Why fairy-tale characters can be good role models

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Features

13 feminist kids' books that fight the patriarchy

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Children's reading lists

12 feminist kids’ books that fight the patriarchy

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White

This bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover! 
 
Everyone in Fairyland is very worried about Snow White - she has fled from the palace and the wicked queen is on her trail! Kittie can't stand by while her friend is in danger, so with the help of seven musical dwarves, a magic mirror, and a dashing doctor prince, will Kittie be able to save the day? 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
The Fairytale Hairdressser and the Little Mermaid 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Father Christmas

Abie Longstaff (Author) Abie Longstaff is the eldest of six children and grew up in Australia, Hong Kong and France. She knows all about squabbling, chaos and bossing younger sisters around. So she logically began her career as a barrister. She started writing when her children were born. Her favourite childhood books were Hating Alison Ashley, A Little Princess, Maura's Angel and The Black Stallion and she sneakily reads them again sometimes. Abie lives in Hove with her family. Lauren Beard (Illustrator) Lauren Beard is an illustrator based in Manchester. As a child she loved drawing and reading, and would write and illustrate short stories for her two younger brothers. She has been fascinated by animals, fairy tales and folklore since childhood, when she would visit her Irish Grandma and was told to "watch out for the fairies!" Her work is hand-drawn and coloured both digitally and by hand. Lauren enjoys adding little details to her illustrations appealing to children and adults alike. Lauren lives with her cat, Sushi, who keeps her company when drawing.

Everyone in Fairyland is very worried about Snow White - she has fled from the palace and the wicked queen is on her trail! Kittie can't stand by while her friend is in danger, so with the help of seven musical dwarves, a magic mirror, and a dashing doctor prince, will Kittie be able to save the day? 
 
A refreshed edition of this magical tale full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey.

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Father Christmas

This bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover! 
 
It's Christmastime in Fairyland and Kittie Lacey is visiting a VERY special client - Father Christmas! But when he discovers that all the Christmas presents have been stolen, can Kittie help Father Christmas track them down before it's too late? 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
The Fairytale Hairdressser and the Little Mermaid 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood

Abie Longstaff (Author) 
Abie Longstaff is the eldest of six children and grew up in Australia, Hong Kong and France. She knows all about squabbling, chaos and bossing younger sisters around. So she logically began her career as a barrister. She started writing when her children were born. Her favourite childhood books were Hating Alison Ashley, A Little Princess, Maura's Angel and The Black Stallion and she sneakily reads them again sometimes. Abie lives in Hove with her family. 
 
Lauren Beard (Illustrator) 
Lauren Beard is an illustrator based in Manchester. As a child she loved drawing and reading, and would write and illustrate short stories for her two younger brothers. She has been fascinated by animals, fairy tales and folklore since childhood, when she would visit her Irish Grandma and was told to "watch out for the fairies!" Her work is hand-drawn and coloured both digitally and by hand. Lauren enjoys adding little details to her illustrations appealing to children and adults alike. Lauren lives with her cat, Sushi, who keeps her company when drawing.

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin

This bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover! 
 
Meet Kittie, the BEST hairdresser in all of fairyland! 
 
Kittie Lacey is off on a very overdue holiday on Aladdin's Magic Carpet Tours. But when she finds herself tangled up in a world of flying carpets and mysterious jewels she needs to put all her skills to the test to rescue Aladdin, free the genie and save the day. Will she manage it? 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel 
The Fairytale Hairdressser and the Little Mermaid 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood

Kittie Lacey is off on a very overdue holiday on Aladdin's Magic Carpet Tours. But when she finds herself tangled up in a world of flying carpets and mysterious jewels she needs to put all her skills to the test to rescue Aladdin, free the genie and save the day. Will she manage it? 
 
A refreshed edition of this magical story full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey!

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty

This bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover! 
 
