Tips to Use Magical Fractured Fairy Tales Books in Your Classroom
Do you use fractured fairy tales books in your classroom? If not, then you should start today! But first read this to help you learn the best way to make the most of those incredible stories.
What are Fractured Fairy Tale Books?
There is something so magical about sharing a fairy tale with your class. No matter their interests- the thought of magic, mystical creatures, talking animals, and stories of wonder seem to light up their faces!
I have found that many of our little learners today don’t know the traditional fairytale stories. So I always begin with the original fairy tale before moving into fractured fairytales (where the real fun begins!)
Fractured fairy tales books are altered version of the original story. Things that can be changed include
- Setting
- Characters names
- Characters are animal instead of people or vice versa
- the “evil” person is now “good”
- the focus object such as Cinderella’s slipper
Usually what remains the same are the theme and moral of the story. Fractured fairy tales books often follow the same structure as the original story with some fun tweaks along the way!
These fractured fairy tales books make great mentor texts for any skill that you are teaching! You can read one a day during shared reading or one a week over the course of a month! There are so many possibilities to use these magical stories to enhance your reading lessons for your 2nd graders (or really any grade!)
My Favorite Fractured Fairy Tales Books and the Original I use:
Cinderella
This one is always a big hit! Cinderella is a Bigfoot named Rrrrella. It follows the story pretty closely with fun forest animal twists.
This cowgirl Cinderella is sure to grab your students interest. They will love finding the direct parallels between the stories.
Seriously, Cinderella is so annoying!
I LOVE how this series switches up perspectives to see it from the evil stepmother’s side.
I love sharing this version with my students to compare and contrast the main character being portrayed as male vs. female and how it impacts the story.
If your students like to talk about tooting- they will surely enjoy this!
This story truly changes your whole perspective on the Cinderella story. The parallels to Cinderella are more complex and deep so I recommend this for upper elementary reading levels.
Exploring other cultures through Cinderella stories:
This Cinderalla story from China always inspires meaningful conversations with my students.
Let’s journey to the Caribbean to see how the Cinderella story transforms!
Your students will love this adventure complete with giants and dragons!
Will the pharaoh find his queen? This story is so much fun to share with your class. I always find my students are so interested in Egypt!
Goldilocks
Goldy Luck and The Three Pandas
I love this twist on Goldilocks and how it incorporates aspects of Chinese New Year celebrations.
This spin about a goat is truly one of my favorites!! Grab my resource that goes along with it here!
LOVE this version from baby bear’s perspective!
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
This book is very simple for compare and contrast purposes! Great starter for introducing fractured fairytales books!
Little Red Riding Hood
This Little Red Riding Hood version from Africa is a get introduction to incorporating other cultures in your classroom!
Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!
Amazing version told from the Wolf’s perspective.
Little Red and the Hungry Lion
Changing out the wolf for safari animals makes this a hit in any classroom!
Three Little Pigs
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
This timeless book defines what a fractured fairytale can do and how it changes your perspective on a traditional story.
Fun, simple story to add to your compare and contrast mix!
My students always love the addition of superheroes to the story!
Princess and The Pea
Believe Me, I Never Felt a Pea!
Love this version where the perspective is flipped and you see a whole new side of what was happening!
This book is inspired by Peru and has bilingual aspects which make it a perfect addition to any classroom!
One of my favorites!!
This short list is meant to help you get started with fractured fairytales books in your classroom! Depending on your students interests, there are many more to explore!
