Gaiman, Neil. Hansel
and Gretel, 53 pgs. Toon Graphics, 2014. $16.95. Language: G; Violence PG
(fairytale violence); Content: PG.
This story follows the typical version of
Hansel and Gretel in which the children are led into the forest and left behind
to fend for themselves. They come upon an old woman who welcomes them into her
home and begins fattening up Hansel so that she can eat him. The ordeal
concludes with Gretel shoving the old woman into the oven, where she is burned
alive and the children find their way back home.
Neil Gaiman was inspired to
write this version of Hansel and Gretel when he saw Lorenzo Mattotti’s artwork
depicting the story. This book is a combination of the two. Gaiman’s retelling
is a traditional version of the fairy tale and is unsurprisingly written with
his beautiful textual imagery in a very dark setting. The illustrations reflect the same dark tone.
Definitely meant for older elementary students and middle school, this is a
great version for visualizing the story.
EL, MS –ADVISABLE. Reviewed by: Shay,
School Librarian