A wicked fairy has cast a spell sending Princess Rose into a deep sleep! With the help of some fairy godmothers and a dashing, green-fingered prince, Kittie Lacey must break the spell. 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina

It's very clever, peppered throughout with references to fairy tales - how many can you spot? The lovely glittery cover gives this book instant appeal. A witty story that adults will love to share with their children.

A wicked fairy has cast a spell sending Princess Rose into a deep sleep! With the help of some fairy godmothers and a dashing, green-fingered prince, Kittie Lacey must break the spell. 
 
A refreshed edition of this spell-binding story full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey!

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel

New Edition

This bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover to celebrate 10 years of The Fairytale Hairdresser! 
 
Join Kittie Lacey, as she faces her most hair-raising challenge - an evil witch, a tall tower, and a girl called Rapunzel who is having a very bad hair day. Will Kittie manage to tame unruly tresses that go on for miles, rescue a princess and create a happily ever after? 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
*A brand new story for 2021: The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood* 
The Fairytale Hairdressser and the Little Mermaid 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina

Join Kittie Lacey, as she faces her most hair-raising challenge - an evil witch, a tall tower, and a girl called Rapunzel who is having a very bad hair day. Will Kittie manage to tame unruly locks that go on for miles, rescue a princess and create a happily ever after? 
 
A refreshed edition of this fabulously fun story full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey!

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast

This bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover to celebrate 10 years of The Fairytale Hairdresser! 
 
The Beast's heart is melted by the beautiful and artistic Bella - but could she ever love someone so beastly? 
Join Kittie Lacey, the best hairdresser in all the land, as she teaches Beast that looks aren't everything - it's what's on the inside that matters most. 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
*A brand new story for 2021: The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood* 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina

Kittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all the land and she has wonderful fairytale adventures too. It's soon to be Prince Charming and Princess Cinderella's Ball, but Kittie faces a real challenge - can she make Beast lovable? Of course, this IS a fairytale, so you can be sure of a happy ending but it's quite different to the traditional tale. This is a lovely series, peopled on every page with a wondrous range of fairytale characters for children to spot, and with some very contemporary twists on the outcomes.

Definitely another hit book from this super duo whose use of diverse characters breaks the mould.

The Beast's heart is melted by the beautiful and artistic Bella - but could she ever love someone so beastly? 
 
A refreshed edition of this magical story full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey.

The Fairytale Hairdresser Complete Audio Collection

Brought to you by Puffin. 
 
Kittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all of Fairyland. . . A brave, stylish heroine for whom no tangle is too troublesome and no frizz too fearsome! 
 
Step into Kittie's salon and meet her fabulous fairy tale clients, from Sleeping Beauty to Aladdin, who all have incredible stories to tell! Featuring all the fairytale favourites, hilarious hairstyles, outrageous outfits and fantastic fairytale foods! 
 
This collection, in audio for the first time, contains engaging sound effects and enthralling narration for parents and children to enjoy together. 
 
This collection includes: 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
 
© Abie Longstaff 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Abie Longstaff is the eldest of six children and grew up in Australia, Hong Kong and France. She knows all about squabbling, chaos and bossing younger sisters around. So she logically began her career as a barrister. She started writing when her children were born. Her favourite childhood books were Hating Alison Ashley, A Little Princess, Maura's Angel and The Black Stallion and she sneakily reads them again sometimes. Abie lives in Hove with her family.

Penguin Presents The Fairytale Hairdresser Collection. 
 
 Kittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all of Fairyland. . . A brave, stylish heroine for whom no tangle is too troublesome and no frizz too fearsome! 
 
 Step into Kittie's salon and meet her fabulous fairy tale clients, from Sleeping Beauty to Aladdin, who all have incredible stories to tell! Featuring all the fairytale favourites, hilarious hairstyles, outrageous outfits and fantastic fairytale foods! 
 
 This collection, in audio for the first time, contains engaging sound effects and enthralling narration for parents and children to enjoy together. 
 
