Rapunzel

Zelinsky, P., & Beniker, A. (1997). Rapunzel. New York: Dutton Children's

Books.

This adaptation includes elements from many folklore tales of Rapunzel. This story of Rapunzel begins with a couple who, after many years together, find that they are expecting a child. However, the wife is desperately craving rapunzel, an herb that grows in the walled garden of the sorceress next door.

To save his wife's life, the husband steals rapunzel from this garden, only to be caught in the act by the angry sorceress. In return for sparing his life (and the rapunzel he holds), she demands that the husband promise her the newborn child, whom she will name Rapunzel.

There follows the well-known story of a long-haired girl locked in an inaccessible tower, until a prince finds her and wins her heart.

The Ugly Duckling

Pinkney, J., & Andersen, H. (1999). The ugly duckling. New York: Morrow

Junior Books.

For many generations, The Ugly Duckling has been a childhood favorite. Jerry Pinkney's beautifully written adaptation brings the beloved story to many younger generations to come. The journey of the awkward little bird, courageously fending off hecklers and bullies, blooming into a graceful swan is a reminder that patience is a virtue and sometimes the path to true happiness. The beautiful watercolors create wonderful images of the story.

 Lesson Plans here. Movie Trailer also available. 

Ella Enchanted

Levine, G. (1997). Ella enchanted. New York: HarperCollins.

            At birth, Ella of Frell is given the gift of obedience by the well-meaning but misguided fairy Lucinda. As a result, she cannot disobey a direct order given to her, though her mother Lady Eleanor and the family's cook Mandy protect Ella throughout her childhood. Ella is close to her mother and they share the same free-spirited nature, but when Ella is nearly fifteen, Eleanor dies. At Eleanor's funeral, Ella meets and befriends Charmont (Char), the Prince of Kyrria.

Not long afterward, Ella's father Sir Peter sends Ella off to finishing school. After meeting people who will take advantage of her curse and making some good friends, Ella finds herself torn between her curse and finding true happiness.

Middle elementary to older elementary grade girls love this book, and it excites their love of reading.

Move Trailer here

Thumbelina

Andersen, H., & Adams, A. (1961). Thumbelina. New York: Scribner.

            Thumbelina a Danish fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen first published by C. A. Reitzel in 1835. "Thumbelina" is about a teeny, tiny girl and her adventures with vain forest creature that want her for her beauty. She tries her best avoiding marriage-minded toads, moles, and cockchafers. She successfully escapes their intentions before falling in love with a flower-fairy prince just her size.

            This is such a fun fairy tale to read to younger grades, imagining being the size of Thumbelina.

Hans Christian Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes: An All- Star Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale

Andersen, H. (1998). Hans Christian Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes: An All-

Star Retelling of the Classic Fairy Tale. New York: Harcourt Brace.

            In this hilarious rendition of the classic fairytale, several celebrities retell the story of an Emperor’s demands for an extravagant outfit, two mischievous weavers, an entire kingdom of liars, and one honest boy. The audio CD for this book creates more dimension within the fairytale than thought possible. Each voice makes the reader/listener delve deeper into the story.