Have you ever read a book and thought that the universe the author created felt real? Or really wished that it was? I’m looking at you, Hogwarts… Well, what if I told you that some of our favorite series have folk and fairy tale collections that are told "in-universe", i.e. as if these worlds were real? Well, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites, so read below...
I don't know, maybe you’ve heard of Harry Potter? Just an obscure little fantasy tale about a British orphan at boarding school? Maybe not. But if you had, you might have some interest in reading more about the wizarding world’s fairy tales.
“The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers' attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger's new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: 'The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,' 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune,' 'The Warlock's Hairy Heart,' 'Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,' and of course, 'The Tale of the Three Brothers.'”
Have you read the classic graphic novel series Bone by Jeff Smith? Maybe you’ve gone on adventures in their world but wondered what else there was? Well, wonder no more!
"Long before the Bone cousins were ever lost in the uncharted forest of the Valley, Big Johnson Bone, the discoverer of the Rolling Bone River, founded Boneville. But little is known of the mighty explorer's adventures before he started his famous trading post. So when Smiley sits down with a group of young scouts to retell the legendary stories of Boneville's origins, what they hear are wild antics complete with Rat Creatures, Dragons, and a snarky little monkey.”
I’m not 100% sure I want to enter the world of Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children, but if that is your bag then you might enjoy one of the all-time weirdest collections of short stories. If you can finish the opening tale about the cannibals, let me know…
"Tales of the Peculiar presents an illustrated edition of the fantastical book featured in the Miss Peregrine series that includes unusual fairy tales about wealthy cannibals, a fork-tongued princess, and the origins of the first ymbryne."
I love the world(s) that Leigh Bardugo has created in Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone – they feel so real. Well, this collection of tales is no exception, plus they’re beautifully illustrated and feel like fairy tales that could exist in our own world – if slightly (okay MUCH) darker than the usual illustrated book fare.
"Travel to Grishnaverse, a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price. Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love."
Read and loved one of these? Hated one or more? Let me know in the comments!
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