Hansel & Gretel
Retelling of familiar tale has exquisite art, rich prose.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this picture-book edition of Hansel & Gretel by Neil Gaiman (The Graveyard Book, Coraline) does not stray far from the familiar story but adds some interesting literary flourishes and captivating black-and-white illustrations by Lorenzo Mattotti. The children's mother actively plans to abandon them. Their woodcutter father is more conflicted, but he's too cowardly to stand up to his wife. The evil old woman with the gingerbread house is scary but not excessively so.
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What's the Story?
The children of a woodcutter and his wife, Hansel and Gretel have a good life until war and famine undermine the family's hope for survival. Their mother orders their father to abandon them in the forest. After he reluctantly agrees, the children find their way home. The next time, though, Hansel and Gretel find themselves truly lost -- until they stumble upon a gingerbread house with a spooky tenant.
Is It Any Good?
In most ways, HANSEL & GRETEL is a straightforward retelling of the Grimms' fairy tale, but writer Neil Gaiman and illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti add their own special touches to the project. Gaiman's prose is exact and graceful, adding new details that provide psychological perspective. The india-ink illustrations emphasize the darkness of the tale, rendering every element in shadow and silhouette, but never obscuring the action. The oversize Deluxe edition is especially beautiful, a worthy addition to any child's home library.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why fairy tales such as Hansel & Gretel endure across the centuries. What characteristics do these tales possess that allow them to be retold in so many ways?
How do people behave in the face of disasters such as war and famine? Can adversity change their beliefs and morals?
Why have old woman been suspected of being witches throughout history?
Book Details
- Author: Neil Gaiman
- Illustrator: Lorenzo Mattotti
- Genre: Fairy Tale
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Brothers and Sisters, Fairy Tales
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Toon Books
- Publication date: October 28, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 7 - 10
- Number of pages: 60
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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A Tale Dark and Grimm
Exciting, funny, violent, and touching Hansel & Gretel tale.
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The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children
Grimm's witch returns to cook again in darkly funny tale.
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The Witch's Curse
Brother and sister dodge more evil in funny, scary sequel.
For kids who love fairy tales and horror
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