The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children

In this modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel, siblings Sol and Connie Blink move to a new neighborhood with their father and stepmother. They soon encounter their neighbor, Fay Holaderry, who seems like a friendly local woman but is actually a centuries-old witch with sinister intentions. The children must rely on their wits and skills to navigate an increasingly dangerous situation. Sol uses his talent for science and engineering, while Connie draws on her ability to read people and situations. Their investigation leads them to disturbing discoveries about Ms. Holaderry's true nature and her connection to missing neighborhood children. The story alternates between the children's perspective and excerpts from the witch's personal journal, creating layers of tension as the parallel narratives progress. The classic fairy tale elements blend with contemporary details and technology. This reimagining explores themes of family loyalty, trust, and survival while questioning what makes someone truly evil. The story maintains the dark undertones of the original Grimm tale while adding modern complexities to the characters and their motivations.

Readers find this modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel darkly humorous but not too scary for middle-grade audiences. Many note the clever narrative structure, with alternating perspectives between the witch and the children. Readers appreciated: - Smart dialogue and witty writing style - The witch's amusing diary entries - Updated elements that make sense in a modern setting - Black and white illustrations that complement the story Common criticisms: - Some found the ending rushed - Character development felt shallow to certain readers - A few parents thought it too dark for younger children Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (40+ ratings) "Perfect balance of creepy and funny" - Goodreads reviewer "The witch's voice is the highlight" - Amazon reviewer "Wanted more depth from the children's characters" - School Library Journal reader review The book appeals most to ages 9-12 who enjoy dark humor and fairy tale retellings.

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🔮 The author was inspired to write this book after discovering the original Hansel and Gretel house in Germany, complete with a child-sized oven. 📚 Keith McGowan teaches creative writing at Boston University and has written several other books for young readers. 🏰 The story is a modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel, set in the present day with new characters Solomon and Constance. 🧙‍♀️ The witch in the story, Fay Holaderry, keeps detailed recipe cards of all the children she's cooked, including their names and how they tasted. 🏆 The book received the Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year award and was praised for its dark humor and clever modernization of the classic fairy tale.