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I don’t always appreciate when today’s world tries to put a new spin on something historically “tried and true.” But when it come to offering a Modern Day Retelling of Classic Fairy Tales, I’m all ears!

Over the years I’ve been happy to read and review many beautiful children’s book that are fresh new spins on a family favorite. Anytime we can add “color, light and relevance” in such a way that it makes young readers about a story, I fully support that. Here are some of the enchanting retellings of past stories that I think you will enjoy.

Le Madre Goose by Susan Middleton Elya (Author),‎ Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator)

The itsy arañita
climbed up the water spout.
Down came la lluvia
and washed la araña out.
 
Classic Mother Goose rhymes get a Latino twist in this cozy collection. From young Juan Ramón sitting in el rincón to three little gatitos who lost their mitoncitos, readers will be delighted to see familiar characters in vibrant, luminous scenes brimming with fanciful details. I think La Madre Goose will make a playful multicultural addition to every modern bookshelf.

Le Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya (Author),‎ Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator)

The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming bilingual retelling.

El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn’t agree.

The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa.

But the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too . . .

Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, and captivated by the vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.

Wolf Tales: Read and Play Puppet Theater

 Sherlock Holmes- The Hounds of Baskervilles 

 

In this installment, Sherlock and his assistant, Dr. Watson, are hired to solve the curse of the The Hound of the Baskervilles. After the lord of the Baskervilles dies of curious circumstances in the moors, his young heir from America comes to take over the care of his ancestral home. Except, it seems, that someone does not want any Baskervilles living on their land. Sir Henry’s life is immediately threatened before he even arrives on his property.

The Cozy Classics

The Cozy Classics series is the brainchild of two brothers, both dads, who were thinking of ways to teach words to their very young children. They hit upon the idea of “the classics” as the basis for their infant primers, and the rest as they say, is history. Read more about these wonderful books here.

Every book in the series is condensed into twelve child-friendly words accompanied by a beautifully hand-felted illustration, which accurately and humorously summarize each books plot.

I think this is where I need to mention that we aren’t talking about “kids classics” but adult classics turned into baby board books. They are simply delightful, captivating, and magnificently retell these age-old classics.

Just released are Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy, and Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.

I know what you’re thinking because I was thinking it too…..how do you adapt these books for babies or small toddlers? Well they do it very well I might add. These incredible and inventive books aren’t just for babies. They are good and great for all ages.

A Year in the Secret Garden

Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the book I co-penned with fellow author, Marilyn Scott-Waters. Enjoy month-by-month activities based on the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden! A Year in the Secret Garden is a delightful children’s book with over 120 pages, with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities for your family and friends to enjoy, learn, discover and play with together. Grab your copy ASAP and “meet me in the garden!” http://amzn.to/1DTVnuX