Gidwitz, Adam. A Tale Dark & Grimm. 2010. 256 pp. $16.99. Dutton. 978-0-525-42334-8 / 0-525-42334-6. Ages 10-13. Adam Gidwitz tells the “true” story of Hansel and Gretel with irreverent humor. After being murdered (and brought back to life) by their own father, the two children wander through the landscape of several of Grimm’s lesser known tales, trying to find a substitute caretaker. After a string of failures, from a baker woman who tries to eat them, to a meeting with the devil himself, they must take happily ever after into their own hands by saving their own parents. Gidwitz frequently interjects humorous observations and warnings of the bloody scenes to come, a technique that becomes grating at the end of the novel. A fresh and unsanitized retelling of Hansel and Gretel which cleverly exploits the original tales’ gore to draw in readers, especially horror and fantasy lovers and non-traditional fairy tale readers. Recommended. Ages 10-13 I read this book on the plane for California to Chicago and very much enjoyed it. It is written by a teacher/author who uses Grimm fairy tales in his classroom to much enthusiasm. He decided to write a book stinging them together all while breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to the reader to alert him or her to upcoming horror or plot twists. It was a super fun read given to me by a student of mine who met Gidwitz and bestowed upon me a signed copy. It was a real treat. I can't wait to share it with my nine-year-old son.
What do You think about A Tale Dark And Grimm (2011)?
Conte revisité de manière sympathique. Ca se laisse lire avec un certain plaisir.
—alysssha
hilarious. the reader on this one is fantastic.
—boosie123
I can see where children would like this.
—cub
this book is the best book in the world
—heathermichelle
