Fairy Tales, Twice Told
Fairy tales generally come in two very different styles—the original stories and modern retellings. With Hoopla, you can explore both. And for fun, we’ve collected some classic fairy tales and put them into two groups: the original fairy tale and a modern retelling.
Classic fairy tales often feel darker, stranger, and more symbolic than the versions many of us grew up with. They’re full of magic, warnings, and unexpected twists that reflect older storytelling traditions.
Which path will you take:
Path One: Original Fairy Tales
In this path, you’ll find traditional versions of well-known stories:
Beauty and the Beast
by Madame de Villeneuve
First published in 1740 by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve, Beauty and the Beast is the oldest known version of the classic fairy tale. It follows Belle, a young woman trapped in a magical castle with a fearsome but noble beast, where an unexpected and enchanting romance begins to grow.
Snow White and Other Grimms’ Fairy Tales
by Jacob Grimm
A young princess named Snow White is envied by her vain stepmother, the queen, who orders her killed. Snow White escapes and finds refuge with seven dwarfs in the forest. The queen tries multiple times to murder her and eventually succeeds with a poisoned apple, until true love’s kiss revives her. (This creative, visually stunning collection includes many classic Grimm fairy tales, including Snow White, published in 1812.)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)
Alice falls into Wonderland after eating a strange cake, and things quickly get weird. She shrinks, grows, and stumbles through nonstop chaos. Along the way she meets the White Rabbit, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, and Queen of Hearts. The question is whether she’ll ever find her way back home. First published in 1865.
The Little Mermaid
by Hans Christian Andersen and read by Emma Fenney
In the original 1837 tale, a young mermaid falls in love with a human prince after saving him from drowning. She trades her voice for legs to be near him, but every step causes pain. The prince marries another, and she’s given a chance to kill him to survive, but she refuses and turns into sea foam, gaining a chance for an immortal soul.
Sleeping Beauty
by Charles Perrault and read by Barbara Rosenblat, Georgia Lee Schultz, and full cast
First published in 1697. At Princess Aurora’s birth, an evil fairy curses her to die before sunset on her 16th birthday after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. Hidden away by three good fairies, Aurora is protected by another spell that turns the curse into a deep sleep—one only true love’s kiss can break.
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
by Howard Pyle and read by Gordon Griffin
After clashing with royal foresters, Robin of Locksley becomes the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to help the poor. Along the way, he gathers his Merry Men, outsmarts the Sheriff of Nottingham, and stars in classic adventures with Little John, Friar Tuck, and Allan-a-Dale. First published in 1883.
These classic fairy tales often include harsh details and deep cultural roots. They’re perfect if you want to experience the stories as they were first told.
Path Two: Fairy Tale Retellings
Modern fairy tale books take familiar stories and give them new life. Expect fresh perspectives, stronger character development, and sometimes completely unexpected endings.
Beauty and the Beast Modern Retelling
When Beauty Tamed the Beast
by Eloisa James
A fun, fresh twist on Beauty and the Beast, this Regency romance follows a grumpy, beastly earl and a bold young woman determined to win him over in just two weeks. Full of wit, charm, and heart, it’s a light, swoony historical love story.
Snow White Modern Retelling
Fairest of Heart
by Karen Witemeyer
Penelope Snow sees her beauty as more of a curse than a gift, especially while working as a maid for a traveling theater troupe. When suspicion falls on her, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley is assigned to investigate. He expects the worst, until he starts to believe she might be innocent after all.
Alice in Wonderland Modern Retelling
Unbirthday
by Liz Braswell
Alice doesn’t quite fit in with other girls in Kexford, and she’s fine with that. She’d rather take photos, visit her aunt’s salon, and wander the town. But when her photos start revealing eerie Wonderland figures and a wounded girl named Mary Ann, her curious life turns dangerously strange.
The Little Mermaid Modern Retelling
Kiss the Girl
by Zoraida Córdova and read by Anthony Rey Lopez and Inés del Castillo
Ariel del Mar is a famous singer in Siren Seven, but she feels trapped behind the fame and her father’s strict control over her future at Atlantica Records. Wanting a normal life and her own voice, she sneaks out and meets a musician named Eric. Will she follow him on a summer road trip?
Sleeping Beauty Modern Retelling
A Spindle Splintered
by Alix E. Harrow and read by Amy Landon
Zinnia Gray’s 21st birthday is supposed to be her last because of a rare illness; no one survives. Her best friend throws her a Sleeping Beauty-themed party, complete with a spinning wheel. But when Zinnia pricks her finger, she falls through worlds and meets another princess trying to escape her own fate.
Robin Hood Modern Retelling
The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest
by Melanie Dickerson and read by Jude Mason
In this Robin Hood-inspired story, Odette secretly poaches to feed the poor while forester Jorgen is determined to catch the outlaw responsible. Neither realizes the person they’re falling for is also their enemy, leaving duty, loyalty, and romance on a collision course.
These fairy tale retellings are great for readers who enjoy familiar stories with a new spin.
Choose Your Path
Whether you prefer the original fairy tale books or inventive retellings of classic stories, both paths offer something exciting. Try reading an original and its matching retelling side by side to see how stories evolve over time. You can even write your own modern take on a classic fairy tale.
No matter which path you choose, fairy tales always have something new to say.
*Titles may vary by library
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