Hansel and Gretel
By Rika Lesser
The Story
A poor woodcutter's two children, abandoned in the forest, discover a house made of bread, cakes, and candy — and the wicked witch who lives there has a taste for children.
Why It's Special
For families who love a good scare at bedtime, this is the classic fairy tale in its full, unsoftened form — dread, hunger, and cleverness all intact.
- Big idea: Siblings facing danger together can outwit forces far more powerful than they are.
- Vibes: Hushed, atmospheric, and a little dangerous — gorgeous oil paintings that hold real menace alongside real beauty.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are ready for a classic tale told with its original edge
- love studying richly detailed illustrations
- enjoy stories with a clever escape from danger
- are drawn to fairy tales with real stakes
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Hansel and Gretel followed the path into the forest?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Hansel and Gretel felt when they first saw the house made of bread and candy?
- Imagination: If you found a house made of your favorite treats, what would you do first?
- Real-life connection: Can you think of a time something looked too good to be true?
- Art & illustration: What details did you notice in the paintings that made the forest feel scary or magical?
