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Retelling old stories is a great way to encourage readers to ask questions, to be curious and think critically about things they may take for granted. – Ella McLeod
Fairy tales for all
A number of authors and illustrators have been creating reimagined stories that place characters from underrepresented backgrounds centre-stage of these stories, making powerful comments about visibility and agency. Jake Hope speaks to author Ella McLeod and illustrator Rachelle Falconer about their book Goldilocs and with Peter Bently author of The Princes and the Pea.
FAIRYTALES offer a lens through which to see the world and to understand some of its moral complexities. Academic and author, Jack Zipes wrote: “Fairy tales, since the beginning of recorded time, and perhaps earlier have been ‘a means to conquer the terrors of mankind through metaphor.” Ella describes the impact of fairytales on young readers, saying: “Retelling old stories is a great way to encourage readers to ask questions, to be curious and think critically about things they may take for granted. You’re never too young to develop an open, interrogatory mind, in my opinion! I loved the idea of Goldilocks becoming Goldilocs (mostly because I love a pun) and having gold beads and this sunny, golden disposition. So that’s where I started.”
This idea proved a valuable starting point for creativity. “I was able to really be joyful on the page telling this playful story using rhythm and rhyme,” says Ella, “leaning into the magic of fairytales while poking fun at some of their sillier or more outdated ideas. I really thought back to my childhood self; I loved fancy dress and playing games of pretend and I was forever trying on costumes and pretending to be different people.”
Ella views this fancy-dress element of storytelling as a chance for exploring different means for expression. “In doing so, I think I was really trying on different versions of girlhood – the princess, the wicked witch, the evil queen etc, so when thinking about the pattern of Goldilocs trying to find something “just right” it felt really natural to draw on this.”
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Ella McLeod.
There’s a balance to be struck between subversive elements and the tropes which make the tales familiar. This is something Rachelle Falconer felt conscious of when working on her illustrations for the book. She says: “Playing around with the characters helped me to see what was working. We knew we wanted to strike a balance, but for me it was figuring out where.
“Drawing the bears in different styles or seeing Spring-Summer 2026
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