Alison Larkin selects and introduces fairy tales of strong, independent, brave, at times irreverent girls and women who take charge of their lives, go on their own adventures, rescue themselves, and sometimes even save the men they love.These are not stories of helpless females shut up in high towers waiting around for a handsome man to rescue them while they sleep for years or from brushing their golden hair a lot. These heroines have far more to distinguish them than the fact that they (sometimes) end up married to a prince.Stories included here are:The Snow Queen by Hans Christian AndersenMolly Whuppie and the Double-faced Giant by Flora Annie SteelA Pottle of Brains by Joseph JacobsCap O' Rushes by Joseph JacobsHansel and Gretel by the Brothers GrimmMr. Fox by Joseph JacobsClever Grethel by the Brothers GrimmKari Woodengown by P. C. AbsjornsenThe Twelve Dancing Princesses by the Brothers GrimmFelicia and the Pot of Pinks by Madame la Comtesse d'AulnoyThe Iron Stove by Miss MulockThe Hedley Kow by Joseph JacobsThe Six Sillies by Monsieur LemoineBaba Yaga, a Russian folk tale re-told by Verra Xenophontovna Kalamatiano De BlumenthalThe Old Woman in the Woods by the Brothers GrimmThe Idle Spinner by the Brothers GrimmThe Twelve Brothers by the Brothers GrimmFrederick and Catherine by the Brothers GrimmLittle Red Cap by the Brothers GrimmBeauty and The Beast by Marie Le Prince de Beaumont