 This collection includes: 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugarplum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Little Red Riding Hood 
 
© Abie Longstaff 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood

A BRAND NEW STORY IN THIS GORGEOUSLY GLITTERY BESTSELLING SERIES 
 
The Queen of Hearts is hosting a baking competition and Fairyland is buzzing with excitement! From Rapunzel to the Three Bears, absolutely everyone is busy baking tasty treats and Kittie is just as busy helping her clients look their best for the big event. 
 
Red Riding Hood knows her Granny is sure to win first prize - she makes the best cakes - but when Kittie and Red visit her cottage, Granny and her cakes are nowhere to be seen! And there is a mysterious paw-shaped footprint on the ground. A clue! Kittie and Red decide to investigate . . . 
 
Will they find out what happened to Granny and save the day before it's too late? 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina

Abie Longstaff (Author) Abie Longstaff is the eldest of six children and grew up in Australia, Hong Kong and France. She knows all about squabbling, chaos and bossing younger sisters around. So she logically began her career as a barrister. She started writing when her children were born. Her favourite childhood books were Hating Alison Ashley, A Little Princess, Maura's Angel and The Black Stallion and she sneakily reads them again sometimes. Abie lives in Hove with her family. Lauren Beard (Illustrator) Lauren Beard is an illustrator based in Manchester. As a child she loved drawing and reading, and would write and illustrate short stories for her two younger brothers. She has been fascinated by animals, fairy tales and folklore since childhood, when she would visit her Irish Grandma and was told to "watch out for the fairies!" Her work is hand-drawn and coloured both digitally and by hand. Lauren enjoys adding little details to her illustrations appealing to children and adults alike. Lauren lives with her cat, Sushi, who keeps her company when drawing.

The Queen of Hearts is hosting a baking competition and Fairyland is buzzing with excitement! From Rapunzel to the Three Bears, absolutely everyone is busy baking tasty treats and Kittie is just as busy helping her clients look their best for the big event. 
 
Red Riding Hood knows her Granny is sure to win first prize - she makes the best cakes - but when Kittie and Red visit her cottage, Granny and her cakes are nowhere to be seen! And there is a mysterious paw-shaped footprint on the ground. A clue! Kittie and Red decide to investigate . . . 
 
Will they find out what happened to Granny and save the day before it's too late?

The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina

Kittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all the land. 
 
It's almost time for the Flower Festival and Kitty Lacey's salon is bursting with people who would like a special floral hairstyle. This is the Flower People's favourite time of year but they have all mysteriously disappeared. All except one: Thumbelina. 
 
But when Thumbelina vanishes too, can Kittie save the day with the help of a bluebird, a sprinkle of magic and some fabulous fairytale fashion?

It's almost time for the Flower Festival and Kitty Lacey's salon is bursting with people looking for a special floral hairstyle. This is the Flower People's favourite time of year but they have all mysteriously disappeared. All except one: Thumbelina. But when Thumbelina vanishes too, can Kittie save the day with the help of a bluebird, a sprinkle of magic and some fabulous fairytale fashion?

Who's Going to Bed?

Find out who is going to bed in this soothing bedtime tale from the bestselling author of the Fairytale Hairdresser series. Meet a cheeky baby who IS NOT sleepy and wreaks havoc among the tired animals, pirates and royalty of a magical fairy-tale land. Will anybody get any rest - and what will happen when they meet a very sleepy baby dragon? 
 
Stunning, atmospheric nighttime scenes from Eve Coy bring a sleepy magic to this dreamy rhythmic story - the perfect read just before bed!

The perfect read-aloud bedtime story about a cheeky little baby who has no desire to go to bed. Beautifully illustrated.

A soothing story, brilliant for bedtime. Meet a cheeky baby who is adamantly NOT tired and watch as the baby wreaks havoc among the sleepy animals and pirates of a whimsical fairytale land. Is anybody going to get any rest? This atmospherically illustrated, rhythmically written story is the perfect read just before bed.

