#744 of 1001 · August 14, 2022

Lately I’ve been itching to do another Fairy Tale Theme Week—specifically another Sequel Week—specifically Hansel and Gretel. Let’s begin. Here is an adaptation written and illustrated by Susan Jeffers, who has hewn closely to the text of the Brothers Grimm. The art comprises fine-line pen drawn over a detailed pencil sketch (which was then erased) and colored with ink and dyes. Fine hatching and intricate pebbled patterns create delicate natural textures. Jeffers, picking up on clues left by the Brothers Grimm, links the witch to the children’s stepmother by giving her an eerily similar outfit—a ruffled bonnet, a purple dress with a white apron and ruffled collar, black shoes, and a shawl with an identical pink floral pattern. An observation: This is the 1980 edition of he book. The 2011 edition features the same text with a few deletions (confusingly, credited to author Amy Ehrlich, whose name was nowhere to be found in the original). More strikingly, the illustrations have been altered for the reissue—the witch’s facial features have been altered, evidently to make her less frightening, as has fence of gingerbread children. A few of the more chilling vignettes have been omitted entirely. This subtle bowdlerization is perplexing in a tale that so thoroughly dwells in the emotions of fear and despair. On principle, I have chosen to present the original. #forest #woods #house #witch #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks