#Bookreview #Childrensfiction – Enchanted Fairy Tales by Judy Mastrangelo

About Enchanted Fairy Tales

ENCHANTED FAIRY TALES is a collection of some of the most famous and beloved classic Fairy Tales, written by great authors of the past. These stories have been adapted and illustrated by Judy Mastrangelo, who is a world-renowned Artist and Author specializing in fantasy artwork. Her beautifully detailed and colorful paintings follow in the Fine Art tradition of the “Artists of the Golden Age of Illustration”. For those of all ages who enjoy the world of fantasy, this book will be a magical delight. Some of the stories she has chosen for this book are: Peter Pan, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Thumbelina, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Frog Prince, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sleeping Beauty, King Arthur, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc. 

My review

For me, Judy Mastrangelo’s books are all about the fantastic illustrations. It’s not that her stories are not lovely, it’s just that her illustrations are so completely amazing, everything else fades in comparison. I was a little girl who adored fairies, princesses, and magic and mystery and I would have loved these books. As an adult, I still enjoy these things and take delight in reading Ms Mastrangelo’s lovely little stories and looking at the pictures, again and again.

This book is also very worthwhile from a literary point of view for children. The author has taken a selection of popular fairytales and other famous stories and summarised them into bite sized chunks suitable for younger children. I was delighted to see some of William Shakespeare’s plays included in an abridged form including The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Romeo and Juliet, as well as some other favourite stories of mine like Thumbelina, Hansel and Gretel and Alice in Wonderland. There were also a few stories from Greek mythology which I know from personal experience with my sons, nieces, and nephews are hugely popular.

I am a fan of abridged versions of stories for young children because they introduce them to the delights of fairy tales and other stories, without bogging them down in sophisticated detail. Children who are introduced to abridged classics and fairytales often go on to read the original versions when they are older.

This is a book that would delight any child’s heart and make a wonderful and special gift.

Purchase Enchanted Fairy Tales by Judy Mastrangelo

Available in Hardback, Paperback and Ebook from TSL Publications(Book Prices on TSL Publications are listed in British pounds, but orders can be placed in any country’s currency with PayPal or credit card.) Find Judy’s book on GOODREADS

Amazon UK

49 thoughts on “#Bookreview #Childrensfiction – Enchanted Fairy Tales by Judy Mastrangelo

  1. Beautiful illustrations, Robbie. And I agree about the abridged versions of fairy tales being perfect for young children. The original fairy tales were often quite a hefty read for a little one. I hadn’t seen Mastrangelo’s illustrations before and I can see why she’s known around the world.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Thank you so very much Robbie for your wonderful review of my book. I really appreciate it! You’re so kind, and very talented with all your wonderful books! I just wanted to mention that info about my ENCHANTED FAIRY TALES book is on my website where you can also see a slide show of art from the book: https://judymastrangelo.com/2020/09/26/enchanted-fairy-tales-book/ It is available from the publisher TSL Publications: https://tslbooks.uk/?s=enchanted+fairy+tales+by+Judy+Mastrangelo. Thank you everyone for your delightful comments! I’m so grateful to all of you!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Thanks, Robbie. I’ve seen his illustrations before, and I agree that they are delightful. I’m also a fan of fairy tales and I read many abridged versions of books as a child (there was a series of abridged versions of novels in a graphic novel format that I particularly enjoyed). I also think that although some of the stories are perfect for children, the way they are written might not suit them, and these work as a great introduction, especially with such fabulous illustrations. Congratulations to Judy and good luck with her projects.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Michael, Judy is a very talented illustrator and I love her books. I have given a few of them to my nieces how loved them. My nieces get my books too, of course, and lots of free baking and fondant art classes. Have a lovely evening. Hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Sounds great, Robbie! I am sure your nieces will be busy till Easter. 🙂 These times especially for children books are the only one for distraction, they are in need for. Best wishes for the evening! Enjoy it! Michael

        Liked by 2 people

  4. As a child, I remember loving illustrations in fairy tales as well. I also liked hardcovers in particular and thumbing through pages, which means I was likely always meant to be an avid reader and writer 😉 Thanks for bringing back great memories with this review. I enjoyed learning about the book.

    Liked by 2 people

Leave a comment