Grimm Tales: For Young and Old, Philip Pullman, Penguin Classics

Philip Pullman’s collection of the brothers Grimm fairy tales is a refreshing retelling of these classic fairy tales. The stories flow easily, which is the point of fairy tales. You accept them for what they are and get on straight into the story and keep the pace going. This is what sparks the interest and imagination of children. Of course, as the title indicates, these are written for all ages to enjoy. This is what yo would expect from the author of His Dark Materials (If you haven’t read these books, why not?)

Philip Pullman

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In an interview with The Guardian, Pullman described fairy stories by saying they “loosen the chains of the imagination. They give you things to think with – images to think with – and the sense that all kinds of things are possible. While at the same time being ridiculous or terrifying or consolatory. Or something else altogether, as well.”

Pullman has chosen his favourite 50 tales. All the classics are here plus some you may not have heard of such as Briar-Rose and The Girl with No Hands. His style pulls the vivid imagery of his writing into your mind. All the magic and horror of the tales come out in his telling. I would recommend that you pick up this book and just remember how good old-fashioned storytelling is.