15 favourite fairytales retold with boy power
October 1, 2019
PreS-Gr 3-In this sequel to Power to the Princess, Murrow rethinks the roles of heroes, princes, and kings as they pertain to topics such as self-image, confidence, LGBTQ identity, friendship, caring, and disabilities. At the request of King Midas (Greek mythology), Geppetto (Pinocchio), the Pied Piper, and Anansi (a spider-like storyteller character in African folktales) present a series of 15 short stories with well-known characters from fairy tales, myths, and folktales. Over the course of a few months, they share tales that celebrate the power of the heart instead of the sword and reveal how each hero broke the mold to discover their true purpose. Bereciartu's colorful and playful illustrations complement the text in a way that allows young readers to visualize leadership through bravery, heart, and courage without elements of violence. VERDICT A feel-good anthology of stories about sensitive, nurturing men who are unafraid to express themselves and earn their happy-ever-after through learning moral and ethical lessons about themselves. An excellent addition to any children's collection.-Angelina Bair, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, OH
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 15, 2019
This collection reimagines 15 fairy tales with modern touches and community-minded heroes. At the request of King Midas, Pied Piper, Geppetto, and Anansi, Murrow (Power to the Princess, 2018, etc.) returns with a new set of stories that rethink the roles of heroes, kings, and princes. A young Arthur discovers his talent for solving disputes by listening instead of doing battle. Pinocchio learns a real boy's heart "gives and receives and loves bravely." Despite his fears, Quasimodo stands up for what he believes in to save the community center from demolition. Each tale includes bright cartoon illustrations of racially and culturally diverse characters who wear modern attire apart from the occasional wizard robe or suit of armor. Along with promoting representations of sensitive, nurturing men who are unafraid to express themselves, Murrow expands beyond cis-heteronormativity with casual queer representation. Jack, from "Jack and the Beanstalk," has two moms. The title character of "The Snow Man" falls in love with another Snow man (even if they both melt at the end). Anansi's child Golden Silk uses they/them pronouns, as does the postal carrier's partner in "The Pied Piper" (although the binary language of "hardworking men and women" slips in directly after their appearance). Forcefully optimistic--sometimes in defiance of a tale's original ending--the characters earn their happily-ever-after resolutions by learning lessons about dedication, justice, and love. An inclusive compilation permeated with strong values. (Fantasy. 6-10)
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