Crowned magical folk and fairy tales have always held a special place in the hearts of readers and listeners. These stories transport us to enchanted worlds where anything is possible and magic is an integral part of everyday life. In many of these tales, there is a central figure who holds a special position of power and authority - the crown-wearing, magical being. This character is often a king or queen, a prince or princess, or some other noble figure who possesses extraordinary abilities or possessions. One of the most iconic examples of a crowned magical folk is, of course, the Fairy Godmother from the classic tale of Cinderella. With her wand and magical abilities, she transforms Cinderella's rags into a beautiful gown and her pumpkin into a carriage.
"They've made the capturing and the depiction of the beauty and the limitlessness of blackness their mission. Their edict." -- Damon Young, Founder of VerySmartBrothas.com
With more than thirteen years of working with hundreds of children, families and brands, they specialize in child and lifestyle photography while incorporating authentic visual storytelling. Revisit beloved classics, but with a twist, such as The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood, The Poisoned Apple, and find new favorites with stories created especially for the collection Anansi and the Three Trials, Aku the Sun Maker, How the Zebra Got Its Stripes, The Legend of Princess Yennenga, and John Henry, the Steel-Drivin Man.
With her wand and magical abilities, she transforms Cinderella's rags into a beautiful gown and her pumpkin into a carriage. She symbolizes hope and the possibility of a better life through the intervention of magical forces. Another familiar crowned magical folk is the Fairy Queen, who appears in various folklore and fairy tales.
CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora (Hardcover)
From the New York Times bestselling duo who brought you GLORY: Magical Visions of Black Beauty, comes CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora. Filled with visual magic and storytelling wonder, these stories reimagine our favorite and most beloved childhood fairy tales and folktales to encourage creativity, empower imagination, and foster self-esteem.
With a Foreword by Pulitzer Prize winner Salamishah Tillet
Revisit beloved classics, but with a twist, such as The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, Red Riding Hood, The Poisoned Apple, and find new favorites with stories created especially for the collection: Anansi and the Three Trials, Aku the Sun Maker, How the Zebra Got Its Stripes, The Legend of Princess Yennenga, and John Henry, the Steel-Drivin' Man.
A gift that will keep giving, CROWNED is a joyous celebration of Black beauty, determination, and imagination and a must-have for children and parents everywhere.
"Once again CreativeSoul Photography captures the beauty, innocence, and magic of black children. This is the book I've been waiting to give my grandchildren. It is a wonder of storytelling and imagery." — Michael Eric Dyson
About the Author
Regis and Kahran Bethencourt are a husband-and-wife duo and the imaginative forces behind CreativeSoul Photography. With more than ten years of working with hundreds of children, families and brands, they specialize in child and lifestyle photography while incorporating authentic visual storytelling. As artists, CreativeSoul Photography is committed to helping kids and brands create fascinating imagery by operating as a one-stop shop offering expert creative direction, vision, planning, strategy, and execution. They've worked with brands small and large around the globe such as Disney, Amazon, Just for Me, CurlyKids Haircare, CamilleRose Haircare and more.
Regis and Kahran Bethencourt are a husband-and-wife duo and the imaginative forces behind CreativeSoul Photography. With more than ten years of working with hundreds of children, families and brands, they specialize in child and lifestyle photography while incorporating authentic visual storytelling. As artists, CreativeSoul Photography is committed to helping kids and brands create fascinating imagery by operating as a one-stop shop offering expert creative direction, vision, planning, strategy, and execution. They've worked with brands small and large around the globe such as Disney, Amazon, Just for Me, CurlyKids Haircare, CamilleRose Haircare and more.
