Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Retelling of familiar tale has exquisite art, rich prose.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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 :
- Illustrator : Lorenzo Mattotti
- Genre : Fairy Tale
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- 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 : October 1, 2025
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