Collection
Description
Stories like "The Frog Prince" and "Tom Thumb" have been enduring favorites of young readers for their fantastic stories and captivating characters, while adults have appreciated the moral lessons they impart. But there are dark elements in these and other tales by the Brothers Grimm -- from Rapunzel's entrapment by an evil witch to Little Red Riding Hood's deadly encounter with the Wolf. Contemporary readers like a fairy tale with a good scare, and that's what these witty, slightly chilling retellings in Definitely Not for Little Ones deliver. Mixing irreverent humor and creepiness, author and artist Rotraut Susanne Berner presents Grimm's characters as both recognizable and very contemporary. In addition to the stories above, the book includes "Lucky Hans, "Mother Holle," "Jorinda and Jorindel," "Hans the Hedgehog," and more -- all brought to life by Berner's vibrant illustrations.… (more)
Publication
User reviews
I don't know that Definitely Not For Little Ones: Some Very Grimm Fairy-tale Comics really stood out to me as an excellent fairy-tale retelling - yes, I'm a textual creature, and prefer the fuller, original versions - but I think that younger readers who appreciate humorous revisions of traditional stories will enjoy it, and the format in which it is presented. Certainly, Rotraut Susanne Berner is at no pains to make things neat and tidy for young children - witness the sister, in Mother Holle, smoking a cigarette - and that will undoubtedly add some spice as well.