Customer Reviews

Hansel and Gretel (Pixies, 14)

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I borrowed this book from the library. I actually borrowed several picture books of Hansel and Gretel to compare which one I liked before I purchased any. I was specifically looking for an original translation, and this was it! The witch's house is not made of all colorful pretty candy in this book. The roof is a cake, a pioneer type of cake; the wall is made of bread; and the window pane is pure sugar. This is more believable from the Brother Grimm's time.

I would also like to point out that Hansel and Gretel believe in God's protection. That religion was a very important culture when the Brothers Grimm collected this tale. If a religion is taken out of this fairy tale, it should be considered "diluted."

I read this book to my 4-year-old daughter. She sat through and asked many questions while I read to her, which was the same reaction as the other Hansel and Gretel's. She didn't seem bored at all. This may be just a parent's preference, but I prefer emerging my daughter in original tales that survived generations after generations.

If you are looking for something authentic without Disney's garnish, you will be happy with this one.

Hansel and Gretel happens to be my favorite fairy tale; I have many versions and my best loved is illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. The Publisher's Weekly technical criticisms re gutters, bleeding, etc., are very true; but unless you are in the publishing field these details are not particularly noticeable. The story is the original; it has not been made politically correct. Zwerger's illustrations are Germanic in feel, which is appropriate for a Grimm story. And the overall sepia tone takes you back to a time when such tales were first being told. The illustrations, like so many of Zwerger's, are perfectly matched to the plot and emotions of this fairy tale.