Ever notice that between once upon a time and happily ever after there’s pages of hardship, cruelty and evil? Everyday things like stepmothers, apples, wolves and queens are sinister. What happened to the Disney-esque version of fairies and helpful godmothers? Two former Disney executives thought the same thing and created My1story where Goldie & the Teddy Bears or Lil’ Riding Hood & Wolfie share and care for each other — making sweet dreams possible every time you hear the story.
The initial My1story books make their debut at amazon.com this month. Each storybook introduces classic characters — now in the public domain — but in a new story twist. The loveable, never scary, illustrations are by Jaime Rodriguez, a former Walt Disney Company character artist. Makeovers transformed sinister players like the big bad wolf into a mischievous but approachable wolf cub. The giant in Jack & the Beanstalk transforms into Beanie, still a giant but a young, small, friendly one. I Love Cake and Jack and the Magic Beans are the first two books off the presses.
Lil’ Riding Hood & Wolfie in I Love Cake!
Inside her basket, for her Grandma, is a home-baked cake that smells so good even sleeping Wolfie can sniff it. Wolfie can’t resist cake and he runs to Grandma’s house before Lil’ Riding Hood gets there. The classic tale continues on course but with a happy ending of friendship, the importance of sharing and big slices of cake.
Jack’s Beanstalks in Jack and the Magic Beans
A young giant named Beanie merrily chants Fe Fi Fo Fum with his stuffed toy Goosy and new friend Jack. They spend the day hopping from cloud to cloud. On his way back down the beanstalk Jack learns an important lesson about taking something without permission. All ends well and another beanstalk adventure awaits.
I love reading books to my kids and was super excited to check out these new My1story books! The first thing I noticed was the adorable illustrations. They gave each character personality and made them come to life on the page! I was also glad the classic tales were toned down so they were more appropriate for young children. (I didn’t have to explain to my kids why a wolf was trying to eat a small child!) The books were also the perfect length. Not too long, not too short. My kids love reading both before they go to bed and my 5-year-old daughter can almost quote the entire “I Love Cake” book! Both Jack and the Beanstalk and Red Riding Hood were simplified and easy to understand. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series! I’m sure they will be just as fabulous! (Look for which character appears in both books! My daughter pointed it out to me.)
Lil’ Riding Hood & Wolfie in I Love Cake! and Jack’s Beanstalks in Jack and the Magic Beans are perfect for ages 3 and up and can be purchased on Amazon for $12.99
Win It!
One A Mom’s Take readers will win
Two My1story Books
Ends 7/6/2012 at 11:59 PM ET. Open to US Only.
- Rules –
Enter in the Rafflecopter Widget Above! If you have problems using rafflecopter, be sure you are running the latest version of your web browser and have javascript updated. If there is a Mandatory entry, it must be completed before any others will count. Do not attempt multiple instances of entering as all entries will be disqualified. If I am unable to verify your entry, it will not count. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be picked. By entering you agree to the rules of the contest. For more information on entries and how to enter visit my “Contest Entries” page. Good luck!
Disclosure: I received two My1story books in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own and any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.