Last week I posted a top ten list of my favorite novels which were inspired by other stories. This week I decided to keep with the theme, but focus on picture books.
10. Cinderella Penguin, or The Little Glass Flipper by Janet Perlman
10. I love any picture book with a cast of penguins.
9. Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella written by Tony Johston Illustrated by James Warhola
This version of Cinderella is about a Bigfoot Prince searching for his princess. It follows the traditional plot closely, but the Bigfoot cast adds many humorous touches.
8. The Frog Prince Continued written by John Scieszka illustrated by Steve Johnson
Every fairy tale ends in “and they lived happily ever after”. But, do they really? This continuation of The Frog Prince suggests that kissing amphibians may not be the best way to pick a husband.
7. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback
The twist in this book is not in the story, but the illustrations. Holes in each page reveal more animals that have been eaten by the old lady.
6. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe
This Cinderella story set in Africa won a Caldecott Honor and The Coretta Scott King Award. Nyasha and her sister Manyara are both beautiful on the outside, but only Nyasha is beautiful on the inside. When the great king summons eligible girls in the land in order to choose a wife, their actions show their true beauty.
5. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munch
Prince Ronald is captured by a dragon and Princess Elizabeth sets off to rescue him. Along the way she loses her dress and is forced to use a paper bag. When she outsmarts the dragon to rescue the prince, he is not grateful. This humorous story gives a positive message to young girls.
4. Lon Po Po written by Ed Young
The 1990 Caldecott Medal Winner is a Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood. While there mother is away visiting their grandmother, three sisters must deal with a wolf disguised as their grandmother.
3. The Rough-Face Girl written by Rafe Martin Illustrated by David Shannon
A touching Native American version of Cinderella. An Algonquin girl is mistreated by her older sisters. When an invisible being seeks a wife, she is the one chosen.
2. The Wolf Who Cried Boy Written by Bob Hartman illustrated by Tim Raglin
Bored by the dinners his mother has been serving, Little Wolf claims to see a boy in the forest. His parents are busy chasing after the nonexistent boy and dinner is ruined, and they are left eating chipmunks and dip. Little Wolf is so excited he tries the stunt again. But, when an entire boy scout troop shows up in the woods, his parents no longer believe him. Great for teaching theme.
1. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! written by John Scieszka illustrated by Lane B. Smith
I love using this book for teaching point of view. Alexander T. Wolf is baking a cake for his dear granny when he runs out of sugar. He goes to neighbor’s straw house to ask to borrow a cup, and his sneeze inadvertently blows down the house. The rest is history. I love the details of this story. I’ve read it hundreds of times and still notice new details in the photos and text.