Abie Longstaff (Author) Abie Longstaff is the eldest of six children and grew up in Australia, Hong Kong and France. She knows all about squabbling, chaos and bossing younger sisters around. So she logically began her career as a barrister. She started writing when her children were born. Her favourite childhood books were Hating Alison Ashley, A Little Princess, Maura's Angel and The Black Stallion and she sneakily reads them again sometimes. Abie lives in Hove with her family. Eve Coy (Illustrator) Eve Coy studied animation at Edinburgh Art School and went on to work as an animator and story artist. After having children, Eve completed a masters in Children's Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, during which she was twice highly commended in the Pan Macmillan prize. Since graduating, Eve has worked on a number of picture books, including her début author-illustrated picture book, LOOKING AFTER WILLIAM, which published last year by Andersen Press. She lives in the Cotswolds with her family.

The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog

Kittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all of Fairyland. . . 
 
A brave, stylish heroine for whom no tangle is too troublesome and no frizz too fearsome! 
________ 
 
It's Prince Freddie's coronation and Kittie is styling all her fairytale friends for an animal-themed parade to celebrate! 
 
But something's gone wrong. . . Prince Freddie is nowhere to be seen! Could his mysterious cousin be behind it? And who is this funny little frog in Kittie's salon? 
 
Together with her new friend Princess Lily, Kittie sets out to solve the mystery and bring order back to Fairyland. 
 
Have you read any more of Kittie's fairytale adventures? 
Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
Fairytale Hairdresser and Father Christmas 
Fairytale Hairdresser and the Aladdin 
Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella

The Fairytale Hairdresser is styling her fairytale friends for an animal-themed parade to celebrate Prince Freddie's coronation. But Prince Freddie is nowhere to be seen - could his mysterious uncle be behind the disappearance? And who is the funny little frog in Kittie's salon? 
 
Together with her new friend Princess Lily, and armed with all her hairdressing skills, Kittie sets out to solve the mysteries and bring order back to Fairy Land.

The Magic Potions Shop: The Emerald Dragon

The Magic Faraway Tree meets Worst Witch – a magical young fiction series, perfect for first readers. This is the final book in the six-book series.

Abie Longstaff (Author) 
 Abie Longstaff is the eldest of six children and grew up in Australia, Hong Kong and France. She knows all about squabbling, chaos and bossing younger sisters around. So she logically began her career as a barrister. She started writing when her children were born. Her favourite childhood books were Hating Alison Ashley, A Little Princess, Maura's Angel and The Black Stallion and she sneakily reads them again sometimes. Abie lives in North London with her family and a very pesky cocker spaniel who chews the post. 
 
Lauren Beard (Illustrator) 
 Lauren Beard is an illustrator based in Manchester. As a young girl she always loved drawing and reading, and would write and illustrate short stories for her two younger brothers. She has been fascinated by animals, fairy tales and folklore since her childhood, when she would visit her Irish Grandma and was told to "watch out for the fairies!" 
 
Her work is hand-drawn and coloured both digitally and by hand, using all types of media to get different textures. Lauren enjoys adding little details and modern humour to her illustrations appealing to children and adults alike. 
 
Lauren lives with her cat, Sushi, who keeps her company when drawing.

In the sixth magical adventure in the new young fiction series from the creators of the Fairytale Hairdresser, the time has come for young Tibben to take the test to become the new Potions Master. But he's going to need some help along the way, and the Emerald Dragon might well have to lend a hand . . . Or a wing! 
 
Perfect for first readers whether reading alone or reading aloud. 
 
This is the sixth book in the enchanting six-book Magic Potions Shop series. Book 1: The Young Apprentice; book 2: The River Horse; book 3: The Blizzard Bear; book 4: The Lightning Pup; book 5: The Fire Bird; book 6: The Emerald Dragon

The Magic Potions Shop: The Firebird

The Magic Faraway Tree meets Worst Witch – a magical young fiction series, perfect for first readers. This is the fifth in the six-book series.

