Short Stories Fairy Tales

Fairy Story Shorts offer beautiful retellings of traditional tales, and are especially suitable for telling to children at bedtime! This tale is taken from the collection Fairy Stories & Fairy Stories, Traditional Tales for Children, Contemporary Tales for Adults by Clive Johnson, also published by Labyrinthe Press and available as an Audible audiobook.

A young magician in a pub opens his hands to release a cloud of tropical butterflies; a female bookseller is forced to attend a dance in drag to atone for a misdemeanor; a lonely man searches for a mysterious woman on a cruise; four school friends experience terror on a caravan holiday, and a macabre stranger wanders the streets at midnight, stealing dreams. Ranging from just 100 up to 4000 words, these and 106 other memorable little stories are found in this eclectic and tantalizing collection by Simon J. Wood, an exciting new voice in the Flash Fiction genre.

In the tradition of Calvino’s Italian Folktales, Greg Sarris, author of the award-winning novel Grand Avenue, turns his attention to his ancestral homeland of Sonoma Mountain in Northern California. In 16 interconnected original stories, the twin crows Question Woman and Answer Woman take us through a world unlike yet oddly reminiscent of our own: one that blooms bright with poppies, lupines, and clover; one in which Water Bug kidnaps an entire creek; in which songs have the power to enchant; in which Rain is a beautiful woman who keeps people’s memories in stones.

Long-listed in the Fish International Short Story Competition 2013/2014. Peter is a humble shoemaker who works very hard to provide for his family. They live in an old house in a remote village, where the winters are harsh and food is in short supply. One night, Peter was working late, as usual, when a strange visitor suddenly appeared on the walls of his workshop. It was a visitor unlike any other...

This previously rare, out-of-print collection is being republished with a new prefatory meditation by the author. Featuring Fowler's characteristic imagination, sly wit, and penetrating insight, Black Glass will be a welcome treat for fans new and old.

During an upturn in the economy, faced with a downturn in the soul buying business, The Devil resorts to telemarketing.

For those who prefer a not-so-happily ever after . . . This short collection of horrible fairy tales from the twisted mind of Andrew Buckley features educational and slightly gruesome tales that teach important lessons about the persuasive powers of mermaids, the secret hobby of the yeti, and the deepest desires of your average ogre.

Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard… CLOMP, CLOMP, SHAKE, SHAKE, CLAP, CLAP. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life!

When outside a man’s home, a bush, inflamed, but not burning says to him, “I am the God of thy father,” knowing nothing good comes when God speaks to you in person, he acts.

Classic fables take on new meaning as five of today’s most original bestselling authors serve up some deliciously modern twists. New reflections on evil queens, charmless princes, and star-crossed lovers branch out in provocative and enchanting directions. Follow the path and see where it leads...

In this beautiful book of classic fairy tales, award-winning author Philip Pullman has chosen his 50 favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm and presents them in a 'clear as water' retelling, in his unique and brilliant voice.

From Daniel Mallory Ortberg comes a collection of darkly mischievous stories based on classic fairy tales. Adapted from his beloved Children's Stories Made Horrific series, The Merry Spinster takes up the trademark wit that endeared Ortberg to listeners of both The Toast and his best-selling debut Texts from Jane Eyre. Sinister and inviting, familiar and alien all at the same time, The Merry Spinster updates traditional children's stories and fairy tales with elements of psychological horror, emotional clarity, and a keen sense of feminist mischief.

A richly embroidered retelling of the classic tale from One Thousand and One Nights, imaginatively described for children.

A selection of some of the most famous fairy stories which every child needs to foster their imagination. The following stories can be found on this title: "The Story of the Three Little Pigs", "The History of Dick Whittington", "Beauty and the Beast", "Goldilocks and the Three Bears", "Puss in Boots", "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Ali Baba", "The Brave Little Tailor", and "The Princess on the Glass Hill".

A ship bearing the souls of sinful sailors drifts upon a ghostly sea. An abbey looms as the final defense between mortals and ghouls of the underworld. In the stillness of a throne room, statues stand forever frozen in a moment of terror. Monsters and men stalk their prey deep in the jungle's shadows. A rose blooms in the dead of winter, sheltered in the ruins of an ancient Scottish castle.

Based on Japanese literature and foldlore, Kwaidan contains 17 stories. The story of Loichi, the blind biwa player who was called to perform for the dead; of Muso, the journeying priest who encountered a man eating goblin; of the samurai who outwitted the ghost of a dead man. All these plus 14 other spooly tales are included in this collection.

This most celebrated collections of tales feature shape-shifting and miraculous transportation across continents, powerful jinn who rise like smoke from simple vessels, and dreams that delve into the secrets of the subconscious. This innovative book retells a selection of tales that have captured the imaginations of countless people over many centuries. Accompanying each is a contemporary short story that reframes the messages and teachings of the original, specifically written for an adult audience.

They could both listen to the melody of love, the one that only true lovers knew. David and Heidi were able to listen to the lullaby of love, the sweetest lullaby of all.

When the existence of ghosts is finally proven, it’s also discovered they make an amazing renewable energy source and like all the gold rushes in history, the first real money is not made in mining the gold, but selling the supplies to mine the gold and related items or in this case to find and capture the ghosts. But when any new movement is formed there’s a counter movement like PLETS, People for the Legal Ethical Treatment of Specters composed of members enraged at the prospect that the ghost of dear uncle Bob, a life-long vegan might find its self powering a nearby burger franchise.

Discover a magical world where monsters aren’t scary—they’re friendly! Dive into a collection of 29 delightful short stories perfect for young listeners. Each tale is a quick, engaging story, crafted especially for kids who are just starting to explore the world of books.