The Best Fairy Tales Books

Fairy tales have captivated readers for generations, weaving magical stories that spark imagination and impart timeless lessons. From classic collections to modern retellings, here are the 10 best fairy tales books that deserve a place on your shelf.

1. “The Complete Fairy Tales” by The Brothers Grimm

4.6 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: This collection features over 200 stories, including “Cinderella,” “Hansel and Gretel,” and “Snow White,” as originally compiled by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The tales are rich with folklore and moral undertones.
• Best for: Readers seeking authentic, unfiltered versions of classic fairy tales.
• Highlight: Includes lesser-known stories like “The Juniper Tree” alongside beloved classics.

2. “Hans Christian Andersen’s Complete Fairy Tales” by Hans Christian Andersen

4.6 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: Andersen’s lyrical storytelling shines in tales like “The Little Mermaid,” “The Ugly Duckling,” and “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” This collection captures his blend of whimsy and poignant themes.
• Best for: Fans of emotionally resonant stories with a touch of melancholy.
• Highlight: Features the original, often bittersweet endings.

3. “The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault” by Charles Perrault

4.6 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: Perrault’s 17th-century tales, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Puss in Boots,” laid the foundation for the fairy tale genre. This collection retains their elegant simplicity.
• Best for: Readers interested in the origins of fairy tales.
• Highlight: Includes Perrault’s moral summaries at the end of each story.

4. “The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales” edited by Maria Tatar

4.5 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: This beautifully illustrated book combines classic tales with scholarly annotations, offering insights into their cultural and historical contexts. Stories include selections from Grimm, Andersen, and Perrault.
• Best for: Readers who love fairy tales and want to explore their deeper meanings.
• Highlight: Annotations reveal symbolism and historical influences behind the tales.

5. “Angela Carter’s Book of Fairy Tales” by Angela Carter

4.5 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: Carter curates a global collection of fairy tales, focusing on strong female protagonists. Stories span cultures, from European classics to African and Asian folklore.
• Best for: Those seeking diverse, feminist perspectives on fairy tales.
• Highlight: Includes unique tales like “The Wise Little Girl” and “The Tiger’s Bride.”

6. “Fairy Tales from Around the World” by Andrew Lang

4.6 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: Known as the “Colored Fairy Books,” Lang’s 12-volume series is condensed here into a vibrant collection of global tales, including “Aladdin” and “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”
• Best for: Readers who want a multicultural fairy tale experience.
• Highlight: Features stories from regions like Scandinavia, Africa, and the Middle East.

7. “The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm” translated by Jack Zipes

4.6 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: Jack Zipes’ translation preserves the raw, unpolished versions of the Grimms’ tales, offering a gritty contrast to modern adaptations.
• Best for: Purists who want the original, darker versions of these stories.
• Highlight: Includes tales like “The Robber Bridegroom” that are often omitted in other collections.

8. “Grimm’s Fairy Tales: A Selection” illustrated by Arthur Rackham

4.7 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: This selection of Grimm tales is paired with Arthur Rackham’s iconic, haunting illustrations, bringing stories like “Rapunzel” and “Rumpelstiltskin” to life.
• Best for: Art lovers and fairy tale enthusiasts who appreciate visual storytelling.
• Highlight: Rackham’s artwork adds a magical, eerie atmosphere to the tales.

9. “The Classic Treasury of Aesop’s Fables” illustrated by Don Daily

4.6 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: While not traditional fairy tales, Aesop’s fables like “The Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Lion and the Mouse” offer timeless moral lessons with animal characters.
• Best for: Young readers or families looking for short, moral-driven stories.
• Highlight: Vibrant illustrations make this a great introduction to fables for kids.

10. Percy Jackson Collection 7 Books Set (Lightning Thief, Sea of Monsters, Titan’s Curse, Battle of the Labyrinth, Last Olympian, Greek Heroes, Greek Gods)

4.8 out of 5 ratings

• Why it’s great: This modern compilation includes beautifully illustrated versions of classics like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Jack and the Beanstalk,” blending traditional tales with contemporary artistry.
• Best for: Readers who want a visually stunning, accessible collection.
• Highlight: Ingpen’s illustrations add a fresh, enchanting perspective.

These books offer a range of experiences, from traditional European tales to global folklore, ensuring there’s something magical for every reader. Whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites or discovering new stories, these collections bring the wonder of fairy tales to life.