The Sleeping Beauty by Arthur Rackham

This is the traditional fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, as told through pictures by Arthur Rackham.

A queen is granted her wish for her child by an enchanted frog. Fairies are invited to attend the christening. However, one fairy who was mistakenly not invited, curses the child, saying she will pierce her hand on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die. Another fairy tries to reverse the curse by casting another spell. She cannot cancel the spell, but diminishes the curse - instead of death, Sleeping Beauty and everyone in the palace will fall into a deep sleep for 100 years. The enchantment can only be broken by a prince's kiss.

A deep forest grows up around the palace but one prince manages to break through and finding the sleeping beauty wakes her with a kiss.

Arthur Rackham's beautiful silhouette drawings bring this classic tale to life.

Enjoy another favourite fairy tale, retold by Arthur Rackham - Cinderella.