Fairytales for Feisty Girls
Written by Susannah McFarlane and published by Allen and Unwin 2018
With illustrations by Beth Norling, Lucinda Gifford, Clare Robertson & Sher Rill Ng.
** Notable Book, Children’s Book Council Book of the Year Awards 2019
“Empowering and funny, set in a time of magic and wonder, and invention, in a place that is both far away but that could be anywhere. Each has been illustrated by a different artist – and yet, they flow seamlessly from one story to the next in a wonderfully cohesive style that feels as though one person was in charge of the illustrations.
An excellent book for all ages that defies stereotypes and empowers girls of all ages and backgrounds to be and do what they wish.”
Fairytales for Feisty Girls is written by Susannah McFarlane and published by Allen and Unwin in Australia (so far). All the girls in these tales can and will rescue themselves. They’re pleased to meet a prince of course (as long as he’s kind and has similar interests) but they can make their own happily ever afters.
There are four stories – all clever re-tellings of classic fairytales. And I was lucky enough to illustrate Cinderella. The story provided lots of inspiring characters; I love drawing selfish stepsisters and scary stepmothers:
Of course I added lots of animal characters – as this Cinderella (or Ella) loves to care for the animals around her, no matter how small or ordinary they may seem.
Here is Ella and her prince:
And here are just some of the sad moments in the story (warning: it’s a bit of a tear-jerker).
You can find “Fairytales for Feisty Girls” at your local bookstore in Australia, as well as online from the publisher, Allen and Unwin, here.