Angela Carter's Book of Fairy Tales. Anyone know it?

[Spidermama]

My DS is having a fairy tale party for his 6th birthday and I was thinking of giving everyone a book at the end instead of a party bag.

As they're six, they've probably already had all the classic Grimms and Hans Christian Anderson tales, so I'm looking for something a bit different.

I chanced upon the Angela Carter book on Amazon and I'd like your opinion please.

Is it suitable for 6 year olds?

NONoononononononononononono!!!! Do you mean 'The Bloody Chamber?' It is quite marvellous, but distinctly and madly adult.

I would think not. If I remember (and it's been a while since I read it) it's quite dark with some sexual undertones. Being Angela Carter I'm sure you won't be surprised at that. Not suitable for 6 yr olds probably.

But as I say it's been a few years since i read it.

Not the bloody chamber one no, but this is exactly my fear. That it'll be pitched at the same readers.

You may have saved me a hugely embarrasing faux pas.

So any ideas? I'm particularly interested in something which plays with the gender roles in fairy tales and perhaps has stronger female role models.

Message withdrawn

There was a book of fairy-tales by Joan Aitken (sp?) with the most beautiful illustrations. Largish format paper back. She included some of the more unusual fairy tales like Baba Yaga. Scary yes, but not in the same way as AC. I'll see if I can find a link.

Can't seem to set up the link but it's on Amazon. Called The Kingdom under the Sea.

There's a new book of fairy tales from Poland called The Dragon of Kracow by Richard Monte. It's available from Amazon..... don't know how good it is (but the illustrations look great)

Thanks Orm and Grapefruit. I'll have a look at those.

Hello Oops. You can come and party any time.

I can get these for you at a discount too! Please email me if you're interested at [email protected] thanks

Ooh thanks lucymac. I may well do. I'm going to buy at least twenty of them so any discount would be more than welcome.

For as many as that I'll do you more than my usual discount! x

pmsl thinking of 6yo boys reading Angela Carter's Fairy Tales! They'll be traumatised for life!

There'll be a thread on Mumsnet a day later about unsuitable material given to children as a party bag! Social Services would be suggested - the works!

Oh you simply must do it now!

OMG

It is the most fabulous book

but for you

not for tots

she is good on oppression, mainly sexual, and liberation, also mainly sexual