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The best classic fairy tale books for children
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Who doesn't love a classic fairy story?
Perfect for bedtime reading with your little one, these timeless stories have been passed down from generation to generation for years.
Written by famous authors such as Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, these stories are a mixture of magic, true love and wicked relatives and most have a hidden moral message.
Continue the tradition in your family with this round-up of our favourite classic fairytale books, we've also included stories from Greek mythology for added adventure!
1. Classic Fairy Tales Vol 1
* Includes 10 different stories with each about 20 pages long
* Lavishly illustrated by Scott Gustafson
* Designed to last for years with strong binding and thick, glossy pages
This beautiful collection of 10 popular tales will make for great bedtime reading again and again. It includes the retelling of classics such as Puss in Boots, The Frog Prince and The Three Little Pigs. There's a place for it in every child's bookshelf and it will be a favourite for many years to come.
2. Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales
* Includes favourite stories like 'The Little Red Riding Hood, 'Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs', 'Cinderella', 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Rapunzel'
* Derived from folk tales that have been part of the oral storytelling tradition for centuries
* Offers hours of pleasure to readers both young and old
This collection of Grimm's best fairytales adapted for children is perfect for curling up in bed with. The leather-bound quality and luxurious engraving on the cover adds to the pleasure of holding and reading it. These stories are acknowledged as literary landmarks that are timeless and have so many moral lessons for children. An indispensable cornerstone for every home library!
3. The Ugly Duckling
* A classic, bittersweet tale that little ones will love
* Features beautifully detailed illustrations
* Perfect for adding to children's bookshelves or getting as a gift
A beautiful tale about a little duck who stands out from his siblings but grows up just as beautiful. It has a deeper meaning that adapts to a little one's perspective and understanding. It teaches them to value someone's character more than their looks and not to judge a book by its cover.
4. Beauty and the Beast 3D, £30
* An innovative pop-up version of a beloved classic tale
* Beautifully illustrations that children will love
* Aimed at three-to five-year-olds
The classic tale of Belle and her castle imprisonment has had a pop-up makeover. Children will love this 3D retelling of the magical story. With artful presentations of the magical castle, a life-like Beast, and an enchanting closing scene, this three-dimensional retelling is certain to become a family favourite!
5. Twelve Dancing Princesses, from 99p
* Retells the story of a king and his twelve beautiful daughters
* Includes dazzling illustrations
* Aimed at children aged four to eight years old
A little-known fairytale that every child should discover. This charming, beautifully-illustrated edition retells the story of 12 princesses that are locked in their room every night, but their shoes seem worn and tattered the next morning. The mysterious tone of the tale will captivate little ones and keep them guessing all the way through the story.
6. The Princess and the Pea
* Includes colourful and humorous illustrations that will grab the attention of little ones
* The classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen
* Aimed at children between three and six years old
A delightfully retold tale of a prince who is looking for a true princess to be his wife, but he finds everyone vain, greedy and superficial. His fate will change, though, when an unexpected young woman arrives at his doorstep and is put to test; will she feel the pea under the huge layer of mattresses? A lovely, humorous tale that little ones will want to read again and again!
7. Aesop's Fables
* Each creature has a story to tell and a moral to teach
* Features twenty classic fables, including 'The Tortoise and the Hare' and 'The Goose Who Laid the Golden Eggs'
* Aimed at children six years old and above
This collection of tales will tickle the imagination and teach simple truths and morals that children and adults face every day. Aesop's beloved fables never get old and will appeal to every generation. In this edition, eye-capturing illustrations bring the bold, brave and loveable creatures to life so children can relate to them.
8. The Little Match Girl
* A humbling story that will move young and old readers
* Part of a series that celebrates the Golden Age of Illustration
* From a short story written by Hans Christian Andersen
An emotional story that revolves around a poor, young girl who wants more out of life but no one seems to pay attention. It will teach children to consider less fortunate people more, and to always treat them as equals. It will also inspire them to start giving more and not take certain things and situations for granted.
9. The Odyssey, £6.99
* A picture book that retells Odysseus' epic journey for children
* The story's themes are bravery, cleverness and heroism
* Aimed at children between five and seven years old
Homer's Odyssey is finally made into a story book that's ideal for children! It revolves around Odysseus' journey back home after the fall of Troy. It's such an amazing tale of heroism, determination and loyalty that little ones will really enjoy and get inspired by it.
10. The Selfish Giant
* One of Oscar Wilde's much-loved fairytales
* Beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman and Freire Wright
* Aimed at children between one and five years old
This beloved, heartwarming tale is brought to life through eye-capturing illustrations. After the selfish giant builds a high wall around his lovely garden to keep the children away, he wonders why spring never comes to his cold, white garden. Little did he know that children and their cheerful laughs are what makes everything bloom. A lovely read that will certainly not disappoint little bookworms!
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