Hansel and Gretel

By Rika Lesser, Paul O. Zelinsky (Illustrator)

Two siblings face abandonment and a witch's candy house in a dark, magical forest.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,904 ratings

48 pages· 1,703 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Hansel and Gretel, lost in a shadowy forest, stumble upon a candy house hiding dark secrets. As they navigate fear and temptation, will they find their way back to family? Discover a haunting retelling of this classic tale, where every brushstroke reveals the emotional depth and magic of their journey.

From the publisher

The first Grimm tale illustrated by 1998 Caldecott medalist Paul O. Zelinsky is once again available in hardcover. Originally published in 1984, Zelinsky’s paintings for “Hansel and Gretel” are as compelling as his later work and will captivate readers with their mysterious beauty, emotional power, and brilliant originality. Each spread brings to life a world as rich and real as our own detailed, colorful, sensual yet filled with the unearthly shadowed magic of the Hansel and Gretel folktale. Whether portraying the fear and anguish of children abandoned by their parents, the delicious sumptuousness of a candy house, or the joy of being reunited with one’s family, the artist captures the subtle nuances of emotion and the tactile quality of the physical world with exquisite accuracy and elegance. The hauntingly spare retelling of this perennial favorite by the poet Rika Lesser perfectly complements the vivid storytelling of Zelinsky’s artwork. Once again this gifted artist gives us a unique interpretation of a beloved fairy tale, allowing us to both see it anew and rediscover its eternal truths.