It’s one of those stories that I invariably get the urge to re-read every winter when the days start getting darker. This one is based on Russian folklore and, short as it is, it’s packed with more otherworldly mystery and weird creatures than many books three times its length. It’s beautifully written too, and best of all, there are two further books in the trilogy. The way the author takes apart the familiar legend and then rebuilds it in 100 short chapters is breathtaking. Making the story of King Arthur feel as if it’s being told for the first time isn’t easy, but this book does just that. ARTHUR: THE SEEING STONE by Kevin Crossley Holland On the way, he encounters many creatures inspired by Norse legends, including a monstrous Spell-Hound that can only answer one question but will kill anyone who fails to guess what it is. The first full-length book for children by the Monty Python team member is about a Viking chief who sets out to find the land where the sun goes at night. THE SAGA OF ERIK THE VIKING by Terry Jones, illustrated by Michael Foreman Early episodes from the chronicles, all inspired by Welsh myths from the Mabinogion, were filmed by Disney as The Black Cauldron, but the books are obviously much richer.

Taran starts out as an Assistant Pig Keeper to a magician, but the final book in the series is called The High King, which some might consider a bit of a spoiler.

THE CHRONICLES OF PRYDAIN by Lloyd Alexander There are also stone circles and a unicorn, both of which invariably make any book better. The book is layered with references to Irish and Arthurian Grail legends. The spear, sword, cauldron and stone are the four treasures of the Tuatha De Danaan from the Irish Otherworld. Roland, his brothers and sister are transported to the dying land of Elidor, where they’re given four objects to bring back to our world and keep safe. What follows is a totally original fantasy suffused with echoes of Welsh myth. On his ninth birthday, Gwyn’s grandmother gives him five gifts: 'a piece of seaweed, a yellow scarf, a tin whistle, a twisted metal brooch, and a small, broken horse.' She wants to find out if Gwyn is a wizard, like his ancestors. They're all based on myths and legends, and there are some you might not even have heard of yet. Ian Mark gives us a range of books – from the epic to spooky – that are perfect for young readers who can't get enough of magic and fantasy. Myths and legends: Read the very best children books that draw on folklore

The snow spider by jenny nimmo