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Book cover of Hansel and Gretel
Individual Fairy Tales, Fairy Tales & Folklore - General & Miscellaneous, Fairy Tales & Folklore - Regional, Fiction - General & Miscellaneous

Hansel and Gretel

by James Marshall, James Marshall (Illustrator), Brothers Grimm
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Overview

Abandoned in the woods, what will Hansel and Gretel - so innocent, so vulnerable, so deliciously plump - do when they come face-to-face with a dastardly, ugly, over-dressed witch?

A poor woodcutter's children, lost in the forest, come upon a house made of cookies, cakes, and candy, occupied by a wicked witch who likes to have children for dinner.

Synopsis

Abandoned in the woods, what will Hansel and Gretel - so innocent, so vulnerable, so deliciously plump - do when they come face-to-face with a dastardly, ugly, over-dressed witch?

Publishers Weekly

Marshall's trademark wit and slyness mark every page of this effervescent interpretation. Never has there been a more horribly magnificent witch than his--an overstuffed, cackling harridan resplendent in scarlet costume, lipstick and rouge, her hair bedecked with incongruously delicate bows. She is matched, perhaps even surpassed, in girth by the woodcutter's bad-tempered wife, whose piggish eyes, ferocious countenance and caustic barbs will prompt delicious shivers. The children triumph over both in high style, proving themselves worthy successors to the fairytale characters who have previously found new life in Marshall's hands. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Marshall's trademark wit and slyness mark every page of this effervescent interpretation. Never has there been a more horribly magnificent witch than his--an overstuffed, cackling harridan resplendent in scarlet costume, lipstick and rouge, her hair bedecked with incongruously delicate bows. She is matched, perhaps even surpassed, in girth by the woodcutter's bad-tempered wife, whose piggish eyes, ferocious countenance and caustic barbs will prompt delicious shivers. The children triumph over both in high style, proving themselves worthy successors to the fairytale characters who have previously found new life in Marshall's hands. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Children's Literature - Debra Briatico

Marshall combines humorous text and witty illustrations to retell the popular story of a brother and sister who use their resources and intelligence to survive terrible events that occur in the dark woods surrounding their house. Instead of becoming roasted dinner, Hansel and Gretel trick a horribly plump witch, grab her jewels and money, and live happily ever after with their father. This refreshingly funny version of the once gruesome Grimm tale, is sure to be a favorite among young readers.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3A wacky, witty warning to wicked witches everywhere. In his irreverent version of the classic tale, Marshall finds levity in the grimmest of situations and his candy-bright illustrations are as enticing as a house made of gingerbread. An absolute treat. (Dec. 1990)

Book Details

Published
September 1, 1994
Publisher
Penguin Group (USA)
Pages
240
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780140508369

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