Thursday, 9 July 2026

USING FOLKLORE IN MODERN CHILDREN'S STORIES by Sharon Tregenza

 I think folklore is an absolute gift to children's authors. The more I dip into it, the more wonderful stories come to light sparking ideas galore for new books.  Where else can you find so many ghosts, witches, giants and mermaids. 


Dragging these tales into the modern world is an interesting exercise in itself. Think of a giant struggling with an iphone, a mermaid having to deal with plastic pollution and a witch going viral with her TikTok dance. 




Old myths and legends feel fresh when they're transported into modern life. It also works well for creating a strong sense of place - mysterious caves, dangerous cliffs and creepy woods. All luscious stuff. 




The issues and themes haven't changed. I can look for the the greed, the courage and the kindness and they're all there. Just a twist of time here, and an update there, and before you know it you got a fun, scary story that everyone will enjoy.




* The illustrations I've used here are the artwork of Caitlin Turner. I bought these cards on my latest trip to Cornwall. I found them scary but beautiful.


Email: sharontregenza@gmail.com

www.sharontregenza.com

8 comments:

Toni said...

Then with the Tegenza touch the magic happens

Penny Dolan said...

Beautiful art work too: something green and misty or hazy about these characters appearances.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely agree! The scariest myths and legends were my favourite reads when I was a child. And love that artwork - inspirational!

Sue Purkiss said...

Looking forward to reading these stories!

Anonymous said...

That's a lovely thing to say, Toni. Thank you. :) xx

Anonymous said...

It's a little magical isn't it, Penny.

Anonymous said...

Fun to enter into these worlds isn't it.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Sue. Plenty on the way. :)