Hansel 0& Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist
Jewel Kats, Author
Claudia Marie Lenart, Illustrator
Loving Healing Press, Fiction, Oct. 10, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 3-7
Themes: Down syndrome, Fairy tale, Special needs
Opening: “One fateful night, a storm ripped through Cottage Country…The rain finally stopped pouring days and days later. Cottage Country was deserted. The only people left were the fisherman and his family.”
Synopsis: A storm sweeps through a village and a fisherman and his two children, Hansel and Gretel, are the only survivors. Their food runs out and Hansel and Gretel are sent to search for food in the forest. Their mother protests that Hansel is sick and too young for such an adventure. But, Hansel’s father disagrees and says he has Down syndrome and that they can’t always protect him forever. Hansel takes the lead and bravely runs into the forest and stumbles upon the witch’s candy house. Will Hansel be able to outwit and negotiate with the witch?
Why I like about this book:
- Jewel Kats retells this magical story with the main character, Hansel, who has Down syndrome — a different ability.
- It is the perfect read for World Down Syndrome Day, March 21.
- This book will help readers look beyond disabilities and see Hansel as a clever, capable, determined and successful hero, who faces the witch with wit and kindness.
- The story breaks stereotypes and touches on prejudices about what a child with a disability can achieve. And there is an unexpected twist with the witch, who also shouldn’t be judged by her appearance.
- Claudia Lenart’s illustrations are breathtaking, whimsical, and contribute to the book’s appeal. Lenart is a fiber artist who pokes wool and other natural fibers, like alpaca, with a barbed needle to sculpt her soft characters and scenes. This is the perfect medium for a fairy tale.
Resources: Check out the website for World Down Syndrome Day, where you can find information, personal stories, worldwide events and how to participate. And visit Jewel Kats and Claudia Marie Lenart at their websites.
How great is this? I haven’t heard of a children’s book that includes a fairy tale character with Down’s syndrome. Wonderful idea.
I’m glad you enjoyed the review. Thought it would be a fun share this week with World Down Syndrome Day on Saturday. Jewel Kats has written several other fairy tales featuring children with special abilities.
I love books that break stereotypes. I am intrigued especially to know what the witch’s challenge is. Also this dimensional art sounds terrific.
Yes, this one really does break stereotypes. It’s a fun and surprising ending. Love the artwork too.
Two years ago during PiBoIdMo, I wrote down a Hansel and Gretel idea. Reading your wonderful review of this story, Pat, encourages me to give that one a try.
I love picture books that spotlight children for their special abilities…this one sounds really clever…just like Hansel. I will try to get a copy.
I hope you give it a try. You would enjoy the artwork in the story, especially since you are so artistic.
The illustrations look really beautiful. And I think fairy-tales are great, timeless, classical formats for setting the stage for any hero’s journey. Great idea.
The illustrations contribute significantly to the book. Jewel Kats has written several fairy tales with a variety of disabilities. I haven’t read them, but am very curious.
Thank you Patricia! It was an awesome and challenging experience to illustrate a book in wool and yes, I agree the dreamy style is perfect for fairy tales.
Thank you for leaving a comment Claudia. I really enjoyed looking at your beautiful illustrations and your website. This is my first exposure to fiber art and it certainly does suit a fairy tale.
Love this idea if inclusion. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, so do I. The author has written a number of fairy tales with children who have different abilities — like Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair.
What a wonderful idea to turn a fairy tale on its head and make it an inclusive diversity story! Kudos to the author for writing this.
Thank you Teresa. I’m sure the author will appreciate your comments. She’s written a number of fairy tales that include diverse characters with cerebral palsy, autism etc.
What a clever twist on a classic.
Yes, it is a clever twist. It’s a special book. And, she has written other fairy tales with special abilities.
What an amazing idea.
Yes, it is. Makes you wonder why you didn’t think of that.
I must find a copy of this book!!!
Glad you like the book! Thanks for visiting Saba.
What an important book! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Glad you enjoyed the book, Greg. The illustrations are unique.
I’m so happy to see your review of this book! I didn’t realize that there’s a World Down Syndrome Day! Jewel Katz is one creative lady and pairing her story with Claudia’s amazing felted art makes for quite the fairy tale! Have you read the Panda Bear Princess book also by Madame Katz? My son is crazy about that one.
This was my first exposure to Jewel Katz. She is very creative and I can’t believe all of the hero stories she has written starring kids who have special abilities. I love Claudia’s fiber art. Thanks for the suggestion.
This sounds really powerful. Plus, it also explains why Hansel and Gretel go into the forest.
Yes, it does explain why they entered the forest — good point. You would like the unique artwork.
I’ll check it out. Ms. Kats writes great books. 🙂
Thank you! A new-to-me author I’ve gotta learn more about.
Yes, she was new to me. Such a clever idea for books featuring children with special abilities as heroes.
Those fiber sculpted characters are enough for me to want to check this book out. Thanks for the great review and sharing this book, Pat.
That’s what captured my attention first about the book. But it is a lovely story.