Nursery rhymes are universally loved from the time we are children, but somewhere along the way — often without even realizing it — we hit an age where we decide, “That stuff’s for babies.” The following books tap into the sense of childhood wonder and familiarity that nursery rhymes evoke. They retell these familiar stories in a way that’s engaging but still retains the original charm, presenting them through a lens that feels fresh, clever, and decidedly more grown-up.
Eeny Meeny by M. J. Arlidge
Eeny Meeny, the first in its series, follows Inspector Helen Grace as she works with her team to solve a murder where the killer is abducting people in pairs. A twisted and gruesome novel, this Saw-like thriller kept me on the edge of my seat as I was taken along on an emotional rollercoaster. Helen’s leadership and dark past make her a compelling heroine you want to see succeed.
The Itsy Bitsy Liar by Abigail Manning
What if the itsy bitsy spider could only weave a web of lies? This independently published novel is the first in a young adult series and leaves us itching for more nursery rhyme retellings. The main character, Lacey Arachne, is cursed to only tell lies, which leaves her at a disadvantage in life, work, and romance. When she finds herself thrust into a competition vying for a prince’s attention, she must find a way to lie her way through without being caught.
Red by Kate SeRine
This fun twist on the nursery rhyme and fairy tale world makes for a delightful read that I love revisiting. This is the first in a series that follows iconic nursery rhyme characters as they solve crimes. Suspenseful and gritty, this one is a must-add to your TBR.
Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes Edited by Georgia McBride and Michelle Zink
Content Warning: This book contains depictions of sexual assault and may be triggering for some readers. Please exercise personal care when reading.
Whether you’re looking for something dark and brooding, mystery, action, or a classic moral story, this book has it all. Hickory Dickory Dock, Jack and Jill, The Cow Jumped Over the Moon, and more are all taken to new heights in this anthology. The best part about a collection of short stories is that you get to test-drive new authors, and there are some incredible ones you won’t want to miss out on in this book!
Slaughtered Nursery Rhymes: For Grown-Ups by Ian Hooper, Illustrated by Mike Porter
Perfect for readers with a dark sense of humor, this book offers twisted retellings of familiar nursery rhymes. Wonderfully illustrated and beautifully written, you will almost wish you hadn’t ruined your childhood with these slaughtered nursery rhymes. Almost.
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson
An expert at crafting fast-paced mysteries, James Patterson knows how to keep readers hooked. The first installment in a series, Along Came a Spider follows homicide detective Alex Cross as he hunts for a missing girl. While not a strict retelling, the series continues to utilize many classic nursery rhymes such as Jack and Jill, Pop Goes the Weasel, and London Bridge.
Mother Goth Rhymes by Kaz Windness
Reviewers agree this is a wildly funny and darkly humorous book for both those who love all things macabre and those who don’t. Equally as classic as their inspirations, these nursery rhyme retellings have a bit of everything, from familiarity to a morbid aesthetic. The fantastic illustrations are a boon to the clever poems.
Bryant & May: London Bridge Is Falling Down by Christopher Fowler
The Peculiar Crimes Unit takes center stage in this series of books, which follow Bryant and May as they solve crimes in a classic whodunit style. This unique retelling follows the first line of the London Bridge nursery rhyme straight to the point but continues with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout.
Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake
Dahl’s quirky imagination combines with traditional folk tales for a laugh-out-loud experience you will remember for years to come. Adults and teens will love the gruesome twist endings and sing-song rhymes of this cleverly written book.
That’s all for our adult nursery rhyme recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a story that showcases the nursery rhyme in full or something a little more subtle, there are so many to choose from!
Looking for more retellings of classic stories? Check out our article on 5 Authors Reimagining Classic Folklore Through Beautiful Retellings.
Find these books and more on our For The Love of Poetry bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