Praise For…
"Vibrant photography and dynamic storytelling combine in this affirming and celebratory volume." - Kirkus
"I devoured this book. It is so visually stunning, filled with magical storytelling, capturing the reader’s imagination from beginning to end." - BlackGirlNerds.com
"[O]ne of the most majestic, most creative storybooks money can buy. a feast for the imagination. " - Caribbean Life
Praise for GLORY:
"An exquisite pictorial love letter to Black children around the world." - Kirkus, starred review
"Glorious, indeed." - Booklist
"“Glory” is Blackness in all its grace and beauty by way of the next generation. [. ] Black is beautiful. [. ] To be young, gifted and Black is where it’s at." - Chicago Tribune
“But hardly any photo collection compares to the magic that is Glory. A must for our home. A must for Black children, for all children.” --Ibram X. Kendi, New York Times bestseller and National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be An Antiracist
"Gorgeous photography, but so much more. A truly inspired and inspiring work that speaks eloquently to our inherent beauty and power." — Brittney Cooper, author of Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers her Superpower
"Seeing our beauty reflected in our children and having our children see their natural beauty be fully embraced is a gift to the race and a gift to the world. This transcendent work acknowledges the grace, and brilliance held in our black bodies." — Michael Eric Dyson, New York Times bestseller
"These are not just photographs, this is artistically, politically, and socially important work." — Patrisse Khan-Cullors New York Times bestseller
"They've made the capturing and the depiction of the beauty and the limitlessness of blackness their mission. Their edict." — Damon Young, Founder of VerySmartBrothas.com
- Photography / Subjects & Themes / Children
- Social Science / Ethnic Studies / American / African American & Black Studies
- Social Science / Folklore & Mythology
"Vibrant photography and dynamic storytelling combine in this affirming and celebratory volume." - Kirkus
She is often depicted as a powerful, benevolent ruler of the fairy realm, bestowing gifts, granting wishes, and ensuring justice. One such story is "Titania and Oberon" from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, where the Fairy Queen and King clash in a magical struggle that affects the lives of mortals. In some tales, the crown itself is the source of power and magic. The wearer of the crown becomes imbued with extraordinary abilities or gains control over some magical artifact or creatures. This can be seen in stories such as "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen, where the Snow Queen's crown gives her the ability to freeze hearts and create a winter kingdom. Crowned magical folk also feature prominently in modern fantasy literature and popular culture, with examples such as Harry Potter and the characters from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. These characters often go beyond the traditional roles of royalty and possess unique magical abilities or heirlooms that make them crucial to the story's plot and development. Overall, crowned magical folk add an intriguing element to fairy tales and fantasy stories. They serve as symbols of power, hope, and the extraordinary possibilities that magic can bring. Whether they are benevolent rulers, wise advisors, or enchanting figures, they captivate our imaginations and remind us of the enchantment that lies within the realm of fairy tales..
Reviews for "The Empowering Role of Crowns in the Magical World of Fairy Tales"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "Crowned magical folk and fairy tales" as I am a fan of fantasy books. However, I was extremely disappointed with this collection. The stories lacked depth and the characters felt entirely one-dimensional. It felt like the author was just trying to rush through each fairy tale without developing the plot or the characters. Overall, it was a major letdown for me.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I couldn't even finish reading "Crowned magical folk and fairy tales" because I found it to be incredibly boring. The writing style was dry and lacked any sense of imagination or creativity. The stories seemed like rehashed versions of traditional fairy tales with no originality. I expected to be transported to a magical world, but instead, I was left feeling bored and uninterested. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an engaging and enchanting read.
3. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Crowned magical folk and fairy tales," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The stories felt disjointed and there was no cohesiveness in the overall structure of the book. It felt like random fairy tales put together without any thought or consideration for the reader. Additionally, the prose was lackluster and didn't captivate my attention. I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this collection.
4. Emily - 3 stars
While "Crowned magical folk and fairy tales" had its moments, overall, I found it to be a mediocre read. The stories had potential, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was uneven, with some stories dragging on while others felt rushed. It felt like a missed opportunity to create an enchanting and immersive experience. I was hoping for more depth and complexity in the characters and plotlines. Unfortunately, this collection failed to deliver on its promise.