US
‘Wickedly delicious… Surprising, subversive and totally addictive’ Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs
From the Carnegie Medal shortlisted author of Lampie, this new collection of seven dazzling fairytale retellings is full of bravery, adventure and dark wit.
A determined girl gives up on kissing a frog.
A fearless heroines comes face-to-face with a not-so Big Bad Wolf.
A monstrous princess, held captive on a deserted island, yearns to break free.
Within this book are seven famous fairy tales turned into enchanting, inspiring and sometimes hair-raising stories for today’s world, about girls with their own dreams and desires. These are no damsels in distress, but real young women of flesh and blood – who certainly don’t need rescuing.
Reviews
The girls in these sharp-fanged fairytale retellings are brave, dedicated and flexible enough to free themselves without the help of princes… Bold, sharp and written with deceptive simplicity, and heightened by Schaap’s ominous black-and-white illustrations, this is an absorbing, slyly sinister collection for 11+
Guardian
A wickedly delicious book. Surprising, subversive and totally addictive
Sophie Anderson
Spell-bound by these clever and witty stories
Yarrow Townsend
Cautionary tales that feel both fresh and familiar
Kirkus
Satisfying, surprising and consistently superb – these are tales that will linger long after the final page is turned
Michael Mann, author of Ghostcloud
A beguiling collection of beautifully translated subversive fairy tales
Daily Mail
Drily funny, each of the stories turns the tale on its head to show that life is not a fairy-tale
With messages that are very relevant in today’s world, these are stories that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished reading and will definitely provoke discussion. Perfect for readers who know that today’s girls aren’t damsels in distress… I will be sharing with my class next term
K and O Bonkers about Books
*** – Praise for Lampie
***
Lampie stood out… a dark-and-stormy-night of a fairytale that I absolutely loved
Hilary McKay, Observer, Best Books of 2019
Schaap is a famous illustrator in the Netherlands and her debut novel will illuminate children all around the world
The Times, 20 Children's Books for Summer
Absorbing, old fashioned storytelling, reminiscent of The Secret Garden
Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week
A mesmeric tale of fierce friendships and loyalty. So good it reads like folklore. A beautiful, captivating tale
Emma Carroll, author of 'Letters from the Lighthouse'
I am very glad to recommend this absolute gem
Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, Book of the Month
A dark, quirky fairy tale of a story – beautifully written and beautifully translated too. A free, fresh narrative style expertly combined with classic storytelling. I loved it
Lucy Strange, author of Our Castle by the Sea
I was swept away in a sea foam storm by the spectacular Lampie and the Children of the Sea… What a treasure trove of a book
Hilary McKay author of 'The Skylarks' War'
A fairy story with as many twists as a mermaid’s tail – both dark-edged and charming. You won’t be able to put it down
Julia Golding, author of 'The Diamond of Drury Lane'
Terrific. Deeply moving, yet never sentimental. It unfolds beautifully, with all the wonder and magic of the best fairy stories
Tania Unsworth, author of 'The Girl Who Thought Her Mother Was a Mermaid'
It’s a gripping and magical adventure, rich in fairytale elements
Daniel Hahn, Books for Keeps, Books of the Year
