Hansel and Gretel
ISBN13
9781509842698
Review published
19/07/2018
By Reviewer
Kyle
Star Rating
By Author / Illustrator
Bethan Woollvin
Age range(s)
3+
Review
In this adaption of the famous traditional tale, Willow the witch becomes the main character. From the start, we are introduced to her as a good witch with kind intentions. As the story develops, we find that she has to battle with two rude and ungrateful children called Hansel and Gretel. These two children have begun to eat her home and all food before stealing her magic and shoving her in the oven. Despite all of this, Willow continues to try and find the good within them - excusing their behaviour. Eventually, though, Willow can take no more and the children meet an untimely end. Filled with beautifully quirky pictures, Bethan Woollvin has created a wonderful innovation of the story that share with the children the importance of treating others as you would wish to be treated. Those familiar with the story will enjoy seeing how events unfold from a fresh point of view and that itself can prompt thoughtful discussions. I really enjoyed how the emotion of the witch is explored throughout the book and how we learn that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher.
