Hansel and Gretel

I was familiar with the Hansel and Gretel story since I was a child, but the beautiful illustrations by Jen Corace were what drew me in and brought this story back to life for me once again! 5 stars for a truly great childrens book!

We bought this book for our 4-year-old along with a Gretel costume. The book is perfect--just a little scary without being too graphic. Our daughter has thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and learning this classic story.

Bought this for my 5 year old granddaughter, who totally LOVED this story. She was able to verbalize that although the "old woman" wore a smile, she was really " a bad person". With this thought, she was able to make the connection of "bad people" in this world, who could fool you when they wear a smile and appear "nice" to you. She also had favorite parts (the pictoral illustrations were wonderful!) which depicted "good" things, i.e., the "house made of sugar...", when the brother and sister demonstrated their cleverness and courage and how they protecting one another. This is now her favorite book that is read to her over and over. She loves it so much that her reading skills have also increased as she always asks, "what word is this?" so she can read it herself.

Absolutely incredible illustrations and a lovely rendition of the story - it really flows off your tongue when reading aloud. Although I think they are above the target age for this book, my nine and eight year old kids ask for it to be read to them repeatedly. It would make a wonderful gift.

Bought this for my 4 year old. She loves the scariness (just enough) of the story and the willingness of the children to fend for themselves and find courage. The drawings are very wonderful and she enjoys reading this again and again. Issues that she did not understand: mothers that die and stepmothers that are mean and why people can smile without really meaning it. All topics for new exploration and understanding.