Title: Hansel and Gretel
Author: Eloise Wilkin
First published January 1, 1812
32 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780307021113 (ISBN10: 0307021114)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
Once upon a time, in a far-off land, there lived a poor woodcutter with his wife and two children. The boy was named Hansel, and his little sister was called Gretel.
This timeless story follows the siblings as they get lost in the woods and stumble upon a magical gingerbread house owned by a wicked witch. With Hansel’s cleverness and Gretel’s bravery, they outsmart the witch and find their way back home to their loving father.
This heartwarming tale has captured the hearts of readers for generations and remains a treasured classic to this day. Originally collected by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812, it has endured as a beloved fairy tale for all ages.
About the Author
Eloise Margaret Wilkin, originally named Eloise Margaret Burns, was an illustrator from the United States. She was most famous for her illustrations in Little Golden Books, which have become beloved classics of American children’s literature.
Jane Werner Watson, a prolific editor and writer of Golden Books, once referred to Wilkin as “the heart and soul” of Little Golden Books. Even today, Wilkin’s books are highly sought after by collectors.
Her watercolor and colored pencil illustrations are renowned for their warm and glowing depictions of babies, toddlers, and their families in peaceful and domestic landscapes.
Editoral Review
Hansel and Gretel by Eloise Wilkin is a classic fairy tale published on January 1, 1812, that tells the story of two siblings who get lost in the woods and are captured by a wicked witch. Wilkin is a renowned children’s book author and illustrator, best known for her realistic and delicate watercolors.
This book falls under the genre of children’s literature, with a focus on fairy tales, folklore, and morality tales. The story begins with a poor woodcutter and his wife deciding to leave their children, Hansel and Gretel, in the forest to fend for themselves as they cannot afford to keep them.
Hansel and Gretel find their way back home using breadcrumbs. The witch captures them and plans to eat them after they unknowingly take her home.
The siblings outsmart the witch and escape, reuniting with their father and living happily ever after. Wilkin’s Hansel and Gretel follows the traditional storyline of the fairy tale but is brought to life with her beautiful illustrations.
The book is aimed at young children and is perfect for parents to read to their kids as a bed-time story, or for early readers to enjoy on their own. The underlying theme of the story is that good triumphs over evil, and that children with quick wit and a loving heart can overcome any obstacle.
The book remains culturally significant as it is read and beloved by children all over the world. It continues to influence popular culture, with adaptations such as movies, operas, and plays.
Hansel and Gretel also highlights the theme of parents’ responsibilities towards their children, a subject that is still relevant today and can spark important conversations. Although Hansel and Gretel is a timeless classic, there are some limitations in Wilkin’s writing style.
Some critics argue that her storytelling lacks depth and character development. The book also caters to a young audience, so it may not be as engaging or challenging for older readers.
That being said, Wilkin’s illustrations make up for any flaws in the writing. With soft hues and realistic images, the book is a delight to look at.
It has a slow, peaceful pace suitable for children and is a gentle introduction to the world of fairy tales. Overall, Hansel and Gretel is a classic fairy tale that continues to captivate young readers.
Its moral themes and traditional storyline make it a timeless treasure in children’s literature. Parents and educators can use it as a tool to encourage children to read and learn about moral values.
Based on its value and historical significance, I would recommend Hansel and Gretel for any child’s bookshelf. However, I would give it four out of five stars and recommend it for a younger audience due to its simple writing style.
