Many authors, from Anne Thackeray Ritchie on, have adapted and retold fairy tales in ways that modernize them for girls. I think Annet Schaap is one of the more successful ones with <i>Girls</i>. Rather than overtly deconstructing the tales, she instead twists them just so, pointing out small details that keep them timeless while also leaving the original themes largely intact. This is most successful in "Mr. Stiltskin," which has an ending I never saw coming (and absolutely love), but "Blue" and "Monster Girl" also both do excellent things with their original tales. Themes of agency, of self-sacrifice that doesn't need to happen, and children who learn what's really in the forest all come together to form an original and unique collection of folklore.

Sometimes there are wolves. Sometimes sleepers never wake. And sometimes we can find a way to overcome them all.

Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this early read!! I actually very much enjoyed these translated and reworked fairy tales. I thought they did an interesting play on the “girl and prince” plot we find in many fairy tales. I do think they are for a higher YA due to possible spooky content.

I love the fairy tale retelling of this collection of books, each story felt like they belonged in this genre. It uses the concept perfectly and was enjoying the overall feel of this collection. Annet Schaap wrote this perfectly for the modern generation and still have that magic that I was looking for.

I adored this translated YA collection of feminist takes on folk tales and fairy stories from Dutch author Annet Schaap, translated by Laura Watkinson.

Schapp kicks things off with Mr Stiltskin, and it’s a terrific start. We follow the path of the traditional tale, but the surprise ending is absolutely perfect.

Wolf, a twist on Red Riding Hood, is fascinating, with a wolf constrained by a collar that only allows him to stray into designated areas. Frog, an interpretation of The Princess and the Frog, teaches us that turning an amphibian into a prince isn’t necessarily an upgrade.

Blue, a retelling of Bluebeard, is a fascinating insight into the relationship and jealousy between two sisters. The theme of sisters continues in Sleeper, where a twin gets sick, and is placed in an eternal sleep.

Monster Girl, the final story, is especially moving. A princess who doesn’t exactly fit the visual stereotype is sent to an island with her governess, to wait for a prince who may or may not arrive. However, when a sailor washes ashore, the princess begins to question the limitations placed upon her.

A wonderful collection, which I have dubbed “baby’s first Bloody Chamber”. Schaap’s illustrations to accompany the tales are gorgeous. Recommended for young people and adults alike.

A beautifully written and illustrated short story collection, easy to read but still impactful. I especially enjoyed the modern rendition of Rumplestilskin.