In the fifth magical adventure in the new series from the creators of the Fairytale Hairdresser, Tibben, the Potions Master’s apprentice, and his friend Wizz must journey to the Parched Desert to get to the bottom of the mystery fierce hot winds, which are blowing sand all over the Kingdom of Arthwen. 
 
Perfect for first readers whether reading alone or reading aloud. 
 
This is the fifth book in the enchanting six-book Magic Potions Shop series. Book 1: The Young Apprentice; book 2: The River Horse; book 3: The Blizzard Bear; book 4: The Lightning Pup; book 5: The Firebird; book 6: The Emerald Dragon

The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea

The Fairytale Hairdresser saves the day in this food-focused fable which brings a magical modern twist to the classic Princess and the Pea fairytale

Princesses from all across the land are flocking to fairyland village for the chance to marry the prince. But one princess is not all she seems... 
 
 Amid the excitements of the annual festival of food, the Fairytale Hairdresser must use all her skills to root out a wicked witch and ensure true love's course runs without a hitch. Featuring all the fairytale favourites, hilarious hairstyles, outrageous outfits and fantastic fairytale foods! 
 
 The Fairytale Hairdresser: a modern girl in a fairytale world!

The Magic Potions Shop: The Lightning Pup

The fourth magical adventure, from the creators of the Fairytale Hairdresser. Tibben follows the Lightning Pup to the Golden Palace, where Prince Oro needs his help.

Another new series which promises to be a big hit with young readers . . . Abie Longstaff is a great writer for young children, who knows just how to capture her readers' attention and encourage them to enjoy reading

In the fourth magical adventure in the new young fiction series from the creators of the Fairytale Hairdresser series, Tibben the Potions Master’s apprentice follows the Lightning Pup to the Golden Palace where Prince Oro needs his help. Perfect for first readers.

The Magic Potions Shop: The Blizzard Bear

The Magic Faraway Tree meets Worst Witch – a magical young fiction series, perfect for first readers.

In the third magical adventure in the new young fiction series from the creators of the Fairytale Hairdresser series, Tibben the Potions Master’s apprentice must travel over the frozen tundra to find out why it’s gone so dark. 
 
Perfect for first readers whether reading alone or reading aloud. 
 
This is the third book in the enchanting six-book Magic Potions Shop series. Book 1: The Young Apprentice; book 2: The River Horse; book 3: The Blizzard Bear; book 4: The Lightning Pup; book 5: The Fire Bird; book 6: The Emerald Dragon

The Magic Potions Shop: The River Horse

Book 2 in the 6-part Magic Potions Shop series from the creators of the bestselling Fairytale Hairdresser, Abie Longstaff &amp; Lauren Beard. 
 
Tibben is the potions apprentice, and helps Grandpa make spells to sell in their shop. Along with Wizz, a magical creature with a special gift for finding things, they set off on adventures to help the creatures of Arthwen. 
 
When the Water Sprites of Lake Sapphire start to feel poorly, it's up to Tibben and Wizz to find out what's making the enchanted waters of the kingdom dirty – can they solve the mystery? 
 
This is the second of Tibben's adventures in Arthwen, following book 1: The Young Apprentice. This series is perfect for building reading confidence, whether reading aloud or alone.

The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy

The Fairytale Hairdresser meets the Sugar Plum Fairy in this modern twist on the Nutcracker story.

Abie Longstaff (Author) Abie Longstaff is the eldest of six children and grew up in Australia, Hong Kong and France. She knows all about squabbling, chaos and bossing younger sisters around. So she logically began her career as a barrister. She started writing when her children were born. Her favourite childhood books were Hating Alison Ashley, A Little Princess, Maura's Angel and The Black Stallion and she sneakily reads them again sometimes. Abie lives in Hove with her family. Lauren Beard (Author) Lauren Beard is an illustrator based in Manchester. As a child she loved drawing and reading, and would write and illustrate short stories for her two younger brothers. She has been fascinated by animals, fairy tales and folklore since childhood, when she would visit her Irish Grandma and was told to "watch out for the fairies!" Her work is hand-drawn and coloured both digitally and by hand. Lauren enjoys adding little details to her illustrations appealing to children and adults alike. Lauren lives with her cat, Sushi, who keeps her company when drawing.

