Sleeping Beauty (Once Upon a World)

Sleeping Beauty is a beautiful retelling of the classic fairy tale, but what makes it stand out is how it is set in an African setting with a diverse cast of characters.

The story follows Princess Rebecca, who is placed under a curse as a baby and must find a way to break it before it’s too late. Even though the storyline is familiar, the setting, visuals, and cultural elements make it feel new and refreshing. It still keeps that magical fairy tale feeling, but it adds something more meaningful by showing a different perspective that isn’t often seen in traditional versions.

What really stood out to me personally is the representation. As a POC, I rarely saw books like this growing up, especially classic fairy tales that actually included characters who looked like me. That made this book feel important, not just enjoyable. It’s something I would definitely read to kids because it allows them to see themselves in the fairytale stories that have been around for generations. At the same time, it introduces all children to different cultures in a natural and positive way. The illustrations are bright and detailed, and they really bring the setting to life in a way that feels warm and inviting.

I also liked how simple and easy the story is for younger readers. It keeps the main idea of the original tale without making it too complicated, which makes it perfect for bedtime or quiet reading. My favorite part is just seeing such a well-known story told in a way that feels more inclusive and thoughtful. It’s not just a retelling, it actually adds value by showing that these stories can include and belong to everyone.