Further resources
This is a very funny cartoon from the 1960’s retelling the story. It’s only five minutes long but still some interesting deviations from the classic version of Hansel and Gretel. Good for exploring different versions and making your class laugh hopefully.
This is an American, twenty minute cartoon version of Hansel and Gretel story with all the aspects of the traditional story you would expect. In the Disney style.
This is a ten minute shadow puppet version of the story with a narrator. It is very charming and worth showing because in this version there is no step mother and the children get lost in the forest because they chase a butterfly.
Versions of the story in book form
Hansel and Gretel, Anthony Browne, Walker Books, 1981
This is a modern day retelling of the story with lots of visual tricks and hidden imagery to discover. The stepmother and the wicked witch are the same person!
Hansel and Gretel, Michael Morpurgo and Emma Chichester-Clark, Walker Books, 2008
Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo takes the Brothers Grimm classic to a new level, weaving from these themes a rich fairytale tapestry of hunger and hope, cruelty and courage.
Hansel and Gretel, Gebrüder Grimm & Sybille Schenker, Neugebauer, 2011
This is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book version of Hansel and Gretel from famous children’s illustrator. It uses monochrome and paper cut images to tell a very dark version of the tale.
The Truth About Hansel and Gretel, Karina Law, Elke Counsell, Hopscotch & Franklin Watts 2003
In this fun reverse fairytale, an old lady tells her side of the Hansel and Gretel story. She isn’t a witch after all, and the children are just plain rude..or are they?
Further reading
Revolting Rhymes
Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator), Puffin Books, Paperback – November 29, 2001
Creative Storytelling: Choosing, Inventing, & Sharing Tales for children
Jack Maguire, Yellow Moon Press, 1992
Creative Storytelling: Building Community/Changing Lives
Jack Zipes, Routledge, 1996
Storytelling with Children (Resource Books for Teachers)
Andrew Wright, Oxford University Press 1995
Drama, Narrative and Moral Education
Joe Winston, Falmer Press, 1998
Don’t Bet on the Prince
Jack Zipes, Gower Publishing Company, 1986
Making Stories
The English & Media Centre, NATE, 1984
