A First Book of Fairy Tales

A First Book of Fairy Tales brings together fourteen classic stories in a child-friendly retelling by Mary Hoffman, with illustrations by Julie Downing. It is a warm, readable collection shaped for sharing aloud, with the kind of timeless tales that still hold attention: Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Snow Queen, and more.

Classic fairy tales, freshly retold

These stories are presented in a simple, lyrical style that keeps the familiar pleasures of the originals while making them easy to follow for younger readers. The collection moves from one well-loved tale to the next, giving the book a steady rhythm that works beautifully for bedtime reading or quiet independent browsing.

Stories children know—and a few they may not

Alongside the best-known favourites, the book includes titles such as The Fisherman and His Wife, Diamonds and Toads, and Rumpelstiltskin. That mix gives the collection a pleasing balance: comforting recognisable stories for instant engagement, plus a few selections that broaden a child’s sense of fairy-tale tradition.

Made for reading aloud 📚

The opening pages explain what fairy tales are and why they continue to matter: they are full of magic, strong contrasts between good and bad, and the memorable shapes of stories passed from one generation to the next. That makes this edition especially useful for parents, carers, teachers, and anyone looking for a read-aloud book with lasting appeal.

A lovely giftable children’s classic

With its illustrated presentation and enduring selection of tales, this is the kind of book that earns its place on a child’s shelf. It offers a gentle introduction to traditional storytelling while remaining enjoyable for repeated visits.

Ideal for: family reading time, classroom story sessions, and young readers discovering classic fairy tales for the first time.