The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Globe Life

Discussion

May 22, 2011

Jeana Gockley, book review: Retelling of fairy tales shocking, exciting

By Jeana Gockley Globe Columnist

JOPLIN, Mo. — "A Tale Dark and Grimm"

By Adam Gidwitz

Grades 4-8

I had been waiting to read this book for almost a month, and it was worth the wait.

I first saw it at Judy Freeman's "What to Read Next" workshop, but had to wait for the library's copy to arrive. I started it one day at lunch and finished it the same night.

It's rare that I finish a book in one day, so that should give you some indication of how much I liked it.

Debut author Adam Gidwitz combines original Grimm's fairy tales with twin main characters, Hansel and Gretel, to take readers on a bloody and terrifying, yet magical, adventure.

But consider yourself warned: This book is not for the faint of heart or young children. Gidwitz stresses this throughout the book by periodically stopping the narrative to offer his two cents.

For example, in the introduction, he writes, "Before I go on, a word of warning: Grimm's stories -- the ones that weren't changed for little kids -- are violent and bloody. And what you're going to hear now, the one true tale in The Tales of Grimm, is as violent and bloody as you can imagine. Really. So if such things bother you, we should probably stop right now."

Gidwitz spares no bloody, gory detail, which may give parents pause, but most children (recommended age range is fourth grade and above) will not be able to put this one down.

When I first started reading it, my mouth was probably hanging open, especially because Hansel and Gretel are beheaded (and thankfully, reheaded) in the first chapter. But honestly, it only makes sense.

Grimm's fairy tales are ghastly affairs that center around greed, envy, jealousy, lust, cowardice, and most importantly in this tale, bad parenting. Children will be entranced by Gidwitz's use of Grimm's stories to weave a new one about Hansel and Gretel.

The cover is also impressive. Can it get any better than evil, glowing-eyed parents, a bloodstained sword, a dragon and three fierce ravens? I think not.

Another positive about this book: It will make readers seek out and read the original Grimm stories. Or at least it did me. The entire time I was reading this book, I kept thinking: I cannot wait to read the original tales and find others that Gidwitz did not include in the book.

 

Jeana Gockley is the children's librarian for the Joplin Public Library.

 

Text Only
Globe Life
  • 051913_star-rack2.jpg Prototype of a drying rack for Stars of Hope earns award, emotional response

    Michael Moritz, Travis Coffee and Kenneth Paylor had no idea that an assignment for their senior design class at Missouri Southern State University would win an award or the emotional gratitude from a service organization.

    May 20, 2013 2 Photos

  • ryan richardson Ryan Richardson: Groups give tips for preventing dog bites

    When I was a teenager in the '90s I had an unfortunate incident with my neighbor's dog, a Brittany, that I had grown up with. It took a chunk out of my thigh when I went into the neighbors' yard to retrieve a ball.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • 091108-Frankie-Meyer_c.jpg Frankie Meyer: Information is only as good as its source

    Those details later become crucial as contradictory information is found, which it will be. How can one decide which detail is correct if the sources of the details are unknown?

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Jeana Gockley 2013.jpg Jeana Gockley: Library lines up reading club books

    The Joplin Public Library's annual Summer Reading Club kicks off on Tuesday, May 28, so in preparation for a great summer of reading, I have been digging for titles that fit with this year's "Dig Into Reading" theme.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • 091108-Frankie-Meyer_c.jpg Frankie Meyer: Prepare for holiday visits to cemeteries

    Memorial Day weekend is the ideal time to not only decorate the graves of loved ones, but also learn the location of unmarked graves -- and learn about relatives who are buried nearby. That weekend is also a great time to contact living relatives.

    May 13, 2013 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_032123610 Patty Crane: Mystery series should appeal to Reacher fans

    In the novel "Taken" by Robert Crais, a bajadores is a predator that kidnaps people being smuggled into the country. The bajadores, the Syrian, demands ransom from families of the people he kidnaps. His ransom demands are low, and as long as the families pay, the demands continue.

    May 13, 2013 1 Photo

  • ryan richardson Ryan Richardson: Harness works better than a leash

    This is the time of year to take your dog outside to enjoy the weather. You both get exercise, you bond more, and it gives you an opportunity to work together as a team. I take my dog out as much as I can, and my dog is happy to see other dogs when we go on walks.

    May 13, 2013 1 Photo

  • r050713academicstars5.jpg Mutual admiration: Academic Team members thank teachers for inspiration, drive

    Members of The Joplin Globe's All-Area Academic Excellence Team thanked teachers for inspiring them to push themselves during a recognition banquet Monday at Missouri Southern State University.

    May 13, 2013 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_312124454 Linda Cannon: Book covers subtleties' effects on humans

    I'm always a sucker for books on what makes people tick, so I grabbed "Drunk Tank Pink: And Other Unexpected Forces that Shape How We Think, Feel, and Behave" by Adam Alter as soon as I saw it. Alter holds a Ph.D. in applied psychology from Princeton and is an assistant professor at NYU.

    May 6, 2013 1 Photo

  • 091108-Frankie-Meyer_c.jpg Frankie Meyer: Old home sites treasures to discover

    We genealogists do a similar activity as part of our research. The treasures that we seek are old home sites. Instead of using GPS coordinates, we use clues such as the presence of rusted metal, cellar holes and vintage plants.

    May 6, 2013 1 Photo

Facebook
Poll

Two kinds of freshwater mussels, both found in Spring River, could be placed on the endangered species list. That would mean some dredging or placement of bridges could be affected. Do you think the mussels should be placed on the list?

A. Yes.
B. No.
     View Results
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
NDN Video
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia