TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS... IF YOU DARE!

This retelling of the Brothers Grimm folktale Hansel & Gretel from Newbery-winner Neil Gaiman and illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti is not for the faint of heart, but should prove a spine-tingling treat to readers who crave spooky stories or like their folktales to maintain some of the original grit. The tone of the tale is as masterfully dark as the black-and-white artwork, appearing every few pages in a breathtaking spread. 

The bleakness of the setting and the desperation of the woodcutter are made palpable through story and pictures, and even readers already familiar with this tale of the siblings lost in the woods and their subsequent encounter with the old woman in the gingerbread house will be newly surprised by the details in this spare but affecting version. However, as grave as this telling can be, it also offers some hope and levity in its conclusion. Gaiman has also included an author's note on the origin and history of the Grimm folktale, which can make for some fascinating reading and may inspire further comparisons with other versions.


Best enjoyed by intrepid readers in grade 3 and up.

A GRIMM SHOCKER!

If you've been keeping up with the madcap adventures of this crime fighting family, you will be shocked to the core by the unmasking of The Master of the Scarlet Hand in the final chapter!

Sabrina and Daphne's parents awake after two years of magical sleep and are confused by all that has happened. Daphne and Sabrina's wish for a happy family reunion with their parents are dashed when their father insists they give up their detective ways and return to New York City. Before anyone can leave Ferryport though the Scarlet Hand's army begin to assault the Grimm home and they must make a run for safety deep in the forest. The only option open to the family is to join Prince Charming's ragtag army of Everafters in order to destroy The Master's plans of taking over the town and eventually, the world.

The seventh exciting book, The Everafter War by Michael Buckley is for readers in 4th and up.

RED RIDING HOOD, EVIL?

Ferryport Landing Asylum Patient List 1955

The Mad hatter – diagnosis: schizophrenia

Chicken Little – diagnosis: panic attacks

Hansel- diagnosis: eating disorder (outpatient)

The White Rabbit – diagnosis: OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder; outpatient)

The Old Woman Who lived in a Shoe – diagnosis: exhaustion (outpatient)

Ichabod Crane – diagnosis : night terrors (outpatient)

Little Red Riding Hood – diagnosis: Psychosis with delusions and hallucinations, homicidal tendencies.

Sabrina’s heart rose upinto her throat when she saw the last name on the list. The little girl in the red cloak who had taken her parents was Little Red riding Hood! Now that it was right in front of her, she felt stupid. How could I not figure that out? But how could she. She’d read the story many times. Little Red riding Hood was one of the good guys. She wasn’t evil. She was a victim. Why would she kidnap Henry and Veronica Grimm?

An excerpt from Sisters Grimm: The Problem Child by Michael Buckley

For readers who in 4th – 6th who enjoy an unusual mystery headed by a spunky heroine who’s determined to solve things her way.