Professional storyteller Fiona Collins has chosen some of her favourite stories of courageous girls for her new book, Folk Tales for Bold Girls. Illustrated by Ed Fisher and published by The History Press, the book shines a light on girls who are clever, strong, brave and resourceful. The chosen stories are old tales from around the world, which Fiona has reworked into new and exciting versions to be enjoyed by everyone.
What I thought of the book
Folk Tales for Bold Girls challenges stereotypes of girls, who for many years were considered generally more timid and weak than their male counterparts. Today, thankfully, there’s a popular movement to show that both genders can be equally as adventurous and brave.
The collection of tales is a joy to read. Each story stands alone, so you can dip in and out, and you don’t have to read them in order. Plus, they can either be read aloud or to yourself.
The book is perfect to help give young girls the confidence to be themselves and follow their dreams. But it isn’t just for girls, as boys would enjoy it just as much.
The tales come from around the world, from Scotland to Haiti. They include the story of Mollie Whuppie, who knew how to trick a giant, and Seren, who used her love of singing to help others.
One of my favourites is Tipingi, which centres on a plucky girl who comes up with a clever plan to get herself out of trouble, with the help of her friends.
The story of Mossycoat, meanwhile, is an English Gypsy version of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I always enjoy reading different versions of established stories, and this one is a real gem.
The illustrations, by the artist Ed Fisher, complement the stories, while a bonus is Fiona’s fascinating notes about each story, which you’ll find at the back of the book.
These tales aren’t sickly sweet, which pleased me. So, as well as being joyful and hopeful, there’s darkness, too, which young readers and older ones are sure to love.
How much is the book and how can you buy it?
The paperback is £9.99 and the eBook is priced from £1.49. You can buy a copy here.
About the author
Fiona Collins is a professional storyteller who specialises in Welsh folklore and stories of strong women and girls. She’s known for her attention to detail, love of language, and ability to make a connection with her audience. Fiona, who lives in Corwen, North Wales, is also known for her work in encouraging and championing young storytellers.
About the book
Title: Folk Tales for Bold Girls
Publisher: The History Press
ISBN: 9780750990493
Pages: 176
Review by: Colette Warbrook
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Book Review: Irish Gothic Fairy Stories by Steve Lally and Paula Flynn Lally
*We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
22 comments
I like that this book is very affordable. We do need more books to empower girls and let them know that it’s ok to want to be adventurous and brave, and play alongside boys. Not all girls are girly, I used to love playing with toy cars when I was little, but I was often told that I should be interested in dolls.
Yes a lot of parents still do that and this should be changed
I love the idea of a book that actually showcases girls to be more than just pretty in pink stereotypes!
I have a Tom boy and a girly girl but I think this would appeal to both x
Yes it would indeed Claire
My daughter loves this kind of book and has quite a collection of them, this sounds great and inspiring!
Fiona is a very inspiring writer and is very passionate about woman issues
This looks like a book I would love. I am at that phase where I need to find a book that I cannot put down or else I will never read. May look into this one.
I love this idea of a book and think it’s the kind of thing all girls growing up should read, I’d have loved this as a kid x
Good review, this looks like a book that my eldest daughter would enjoy, she enjoys reading and is at that age where shes trying different books recently.
This sounds like a fantastic book and I love that the stories inside can be read independently. It sound like the perfect book to share with my bold, independent little girl!
It is an inspiring book indeed, hope you and your little one enjoy it as well
What a wonderful idea to bring together such brilliant stories in one book. I recognise some of the stories you mention. I’m a great believer in reading, and making a book really interesting like this one sounds will hopefully encourage more!
It sure is Helen and Fiona is such a wonderful write at it as well.
I love the sound of this book, girls are not all pink and fluffy my Daughter before becomming ill was very much a tomboy. It is so wrong that girls and also boys are stereotyped as to how they should be x
I agree, this book shares that girls are strong, bold characters as well
I really love the sound of this book . I am nearly done with one at the minute and will
Definitely pick this one up for my next read
So glad to hear that Kira, you will enjoy this
This sounds like a fantastic book – I love folk tales and I definitely think this is a book all young girls would enjoy.
I love this. this is a book every young girl should read…a great tool and resource and no need to fit a stereotype xx
Agree with you there Melanie, the perfect book indeed
I love folk tales and think this book sounds like it would be perfect for my bold, brave and courageous daughter/
Absolutely, we need to encourage our girls in any way we can