So many shows, so little time and budget. Here’s some top picks for the family at this year's Fringe

Alfie White: Space Explorer
Fringe favourites Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom) return with this touching tale of a little boy who tells everyone his dad is going to the moon. But is he?
Pleasance Courtyard, 5–30 Aug (not 19), 2.05pm

Arabian Nights
This highly physical and engaging show was a surprise hit at last year’s Fringe, so it’s great to see Story Pocket Theatre bringing it back, along with two other shows: A Pocketful of Grimms and Storyteller Storyteller.
Gilded Balloon, 5–23 Aug (not 18), 11.15am

Funz and Gamez Tooz
Winner of the Panel Prize at the 2014 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards, this slightly anarchic show from comedian Phil Ellis sees children go onstage to compete for prizes, much to the amusement of the adults in the audience.
Assembly George Square, 5–31 Aug (not 25), 3.20pm

Grandad and Me
A blend of theatre and dance from The Letter J, who tackle the sensitive subjects of love and loss through a young girl remembering her granddad.
Summerhall, 8–23 Aug (not 9–10, 17), 12.05pm

Gruffalos, Ladybirds and Other Beasts, with Julia Donaldson
Several theatre companies have transferred Julia Donaldson’s work from picture book to stage – but here’s the woman herself (joined by husband Malcolm, sister Mary and two young actors) performing Zog, The Gruffalo, Jack and the Flumflum Tree, What the Ladybird Heard, A Squash and a Squeeze and others.
Underbelly George Square, 6–31 Aug (not 19), 11.30am

The History of Music
From cave men creating rhythm with their bodies, through Romans and the Middle Ages to present day, this entertaining show is full of popular cultural and filmic references. Performed by talented Canadian musicians, Buzz Brass.
New Town Theatre, 6–30 Aug (not 17–18), 1pm

The Last of the Dragons
Setting out to challenge gender stereotypes, while still harnessing the fun and magic of fairytales, this show by Manhattan Children’s Theatre is about princes, princesses, dragons and a new way of rescuing.
Pleasance Courtyard, 5–31 Aug, 12pm

The Magic Porridge Pot and Other Tasty Tales
A hearty cheer rings out across Edinburgh at the news that Theatre of Widdershins is back at the Fringe after a short absence. Following the fabulous King’s Got Donkey’s Ears and Rapunzel & the Tower of Doom amongst others, comes this new take on the popular tale.
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 5–30 Aug, 1pm

Our Teacher’s a Troll
Quite possibly the best theatrical venue at the Fringe, the Roundabout is the perfect location for this superb offering from Paines Plough and Half Moon Theatre, where cracking performances bring Dennis Kelly’s book to life.
Roundabout at Summerhall, 6–23 Aug (not 11, 18), 11am

The Scarecrows’ Wedding
Scamp Theatre continue their long run of Julia Donaldson adaptations with this lively version of her popular storybook, in which two scarecrows find their dream nuptials under threat.
Underbelly George Square, 6–31 Aug (not 19), 2.50pm

The Secret Life of Suitcases
Puppeteer Ailie Cohen introduces us to Larry, an office worker with a place for everything – until an abandoned suitcase shows him a different, and altogether more exciting, side to life.
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 8–23 Aug (not 12, 17), 3pm

Shakespeare Untold: Romeo and Juliet (The Party Planners Tale) and Shakespeare Untold: Titus Andronicus (The Pie Maker’s Tale)
London’s Globe Theatre makes its Fringe debut with two Shakespeare plays looked at from an alternate angle.
Pleasance Courtyard, 5–31 Aug (not 12, 19, 26), 12.30pm (Romeo) and 1.40pm (Titus)

The Secret Life of Suitcases | Unicorn Theatre 18 Sep - 12 Oct & touring | For ages 4+