Cooler days and chillier nights call for comfort reads such as these children’s tales and contemporary classics. Chase after the White Rabbit or follow the directions to Capt. Flint’s treasure. Discover contemporary writers who weave stories that capture the imagination of today’s young readers.
The Fairy Tale Experience
‘Cinderella’
By the Brothers Grimm and Bernadette Watts
Many modern adaptations of fairy tales shy away from using the original Brothers Grimm versions because of violence and dark themes. In this “Cinderella” story, readers will rediscover the original version, which includes a magical hazelnut tree (no fairy godmothers) and golden slippers (not the glass pair many are familiar with). Beware, the toe-cutting and heel-squeezing that are not for the squeamish. Reading the original text allows today’s young readers to come close to the authentic oral traditions of the German people. Parental guidance is suggested for sensitive readers.
Watt’s striking scratch-on-acrylic style (two-tone layers of color where the top coating is scratched away to create shading and reveal underlying colors), popular in the 1970s, gives it a retro look. Readers will delight in the rich colors of its brilliant illustrations and fairy tale plot.
NorthSouth Books, 32 pages, Sept. 22, 2026
‘The Stag With the Crystal Horns and Other Tales’
By Grace Fitzpatrick
Contemporary writers can still write traditional old school fairy tales and fables as evidenced by Grace Fitzpatrick’s “The Stag With the Crystal Horns and Other Tales.” This compilation of 10 original stories—complete with “Once upon a time” as its opening sentence and a flourished “The End” at the book’s conclusion—incorporates many elements that genre fans have come to expect in a good fairy tale. There are princes and princesses, dwarves and giants, witches and magical creatures. It is a celebration of imagination and beauty found in the traditions of one of the oldest literary genres. In true fairy tale fashion, parental supervision may be needed for a couple of the stories; otherwise, it is a great book for independent readers.
Ignatius Press, 131 pages, Aug. 31, 2026
Enhanced Classic Lit
‘Treasure Island: MinaLima Edition’
By Robert Louis Stevenson and MinaLima
“Yo ho ho!” It is time to set sail with Jim Hawkins, Dr. Livesey, and Squire Trelawney to “Treasure Island.” In this new edition, graphic design studio MinaLima not only beautifully illustrates the book in full color but also inserts 3D interactive elements at relevant parts of the story. It is sure to generate motivation and engage the reader. Pop-ups give readers a glimpse of the Hispaniola, a sealed envelope reveals the directions to the treasure, and pull-downs unfurl the pirate flag hoisted up a pole, among many other creative paper-engineering devices.
For the reluctant reader, this can be a great motivation to enjoy the classics. It would be no surprise if this beautiful keepsake finds its way under a tree this Christmas. Once you’ve read this one, you’ll want to collect the rest of the classical books in the MinaLima collection. Perfect for readers ages 10 and up.
Harper, 384 pages, Sept. 1, 2026
‘The Story Orchestra: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’
Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
In this young readers’ version of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the ordeals and exploits of Alice, the White Rabbit, and the Queen of Hearts are brightly illustrated by Courtney-Tickle. These are punctuated by a musical excerpt from composer Jody Talbot’s score for the ballet version of the story. A musical note is found on each page, which, when pressed, plays a section of Talbot’s suite, bringing to life each section of the story.
Not only is it a great introduction to the classics for preschoolers, but it also makes orchestral music accessible. A great interactive book for young readers.
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 24 pages, Oct. 6, 2026
Amazing Allegory
‘Pilgrim’s Progress’
By John Bunyan, Retold by Tim Dowley and Steve Smallman
Written in 1678, John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” is widely considered second only to the Bible in terms of popularity in Christian literature. This easy chapter book version of the story introduces children to concepts about man’s spiritual journey. The characters don modern clothes (jeans, sneakers, suits, and ties), making them relatable to today’s young readers and will likely pique their interest in the original text when they are older. An age-appropriate gateway to a story of humankind’s quest for salvation and eternal life, it is a great read-aloud for preschoolers and young independent readers.
Kregel Publications, 80 pages, Oct. 13, 2026
Contemporary Classics
‘Redwall: The Collector’s Edition’
By Brian Jacques
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Brian Jacques’s beloved animal fantasy novel “Redwall.” It features courageous woodland animals, one fearless warrior mouse, and the red walls of their abbey sanctuary. The popular children’s novel is part of a hefty 22-book series that includes prequels, sequels, and spinoffs. Anthropomorphic characters will delight children as they engage in chivalrous acts and high-stakes adventures. Reissued in a foil-stamped cover and bound in cloth, this collector’s edition is a keeper. “Redwall” fans will relive the glory days of one fearless mouse and its band of friends and followers. Fantastic fiction for kids 8 and up, this great collectible includes previously unpublished content.
Philomel Books, 384 pages, Oct. 13, 2026
‘The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane’
By Kate DiCamillo and Bagram Ibatoulline
Two-time Newberry Award-winning author Kate DiCamillo has made her mark; her stories are considered children’s classics among contemporary writers. Whether writing about issues of loss and friendships in “Because of Winn-Dixie” or modern fairy tales like “The Tale of Despereaux,” DiCamillo’s characters and themes resound, not just for today but for future generations of young readers.
This year, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” appears in a special collector’s edition that little hands will surely treasure. With shades of “The Velveteen Rabbit,” Edward Tulane is a china rabbit that finds itself separated from its original owner and passed from one unlikely owner to another. As readers follow this journey, they will appreciate how the china rabbit discovers what it means to love. Bound in cloth, with a ribbon bookmark, gold foil, and illustrated edges, the new edition is a great read (and gift idea) for children 8 and up.
Candlewick, 236 pages, Oct. 6, 2026
‘Lost Evangeline’
By Kate DiCamillo and Sophie Blackall
A testament to DiCamillo’s storytelling prowess is the release of another DiCamillo fairy tale called “Lost Evangeline” this fall, this time in paperback. Part of “The Norendy Tales” trilogy, the last book in the series features a “Thumbelina”-esque character, Evangeline. She is adopted by a lonely shoemaker who treats her as the daughter he never had. Separated from her beloved adoptive father, Evangeline must find her way back home with the help of friends she meets along the way.
It is a heartwarming tale of a father and child and is best appreciated when read in order with the other “Norendy Tales” (“The Puppets of Spelhorst” and “The Hotel Balzaar”). Astute readers will notice a common thread connecting all three tales. Its easy chapter-book format makes it ideal for independent readers aged 7 and up.
Candlewick, 160 pages, Sept. 29, 2026
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