A dark, feminist retelling of the Irish fairytale, “The Children of Lir”, told through the voice of Aife. When Aife marries King Lir, he already has four children from his previous wife. Out of jealousy of a father’s love for his children, Aife turns King Lir’s children into swans for 900 years. What will become of them?
Retellings and Remixes (Versions and Variants)
Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix (Remixed Classics, 8)
In this queer re-imaging of “The Secret Garden,” 15-year-old orphan Mary sets off to live in the Georgian Bay wilds where she discovers family secrets both wonderful and horrifying.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
The Boneless Mercies
Four female mercenaries known as Boneless Mercies, weary of roaming Vorseland, ignored and forgotten until they are needed for mercy killings, decide to seek glory by going after a legendary monster in this reimagining of Beowulf.
The Mermaid
“Set in the ocean off Japan, this retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears stars Kiniro, a mermaid, who finds a baby octopus’s breakfast, chair, and bed just right”
Abukacha’s Shoes
n a Jewish folktale retold in the author’s family, Abukacha, who has the largest feet in the world, has a new pair of shoes and tries to get rid of the old ones, only to find that is not as easy as he expects.
Brave Chicken Little
A retelling of the classic story of Chicken Licken, who has an acorn fall on his head and runs in a panic to his friends Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, and others, to tell them the sky is falling.
The Story of Little Babaji
A retelling of the well-known tale in which a little Indian boy finally outwits the succession of tigers that want to eat him.
The Nightingale
Though the Emperor of China banishes the nightingale in preference of a jeweled mechanical imitation, the little bird remains faithful and returns years later when the emperor is near death and no one else can help him.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
One Chinese New Year, her mother sends Goldy Luck to the pandas next door with a plate of turnip cakes, but the pandas are out. Goldy tries out their rice porridge, chairs, and beds and disaster follows. Includes a recipe for turnip cakes and an explanation of Chinese New Year.
Cinderelephant
A lonely elephant mistreated by her warthog cousins charms Prince Trunky with the help of a furry godmouse.