A version of Hansel & Gretel

I saw this book in a coffee shop, in its children section. I did not have the time to read it to little Wolfie, but I took a snapshot to make sure I would remember it and try to find it later to buy it to my son, as he seemed really interested by its cover. I love dark, old fairy tales and Hansel and Gretel is among my favourite (I love stories with scary evil witches that get their comeuppance). I have the original from the Brothers Grimm, but I wanted one version that is more suitable for children (if that makes sense). Okay, so this one looks a bit too light for my taste: I prefer darker colours and and the clothes of Hansel and Gretel look too modern. But it will do for now, and beside I have one from the same collection, so it would make sense I buy this book and not another take. Or actually, why not buy many more and see which one I, errr... I mean, Wolfie prefers?

Hansel & Gretel

This week, at the school where my wife works, they did with the children a stage adaptation of Hansel and Gretel. Unfortunately I could not go and see it, but it made me want rediscover the old take. Like many old fairy tales, I find this one deliciously terrifying. I know the stage version the pupils played had been toned down with many comedic moments. I will know more about it, as we are going to see my wife's friend and her daughter and her friend (the ticklers), both pupils at her school, will tell me all about it. Until later, I will leave you with this old animated adaptation by Ray Harryhausen, who was very young at the time. The children look almost as creepy as the witch. Harryhausen takes a few liberties with the story, but still it is a great take on the tale, with an ugly, evil, sinister, nasty witch that could scare even the most adult adults.