Reading Level: ages 9-12

Once upon a time there was a funny little book of wacky animal fairy tales that was much smarter than it seemed. Sure, kids loved it, with its quick dialog and goofy animals, but grown-ups were drawn to it, too. Edgy humor and enough cultural references to make even the most post-modern parent smile, who could resist such a treat?

Cinderella's a big-footed elephant. Hamster and Gerbil are being raised by their Beaver Papa, who ill-advisedly marries a Porcupine (taking multiculturalism to a whole new level). Little Red Robin Hood really is a little red robin, who likes to pretend he has super-hero powers. Each story is fun from the very beginning.

But when the witch of Sleeping Beauty, now Old Dame Hornet, also finds redemption, or when a gender-busting youngest penguin gains acceptance, or when a star-struck sheep loves, not the glamorous King, but her work-a-day Boar of a husband - well, when these things happen, you know there's more than just fun going on.

— Jennifer Spray Doering, Member SCBWI