AustLit

'France is classic fairytale territory. Not just because it’s where many of the most well-known and beloved fairy tales were first written down in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, or because it’s where the term ‘conte de fées’ was invented. France, with its fascinating regional cultures, glorious castles, gorgeous countryside and tumultuous history, lives and breathes fairy tale in a uniquely powerful way.
'French Fairy Tales gathers five stories from different parts of France: some well-known, others newly translated into English. Full of adventure, magic, mystery and romance, with a light-hearted dash of humour and a sprinkling of surprise, these stories feature unforgettable characters: tragic shape-shifters, monstrous creatures, mischievous tricksters, witty youth – and many different kinds of fairies!
'Chosen, translated and superbly retold by award-winning French-Australian writer Sophie Masson and enchantingly visualised by acclaimed illustrator Lorena Carrington, these stories will transport readers into the potently magical heart of the French fairy tale tradition. (Publication summary)

'An enchanting collection of little known fairy tales about young women who prevail because of their kindness and compassion.

1. Snow-White & Rose Red save an enchanted bear from an ungrateful goblin
2. Marushka is sent to find strawberries in the snow by her cruel step-sister but wins the help of the Twelve Months
3. Ailsa climbs Mischanter Mountain to rescue her sister, armed with nothing more than her sewing kit and her parents' blessing
4. Reinhilda outwits a witch and saves her sweetheart
5. A kind henwife helps Morag find a home for her family with the help of a magic pot
6. Agnes and a young Romany woman together overcome the curse of an enchanted cup
7. Brigid honours a promise she made, even though it takes her to the underworld and back

'With an introduction by Isobelle Carmody, Snow White, Rose Red & Other Tales of Kind Young Women contains tales from Germany, Slovenia, Ireland and the Scottish Travellers. It will transform the way you think about fairy tales.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'All of the seven tales in this collection have one thing in common. They are stories of young women who face darkness and danger, but who prevail against the odds because of the brightness of their spirit and the strength of their resolve.

'The Moon is saved from the bog by the courage of those who love her bright light ...

'Fenella stays silent for seven years and weaves cloth from nettles to save her brothers ...

'Nastia must learn to survive alone in the land of the midnight sun ...

'Jiayang, daughter of the Emperor of China, devises an impossible quest for her unwanted suitors ...

'Jennet holds fast to her beloved, despite the cruel enchantments the Faery Queen casts upon him ...

'Sofiya outwits the Tsar and so wins his love and respect ...

'Molly Whuppie outwits a giant and saves her sisters ...

'These stories of bright young women will remind readers of their own inner radiance, which gives them power to illuminate the whole world.

'The Buried Moon & Other Tales of Bright Young Women will transform the way you think about fairy tales. '  (Publication summary)

'For many young women, the only fairy-tales they know are the ones that have been retold by Walt Disney Studios. Once upon a time, these stories of magical transformation were meant for young women as they grew away from childhood and towards adulthood. They were told by their mothers and grandmothers and the wise women of the clan as they spun and wove and stirred their pots and made their potions. The heroines of these old tales set out on a difficult road of trials to discover their true destiny. And, contrary to popular opinion, marrying a prince was not the only goal.

These ancient tales of wonder and adventure are about learning to be strong, brave, kind and true-hearted, and trusting in yourself to change the world for the better. These are not your usual passive princesses waiting forlornly for their prince to come...

The brave young women from tale of yore in Vasilisa the Wise and Other Tales of Brave Young Women will transform the way you think about fairy tales.'

Source: Back cover.