A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Reviewed by Lori
Tale Dark And Grimm
Title: A Tale Dark and Grimm

Series:  The Grimm Series

Author: Adam Gidwitz

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 51063

Description: Follows Hansel and Gretel as they walk out of their own story and into eight more tales, encountering such wicked creatures as witches, along with kindly strangers and other helpful folk.

Rubric Rating: Level 3 - Laud It

Why I Read It: A fantastic title and a love for all things Grimm!

Lori's Notes: A re-writing of a few fairy tales to include Hansel and Gretel (including their own). These two children run away from home, have adventures including a rescue, a trip to hell, and outwitting a murderer.  Some of the stories are dark - just as the Grimm stories were - and bloody.  The narrator who interjects throughout the stories is funny and sarcastic.  I really enjoyed this book and having read many of the original Grimm tales I liked the return of the more grisly parts!

Recommended Readers: This book would be a great read aloud for a slightly older elementary school audience.  Grade 5 and up.

Themes: Fairy Tales Retold, Brother and Sister, Family, Good and Evil, Naughty Children, Crime and Punishment, Happily Ever After.

Cross-Genre Links:
Movie: Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
Fairy Tale: Hansel and Gretel
TV Show: Once Upon a Time

Post Reading Discussion Questions and Activities:
  • Read the original story of Hansel and Gretel.  How is it different than the modern version.
  • What other fairy tales are in this novel?
  • Why do you think fairy tales were originally so dark and grim?
  • How do Hansel and Gretel escape their fate?
  • Create an artwork piece similar to the cover for a scene from the novel.

Other Books in this Series: 


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