Kittie Lacey is the best hairdresser in all of Fairyland. . . 
 
Everyone in Fairyland is very excited for the winter ballet! It's all set to be a magical evening. 
 
But disaster has struck! The Prince of the Land of Sweets has gone missing, and the terrible Mouse King and Queen have awful things in mind for the realm. 
 
It's up to Kittie to save the day, but she'll need some help from the enchanted toys and some fabulous fairytale fashion! 
 
Have you read any more of Kittie's fairytale adventures? 
Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
Fairytale Hairdresser and Father Christmas 
Fairytale Hairdresser and the Aladdin 
Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella

The Magic Potions Shop: The Young Apprentice

Another new series which promises to be a big hit with young readers . . . Abie Longstaff is a great writer for young children, who knows just how to capture her readers' attention and encourage them to enjoy reading.

If I was a child again and learning to read, this would be the series I'd fall in love with

Book 1 in the 6-part Magic Potions Shop series, from the creators of the bestselling Fairytale Hairdresser series, Abie Longstaff &amp; Lauren Beard. 
 
In the Kingdom of Arthwen, there was a very unusual shop. 
It wasn't on the high street; it was deep in the forest. 
It wasn't in a building; it was inside a tree. 
It didn't sell food, or clothes, or toys: this shop sold potions. 
 
Tibben wants to be the Potions Master one day, just like Grandpa, but for now he is an apprentice and there is a lot to learn! 
 
Tibben's adventure continues in book 2, The River Horse. This series is perfect for building reading confidence, whether reading aloud or reading alone.

The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid

This bestselling picture book has had a gorgeous makeover to celebrate 10 years of The Fairytale Hairdresser! 
 
The little mermaid is all in a lather - the Sea Witch has stolen her beautiful singing voice! Will Kittie Lacey be able to fix this terrible tangle and help her friend find her voice? 
 
Discover more Fairytale Hairdresser adventures: 
*A brand new story for 2021: The Fairytale Hairdresser and Red Riding Hood* 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Rapunzel 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Beauty and the Beast 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Cinderella 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Sleeping Beauty 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Snow White 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Sugar Plum Fairy 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Pea 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Princess and the Frog 
The Fairytale Hairdresser and Thumbelina

Coral is a mermaid with a beautiful singing voice. But she longs to swap her tail for legs so she can be with Prince Marino. When the evil witch offers her the chance to do so, she jumps at it - but it is a trick. Luckily, Kittie Lacey, the best hairdresser in the land, hatches a plan to save the day. This is a fabulous fairy tale with a twist.

This lovely story is full of fairytale characters to spot - and the clever twists in the illustrations give even adults something to look out for. Lauren Beard's superb illustrations are full of detail - take your time over this book and share it with your child to get the very best out of it. A wonderful series

The little mermaid is all in a lather - the Sea Witch has stolen her beautiful singing voice! Will Kittie Lacey be able to fix this terrible tangle and help her friend find her voice? 
 
A refreshed edition of this magical story full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey!

Abie Longstaff

Lauren Beard

Kittie Lacey's salon is buzzing with excitement - as the Queen of Hearts is holding a ball to find the PERFECT girl for her PERFECT prince. But Kittie's new friend Cinderella doesn't have a dress and her invitation has mysteriously got lost in the post. Luckily, Kittie has the perfect plan to get Cinderella to the ball . . . 
 
A refreshed edition of this fabulously fun story full of favourite fairytale characters, starring the best hairdresser in all the land, Kittie Lacey!

Abie Longstaff

Books by Abie Longstaff

Series by Abie Longstaff

The Fairytale Hairdresser13 Books

The Magic Potions Shop6 Books

Articles featuring Abie Longstaff

Why fairy-tale characters can be good role models

12 feminist kids’ books that fight the patriarchy

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