter Clover
Peter Clover’s adaptation makes this trickier tale really accessible for kids, with illustrations that bring the spinning-straw-into-gold magic to life. It’s a great way to introduce a slightly more complex fairytale. My kids were captivated by the mystery of guessing his name.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen
If you only get one book on this list, this might be it. Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen are a dream team, and their version is funny, a little mischievous, and absolutely stunning to look at. We read this one over and over and laughed every single time.
The next few are not your typical classic fairytale but they are such good ones I had to put them on this list! These ones teach incredible lessons of gratitude, perseverance, and joy.
The Quiltmakers Gift by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail de Marcken
This one isn’t a classic fairytale, but it earned its spot. The illustrations are some of the most breathtaking we’ve ever seen in a children’s book. It’s a beautiful story about generosity and the joy that comes from giving, and we find something new in the artwork every time we open it.
The Apple Pip Princess by Jane Ray
Jane Ray’s artwork is golden and glowing, and this story of a quiet girl who plants seeds and brings a kingdom back to life is so moving. It’s all about perseverance, hope, and the difference one small, kind act can make. A truly special read.
Heckedy Peg by Aubrey and Don Wood
This one is a little more dramatic, and my kids were on the edge of their seats! It’s a story of a mother’s love and cleverness, with rich, captivating illustrations from Audrey and Don Wood. Such a memorable read-aloud that sparks great conversation.
A Spider Named Itsy by Steve Light
A playful, joyful spin that takes the Itsy Bitsy Spider we all know and turns it into a sweet little story. Steve Light’s bright, energetic illustrations make it so fun to read aloud, and the message about perseverance is the best part. A delightful surprise on our list.
Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar and illustrated by Troy Cummings
This clever, wintry twist on Little Red Riding Hood is pure fun, with ice skating, fairytale friends, and a whole lot of charm. Troy Cummings’ illustrations are full of energy and little details to spot. It’s become one of our favorite playful reads, especially in the colder months.
We’re always looking for more to add to our list! Let us know what fairytale versions are your favorite.
X.o. Emma
More book lists we love
- 10 children’s books both kids and parents will love
- our favorite nursery rhyme collections
- picture books about kindness and bullying
