Rosalind Kerven

A fantastic little book of folk tales, and a very interesting read. Featuring local landmarks and quirky ancient beliefs, it makes you want to go an investigate for yourself.

I think this would be great to read to children, with the almost lyrical prose.

The only down side to this is that there doesn't seem to be enough - I love it and want to read more.

This is hardly definitive, yet highly readable, fun & also covers most of the bases, in terms of an introduction. The links to what sourced the stories, the variants, and why they arose, is very well done. I would recommend reading the sources & further information chapters immediately after reading the chapter concerning the tale itself. It has a great bibiliography section which is very informative. Would prompt further reading & understanding of the folklore itself. Not complete, but a show more great introduction. Those looking for a more detailed summary or chronicle best look elsewhere show less

The illustrations in this are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.

I'd read or heard of most of the stories in this charming book, and I particularly liked the re-tellings of the ones more local to me.

I wouldn't say this is for really young children, perhaps 6 . It feels a bit grown up in places and younger children would probably struggle to understand some of the terms. It'd be perfect for reading aloud, perhaps a bedtime story to inspire dreams of dragons and giants?

A very good introduction to English Fairy tales. The regional basis to this & the added, slightly academic notes at the back lend details which are very enriching. Enjoyable but only read them to older children