Written by Adam Gidwitz
Middle Grade Fiction, Ages 8 and up
(Published in 2010 by Dutton Children's Books)
This is a deliciously gruesome and imaginative tale, done in the original Grimm style, only much better written, with some hilarious, pithy, but sympathetic narrative asides. (It's worth reading the book just for those.)
The story is a clever combination of several fairy tales (Hansel and Gretel, Faithful Johannes, The Seven Ravens, Brother and Sister, The Robber Bridegroom, and The Devil and His Three Golden Hairs) and the author's own originality. It makes for a scary good read. (It would make an excellent read-aloud. But as the narrator warns, it is gruesome and scary in places, so know your child.)
Here's wishing you many more books, Mr. Gidwitz. I eagerly anticipate reading them.
This is the second glowing review of this book I've seen. It sounds interesting! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI had mixed feelings -- like you said, know your child. Parts of it seemed really scary to me.
ReplyDeleteAmy, do read it, and let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thanks so much for reading and commenting! I appreciate it.
I can certainly understand your mixed feelings. I had mixed feelings while I read as to whether my almost 8 year old and 6 year old are ready for it. I haven't decided.
On the other hand, having worked and been around kids a lot, I have to remind myself that young kids don't fully understand gruesome in the same way we do. And hearing it read is much tamer than seeing it in graphic display in a movie or video game.
Looks like fun. I think I'll add it to my TBR mountain. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have found you via Suey's blog :)