Once upon a time
Published on 29 June 2026
It’s a tale as old as time. Since ancient civilisations children have been entertained and guided by storytelling. The most prominent names include Aesop, the brothers Grimm, Andersen and Perrault – all very renowned male voices. We might also consider the works of May Gibbs and her Gumnut Babies, alongside Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree series as more comparatively modern, household examples of female fabulists.
Yet, early storytelling is not only comprised of mythologies told in Western contexts. For example, the Dreaming is one of the oldest forms of narrative. For First Nations Australians, Dreaming may refer to the existence of everywhen: a cyclical reality of past, present, and future where ancestral spirits continue to live in the landscape. Dreaming is a means of tapping into everywhen, not as a legend, not as a linear timeline, nor as a collection of fairytales, but as an interrelated origin story, philosophy, law and spirituality.
Introducing children to ancient stories from all over the world can expose them to changing ideas and values throughout history. The recycled themes and motifs found in fairytales can help them develop critical thinking, self-actualisation and problem-solving skills for life.
Picture moss-blanketed toadstools, poisoned apples, spindling towers, magic mirrors and enchanted woods. Common fairytale themes include good vs. evil, rags to riches, quests, transformation, magic, families and true love. You will find all of these and more in the titles below.
Beginner Readers and Board Books (recommended 0-5 years)
Picture Books (recommended 0-5 years)
Junior Fiction (recommended 6-12 years)
Junior Graphic Novels (Recommended 0-12 years)
For more suggestions, feel free to peruse the Fairy Tales tab in our Kids Catalogue.
Article written by Jemima from Broadbeach Library.