Fourteen cleverly crafted pairs of poems look at a selection of familiar fairy tales from two points of view, with each pair comprised of the same lines in opposite order—a reversal that changes meaning and perspective entirely. The mirrored poems illuminate well-known tales such as Little Red Riding Hood (offering both Red Riding Hood’s and the Wolf’s perspective), Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Jack in the Beanstalk, and others. Not every pair works equally well as poetry in two directions but the best are masterpieces, and the collection as a whole is not only entertaining but offers intriguing possibilities for classroom use. Ingenious illustrations reflect the dual perspectives of each pair of poems in a single, brilliantly composed, richly hued painting. (Ages 7–10)

Witty, irreverent, and exquisitely illustrated, this unique collection holds a cheeky mirror up to language and fairy tales, and renews the magic of both!

"Remarkable."—The Washington Post

"This mind-bending poetry is accompanied by Masse's equally intelligent, equally amusing art."—Time Out New York for Kids

There are two sides to every story, from the princess and the frog, to the beauty and the beast, to Sleeping Beauty and that charming prince.

In this unique collection of reversible verse, classic fairy tales are turned on their heads. Literally. Read these clever poems from top to bottom. Then reverse the lines and read from bottom to top to give these well-loved stories a delicious new spin.