CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora
By Diondra K. Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Visually stunning reimagined tales celebrate brown skin.
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What's the Story?
CROWNED: MAGICAL FOLK AND FAIRY TALES FROM THE DIASPORA transports readers to worlds near and far. Each page is filled with a different, rich story that encourages imagination, creativity, and empowerment. The Childhood Reimagined: Classic Fairy Tales section boasts "Razi, The Sleeping Beauty"; "Goldi, the Girl with the Golden Locs"; and "The Little Mermaid," among other stories. While the characters all have brown skin, the stories are much the same as the originals -- Razi is still in need of someone to break a spell, Goldi finds herself in the home of bears, and the mermaid must decide between being human and losing her voice. Retold African and African American folk tales include "The King's Magic Drum," "The Legend of Princess Yennenga," and "Aku, The Sun Maker." And the New Classics section shares brand new stories in which characters teach important lessons about Mother Nature, modern technology, and greed. There are 27 stories in all, plus a behind-the-scenes look into the photo shoots.
Is It Any Good?
This book is a stunningly beautiful collection of unique artwork. CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora is the Bethencourts' love letter to Black children in a world where they're often not treasured as they should be. Beloved children's stories are shared in a way that celebrates Black culture and supports self-esteem. Because these stories are just as magical and special when children with brown skin are put at the forefront. Readers of all ages and backgrounds will be captivated by the powerful imagery as the creative art direction evident on each page. Plus, the stories are jam packed with important moral lessons and inspiration for creativity. This is a must read!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how, in CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora, some tales are reimagined versions of stories you may have already watched or read. Which reimagined story did you enjoy the most? How did it change from the first version you're familiar with?
Did you view any character in the story you read as a good leader? Why, or why not? Is it important for a leader to have courage?
Did any character in the story you read show empathy to others? How?
What would your fairy tale look be? Take some colored pencils, markers, or crayons, and draw a fairy tale costume for yourself.
Book Details
- Authors: Kahran Bethencourt , Regis Bethencourt
- Illustrators: Kahran Bethencourt , Regis Bethencourt
- Genre: Fairy Tale
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Book Characters , Fairy Tales , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: St. Martin's Press
- Publication date: May 23, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 0 - 18
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 8, 2023
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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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