Hansel & Gretel

by Bethan Woollvin (Author) Bethan Woollvin (Illustrator)

Hansel & Gretel
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Deep in the forest lives a witch named Willow. She is a good witch, who only uses good magic--until she meets Hansel and Gretel. Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails. Or entire portions of her gingerbread house being devoured. Or anyone fiddling with her spells and magic books and causing a ruckus.

But Hansel and Gretel are two very naughty and very rude children, and they are trying Willow's patience. This subversive and deliciously wicked retelling of Hansel & Gretel features her signature striking and humorous visuals, and a twist ending that is sure to surprise and delight.

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Observant readers will note the delightfully macabre cookie cutters on the book’s front and back covers, under the jacket.

School Library Journal

Even a good witch has her limits, as Woollvin proves in her third twisted fairy tale following Little Red and Rapunzel. Willow, in her triangular gray cape and peaked hat combo, is a kind witch who has built herself a cozy gingerbread home. Concerned that bread crumbs being dropped by two children may lead rodents to her tasty abode, she asks Hansel and Gretel to help her pick up the debris. The self-centered kids refuse, so Willow cleans up the mess herself. "But Willow did not get angry, because Willow was a good witch." Though she graciously invites the hungry children to dinner, the twins continue to create chaos, eating all the food and breaking into Willow's store of magic props. Making a valiant attempt at remaining courteous and staying cool, Willow has finally had enough. Gray and black gouache illustrations painted on white cartridge paper are highlighted with pops of bright orange in solid blocks of color. VERDICT  The wicked children get their just desserts, and readers get a humorous and unique version of an oft-told tale. Purchase for most shelves.—Maryann H. Owen, Oak Creek Public Library WI

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

ALA/Booklist

Children will enjoy comparing the traditional story to this delightfully twisted version.

Review quotes



Bethan Woollvin
Bethan Woollvin graduated from the Cambridge School of Art with a First Class Degree in illustration. She has since made a name for herself with dark and witty twists on traditional stories. Her first book, Little Red, was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book, and she's since gained acclaim for creating instantly recognizable works with bold, graphic artwork and loads of humor. Follow Bethan on Instagram @bethanwoollvin and visit her on the web at www.bethanwoollvin.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781682630730
Lexile Measure
610
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Peachtree Publishers
Publication date
October 02, 2018
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV012040 - Juvenile Fiction | Fairy Tales & Folklore | Adaptations
Library of Congress categories
Brothers and sisters
Witches
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, 09/01/18

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