Best Fairy Tale & Folklore Anthologies Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm: Volume 1, Eragon (Tales from Alagaësia) is a thrilling collection of stories set in the world of Eragon and the bestselling Inheritance Cycle. Christopher Paolini's imaginative writing style takes readers on a journey filled with magic, spells, and dragons. This volume features three original stories set in Alagaësia, interspersed with scenes from Eragon's own unfolding adventure. The book also includes an excerpt from the memoir of the unforgettable witch and fortune-teller Angela the herbalist. Christopher Paolini's unique storytelling style and original art make this book a must-read for fans of sword and sorcery fantasy books for teens and young adults.

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories is an illustrated addition to the New York Times bestselling Folk of Air trilogy that began with The Cruel Prince. It offers a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame's enigmatic high king, Cardan, and includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan's perspective. The book is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. The lavish and luminous full-color art that accompanies each chapter makes this the perfect collector's item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.

The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus is a classic book compiling the delightful and inimitable tales of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and Brer Wolf. The book includes all the original stories, b&w artwork, and a glossary. Originally issued in 1955, this edition is a treasure for any fan of folklore and mythology. The stories are American, yet they have some of their origins in Africa. The occasional footnotes and word definitions contribute to our understanding of the dialect, making the book even more charming. Overall, the book is an excellent read for children and adults alike.

Fairy Tales of Remnant: An AFK Book (RWBY) is a collection of twelve short fairy tales from Rooster Teeth's hit animated series RWBY. The book also includes eight never-before-told stories from the show writers, with vibrant artwork throughout the collection. This deluxe edition includes a foreword from Professor Ozpin himself. Fans of the show will enjoy immersing themselves in the strange, beautiful, and dangerous world of Remnant. Violet Tobacco's illustrations and E.C. Myers' writing make this book a must-have for any RWBY fan's collection.

The Vampire Wish: The Complete Series is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy books. The series follows Annika Pearce, who is abducted by vampires and taken to the hidden kingdom of the Vale. As she searches for a way to escape, she meets Jacen, a mysterious stranger who captures her heart. But as she uncovers the secrets of the Vale, she realizes that everything is not as it seems. With over 6,000 reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, this series is a page-turner that will keep readers at the edge of their seats. Highly recommended for those who love magic, romance, and adventure.

The Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library's "Favorite Folktales from Around the World" is a remarkable anthology of over 150 folktales from 40 different countries and cultures. The book is a treasure trove of wonder, transformation, heroes, heroines, love, and cautionary tales, with black-and-white drawings throughout. Jane Yolen, the author of over 300 books, has done an excellent job of bringing together an impressive collection of stories. It is a must-read for all readers and storytellers, as it provides a wealth of delights and is a feast of good reading.

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings is a short story anthology that features sixteen authors retelling the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia. The stories cover a range of genres, from fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, and explore themes of sacrifice, revenge, love, and more. The book is edited by We Need Diverse Books co-founder Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman and includes an original bonus story from Oh. This anthology is a must-read for anyone who loves diverse stories and wants to explore non-European myths. The Chicago Tribune calls it "surprising, intriguing, and delightful."

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and lovers of Christmas holidays, Letters from Father Christmas is a gorgeous, festive gift featuring a wealth of letters that Tolkien created for his children, appearing in this format for the first time. Published on the 100th anniversary of the first letter Tolkien sent to his firstborn, John, in 1920, this handsome edition will also include an introduction from daughter-in-law Baillie Tolkien, reflecting on the centenary anniversary of the letters, as well as a personal note by Tolkien himself reproduced for the first time.Every December, an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful colored drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas.They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house into the dining room; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house!Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, and sometimes Ilbereth the Elf would write in his elegant flowing script, adding yet more life and humor to the stories. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and “authenticity” of Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas.

The O'Brien Book of Irish Fairy Tales and Legends is a wonderful collection of ten traditional Irish stories retold by Una Leavy. The book is full of enchantment, bravery, and lost loves, making it a fascinating read for both children and adults. The stories range from capturing the trickery and mischief of leprechauns to the end of the great Fianna. The beautiful illustrations by Susan Field are inspired by ancient Celtic art and culture, adding to the magic of the stories. Overall, this book is a treasure trove of Irish folklore and a must-read for anyone interested in the country's rich heritage.