WHAT: Folktales, fairy tales, fables, myths, and legends passed down through oral tradition across cultures. IMPORTANT: These stories preserve cultural heritage, convey values, and allow readers to compare global storytelling traditions, an element Vardell emphasizes. CLICK ON EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE BLOG POST.

In A Wolf for a Spell, Karah Sutton reimagines Russian folklore with warmth and wonder. When a wolf and a witch trade places, they discover that bravery and compassion are the strongest forms of magic. Perfect for ages 8–12 who love fantasy and fairy tale retellings.

In Sisters of the Neversea, Cynthia Leitich Smith reimagines Peter Pan through the voices of two stepsisters — one Muscogee Creek, one white — who discover the truth behind the myths of Neverland. A powerful story of sisterhood, identity, and the courage to tell your own story.

In this playful retelling of a classic tale, the “Big Bad Wolf” gets to explain what really happened. With humor and heart, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs encourages children to think critically about perspective and fairness—making it a favorite for classroom read-alouds and library storytimes.