The Sisters Grimm
Michael Buckley
Like Healy's princes stepping out of the bards' versions, fairy-tale characters here live in a modern town with messy real lives, blending mystery, humor and plenty of twisted classic-story references.
12 books to read next
Books Like The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
If you loved The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Readers love this book for its cheerful demolition of fairy-tale clichés: four bumbling Prince Charmings, each with a distinct personality, thrown together on a quest none of them is qualified for. The humor is quick and silly, with a narrator who winks at the reader, but the story also cares about friendship, self-worth and what makes a real hero. It moves fast, mixing trolls, bandits and dragons with slapstick, and the princesses turn out to be far more capable than the old tales suggested.
Fairy tales turned upside down
A Tale Dark and Grimm
Adam Gidwitz
A narrator who talks directly to the reader retells Grimm stories with Hansel and Gretel at the center. It is darker than Healy's book but just as funny and knowing about fairy-tale conventions.
The School for Good and Evil
Soman Chainani
If you enjoyed seeing heroes and villains defy their assigned roles, this story about a school that trains fairy-tale characters questions who gets to be good, beautiful or heroic.
Same goofy quest comedy
Dealing with Dragons
Patricia C. Wrede
A bored princess runs off to keep house for a dragon instead of waiting for rescue. It has the same dry wit and clever royals who ignore fairy-tale expectations.
The Wee Free Men
Terry Pratchett, Paul Kidby
Tiffany Aching battles a fairy queen with help from tiny, brawling blue men. Readers who loved Healy's chaotic ensemble and silly fights will find Pratchett's humor just as lively, with real heart underneath.
The Princess Bride
William Goldman
This is the classic send-up of swashbuckling fairy tales, with an intrusive narrator, bumbling villains and memorable heroes. It is a natural step up for older middle grade readers who loved Healy's tone.
Unlikely heroes find courage
How to train your dragon
Cressida Cowell
Hiccup is a small, unheroic Viking who must prove himself in his own unusual way. Like Frederic or Duncan, he discovers that bravery doesn't have to look like the legends.
The Phantom Tollbooth
Norton Juster
A bored boy stumbles into a quest full of wordplay, odd companions and absurd kingdoms. It offers the same playful humor and an accidental hero growing into the role.
Rump
Liesl Shurtliff
This retells Rumpelstiltskin from the supposed villain's point of view. Like Healy's misunderstood princes, it shows the person behind a famous story, with plenty of humor and warmth.
Funny fantasy with illustrations
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine
A clever, spirited Cinderella retelling about a girl cursed with obedience. Fans of Healy's sharp, capable Ella will enjoy this funny, heartfelt take on the same fairy tale.
The Land of Stories
Chris Colfer
Twins fall into the fairy-tale world and meet familiar characters years after their stories ended. It is a natural next step for readers curious about life after happily ever after.
Wings of Fire
Tui T. Sutherland, Brianna C. Walsh
Five mismatched young dragons bicker their way through a prophecy they're not sure they fit. The squabbling-team dynamic will feel familiar to readers who loved the League of Princes.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. Learn more