Books with all the Elements of a Fairy Tale (Parodies & Otherwise)
Discover enchanting books with all the elements of a fairy tale, from classic parodies to magical retellings. Explore whimsical stories filled with adventure, romance, and timeless tropes!
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The Ordinary Princess
by M. M. Kaye
Along with Wit, Charm, Health, and Courage, Princess Amy of Phantasmorania receives a special fairy christening gift: Ordinariness. Unlike her six beautiful sisters, she has brown hair and freckles, and would rather have adventures than play the harp, embroider tapestries . . . or become a Queen. When her royal parents try to marry her off, Amy runs away and, because she's so ordinary, easily becomes the fourteenth assistant kitchen maid at a neighboring palace. And there . . . much to everyone's surprise . . . she meets a prince just as ordinary (and special) as she is! "This delightful fairy tale is sure to please young romantics . . . Neither Kaye's princess nor her book should be considered ordinary." (School Library Journal)
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The Light Princess and Other Fairy Tales
by George MacDonald
Seven beguiling tales -- including the title story of a bewitched princess cursed by a lightness of body and spirit. Rich compelling prose from one of the earliest writers of fantasy. 61 illustrations.
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Dealing with Dragons
by Patricia C. Wrede
The first two volumes of Patricia C. Wrede's beloved, bestselling Enchanted Forest Chronicles!
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Howl's Moving Castle
by Diana Wynne Jones
Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.
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Once Upon a Marigold
by Jean Ferris
In this witty spoof of fairy tales, Christian, a commoner, falls for Princess Marigold, and it's up to him to untwist an odd love triangle and foil a scheming queen who wants to take over the kingdom.
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The Swan Maiden
by Heather Tomlinson
An age-old fairy tale told in a refreshingly original voice, this stunning, richly imagined debut novel depicts fantasy at its most eloquent.
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The Two Princesses of Bamarre
by Gail Carson Levine
When plague strikes Bamarre, Princess Addie must fulfill an ancient prophecy. Brave and adventurous, Princess Meryl dreams of fighting dragons and protecting the kingdom of Bamarre. Shy and fearful, Princess Addie is content to stay within the safety of the castle walls. The one thing that the sisters share is their unwavering love for each other. The tables are turned, however, when the Gray Death leaves Meryl fatally ill. To save her sister, meek Princess Addie must find the courage to set out on a dangerous quest filled with dragons, unknown magic, and death itself. Time is running out, and the sisters' lives—and the future of the kingdom of Bamarre—hang in the balance.
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Ivy's Ever After
by Dawn Lairamore
Once upon a time in the kingdom of Ardendal there lived a spirited princess named Ivy, who had no interest in being rescued by Prince Charming, and an undersized dragon named Elridge, who was better at solving word puzzles than breathing fire. Sailing into this world on a ship made of whale bones came Romil, a handsome prince with dastardly designs on Princess Ivy and her kingdom. Ivy and Elridge, both disappointments to their families, join forces to try and thwart Romil's evil plot. In the process these traditional enemies become fast freinds, discover hidden strengths, and earn the respect of all who know them. Full of humor and high adventure--and plenty of slightly skewed fairy-tale motifs--this frothy fractured fairy tale is sure to delight young readers.
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A Hidden Magic
by Vivian Vande Velde
Lost in a magic forest and separated from her prince, Princess Jennifer seeks help from a kindly young sorcerer in battling an evil witch.
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The Princess Bride
by William Goldman
"A Del Rey book." The most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince in the world.
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Song of the Gargoyle
by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Thirteen-year-old Tymmon escapes to the forest after his father is kidnapped where he is taken care of by a gargoyle.
