Hansel and Gretel: Book Review

The Story

Hansel and Gretel is a tale of childhood terror and the resourcefulness that children have in finding ways for survival. In this version retold by Rika Lesser and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky the depth of the story as first collected by the brothers Grimm is given with truthful richness.

Lesser goes back to the first and second editions of Grimm’s tales to tell the story, but she is adamant that her telling is not the translation of any one text. Lesser’s telling of the story is concise and beautiful. Written in short sentences, the prose is simple, clear, and to the point. Lesser carries the reader directly into the hearts of Hansel and Gretel and to the stronghold of their fears and resourcefulness.

In returning to the earliest versions of the story, Lesser brings us to the darkest versions of the story. The versions where the person who sought to dispose of the children wasn’t a stranger but someone who ought to have held them closest to her heart, their mother.

The Illustrations

Zelinksy’s illustrations are suitably dark. Often the brightest light, clarity, or focus of the paintings falls on the oddly old faces of the children. Perhaps the clarity is a representation of the hope that children can carry in themselves even when the world is bleak.

The aged faces of the children seem to represent a popular psychological interpretation of the tale that seeks to use the story as an analogy for growing up, separating from parents, and the resultant rebirth into adulthood. It certainly seems as if the children’s faces hold the ending of the story in them already.

The Awards

The faithfulness and honesty of Lesser and Zelinsky’s presentation of this fairy tale won them numerous awards. Hansel and Gretel was a Caldecott Honor Book, ALA Notable Children’s Book, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, and a Bratislava Biennale Selection.

In Conclusion

This retelling of Hansel and Gretel is a valuable addition to the book collections of those who love fairy tales, and fine art. While some may fear exposing their children to the darker elements of this story, it is good to remember that often fairy tales are a good place for children to understand the fears that they live with and a safe place for children to work through those fears.

For another fairy tale illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky read about the children’s picture book Rapunzel.

Learn more about the original fairy tale Hansel and Gretel.

Hansel and Gretel Retold by Rika Lesser Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky (Dutton Children’s Books, ISBN 0-525-46152-3).

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