Parents seeking unique bedtime stories now have an unexpected option: a new book by Stephen King. While the author`s name typically conjures images of horror, this time the renowned novelist has penned a work for children, appealing also to those who appreciate classic tales. HarperCollins has released a reimagined version of the famous Brothers Grimm fairy tale, `Hansel and Gretel.` The book is available in hardcover, and for audiobook enthusiasts, Stephen King himself narrates the story.
King`s text is complemented by previously unpublished illustrations by the late Maurice Sendak. Sendak, who passed away in 2012, created numerous bestselling children`s books throughout his extensive career and is best known as the author of `Where the Wild Things Are,` a book widely regarded as one of the finest children`s picture books of all time. This new edition of `Hansel and Gretel` is a collaboration with The Maurice Sendak Foundation.
The recommended reading age is 6-8 years, allowing children to proudly inform their elementary school teachers that they are already familiar with Stephen King`s work.
While children`s picture books come in various formats, this edition is quite traditional, featuring 10.5 x 9.5-inch pages. Unlike many such books, the text and illustrations do not overlap: vivid images occupy most of the page, while King`s words, formatted like a prose novel, are situated on the right side.
The fairy tale `Hansel and Gretel` was first published in 1812 by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, better known as the Brothers Grimm. It is one of many influential stories found in their collection. For Stephen King, this tale proved particularly fitting: it recounts the journey of two siblings lost in a forest, where they encounter a witch living in a house made of sweets. Unfortunately, this witch and Pennywise seem to share some common interests.
`Hansel and Gretel` is just one of approximately 200 fairy tales published by the Brothers Grimm. For those wishing to read the original, the complete collection of Grimm`s Fairy Tales is available in the Leather-Bound Classics edition.
This is not, in fact, Stephen King`s first children`s book. In 2016, he released `Charlie the Choo-Choo` under the pseudonym Beryl Evans. The story originally appeared without illustrations in his 1991 novel, `The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands.` Beryl Evans is the fictional author of `Charlie the Choo-Choo.` The standalone, illustrated edition is recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. The article`s author notes having read `Charlie the Choo-Choo` to his three-year-old son, who enjoyed it.
Regarding King`s books for adults, his latest novel, `Never Flinch,` was published in May to excellent reviews. Furthermore, in August, Gallery Books released an 800-page anthology featuring stories set in the universe of King`s novel, `The Stand.` This authorized collection of over 30 stories includes an introduction by the author.