Hansel and Gretel by Brothers Grimm, Retold and Illustrated by Jane Ray
Hansel and Gretel by Brothers Grimm, Retold and Illustrated by Jane Ray
Hansel and Gretel by Brothers Grimm, Retold and Illustrated by Jane Ray
Hansel and Gretel by Brothers Grimm, Retold and Illustrated by Jane Ray

Hansel and Gretel by Brothers Grimm, Retold and Illustrated by Jane Ray

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With a sumptuous setting that often looks good enough to eat, Ray (The Twelve Dancing Princesses) makes this Brothers Grimm tale her own. Abandoned in the woods by order of their stepmother, Hansel and Gretel eventually find their way home--but not before a psychedelic stay in the candy cottage of a devious witch. Ray's resplendent villainess is an intricate mix of kabuki, mime and Indian detail. She sports a white mask, peacock feathers in her hair, Persian slippers and elaborate Indian henna patterns on her hands. Her glowing red eyes are appropriately frightening, but Hansel and Gretel make a quick escape here, enduring very little suffering. Although Ray's depiction of the protagonists is somewhat inconsistent (at times, Hansel and Gretel appear to be adolescents clutched in an embrace rather than youngsters huddling in fear as depicted in other scenes), their resourcefulness and cleverness remain steady. Ray's well-paced version contains plenty of suspense and intrigue.

Condition: Excellent
Format: Paperback
Age: 4-8

Born in London, Jane studied art and design at Middlesex University. After graduating she designed a series of greetings cards for Roger la Borde, with whom she still works, followed by various editorial work, posters and book jackets.

But she was drawn to the world of children’s books and in 1989 her first full colour picture book, A Balloon for Grandad by Nigel Gray, was published, the start of a long and continuing collaboration with Orchard. Since then Jane has illustrated over 60 children’s books, working with authors such as Michael Rosen, Carol Ann Duffy, Jeanette Winterson, Dianne Hofmeyr, Kevin Crossley Holland and Sita Brahmachari.

She also writes her own material including Can you catch a Mermaid?, The Apple Pip Princess, The Dolls House Fairy, Ahmed and the Feather Girl and The Elephant’s Garden.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the photo accurately depicts the condition of the book, the colour and imperfections may vary slightly from the images.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Little Modern Reader acknowledges the Gadigal people of Eora nation, the traditional custodians of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

Sydney, NSW