Fairytale Ninjas by Paula Harrison
Fairytale Ninjas is a series written by Paula Harrison and we were recently given the opportunity to ask her a few questions about this series for younger readers!
Tell us about Fairytale Ninjas.
Fairytale Ninjas sees three well-known heroines – Red Riding, Snow White and Goldie Locks – ditch their usual storylines and head off on their own quest. Their grown ups have told them not to risk danger by leaving town, but they’re driven by a need for adventure! As soon as they set off, they encounter a vicious troll and have to rely on their brand new sword-fighting skills. But as their quest develops, they realise not all villains can be as easily spotted as the troll.
Fairytales are such a rich part of storytelling culture. How did it feel to play around with such familiar characters?
Fairytales come from an oral storytelling tradition of course and they’re constantly reinvented by each new generation. I wanted children to see that these characters can be just like them – brave and curious but not always sure of themselves. It was very freeing to take the characters in a new direction, but whilst retaining key elements that make them who they are. Red Riding is still determined to set off into that enchanted forest to explore. Snow White is still trying to look after all the creatures around her.
Where did the idea come from for Fairytale Ninjas?
I thought it would be great for some of these fairytale heroines to meet and work as a team. It was fantastic to let them interact and see how they related to each other.
Did you have a favourite fairytale story, character or villain?
So, so many! I love Little Red Riding Hood. The force of her character is really summed up by that bright red cloak. I love Rumpelstiltskin too. Why does he keep his name so secret? What power lies in that name?
Will you include other familiar characters into the series over time?
There are a mixture of familiar characters and ones that are created using fairytale tropes. I didn’t want to stick to known characters too precisely as these books aren’t re-tellings.
The illustrations are wonderful and fit the story perfectly. Can you tell us about the illustrator and how you worked together on this series?
Monica de Rivas has captured the spirit of fun and adventure perfectly! She brings action scenes to life with so much flair and I was especially pleased that she included a map of Waybeyond at the front of the book to show young readers where Red, Snow and Goldie’s adventures take place.
What can we hope to see next for Fairytale Ninjas?
The third book – Two and a Half Wishes – publishes in early January and sees the three girls facing their biggest challenge yet. An evil enchantress visits their town and threatens everything and everyone they love. How can they outwit such a powerful villain when swords and ninja moves are not enough?