Three Tales of Trickery

Linda Ludke is a librarian at the London Public Library.

Marilyn Helmer’s Once-Upon-A-Time series brings together classic fairy
tales grouped by theme. The retellings remain true to the most
well-known versions.

Three Barnyard Tales feature the industrious Little Red Hen, the lonely
Ugly Duckling, and the unsuspecting Chicken Little. The patterned
language makes these stories good for reading aloud and provides
opportunities for children to participate in the telling. Laura
Watson’s oil paintings have folksy details and offer a variety of
perspectives.

Three Tales of Trickery includes “Little Red Riding Hood,”
“Hansel and Gretel,” and “Rumpelstiltskin.” In each tale,
goodness prevails. Noushin Pajouhesh’s illustrations are subdued, as
is the text. None of the evil forces—the wily wolf, the wicked witch,
the scheming Rumpelstiltskin—are too scary. Both titles are
recommended.