Grimms' Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm (Author), Sandra Dieckmann (Retelling-Modern Author, Illustrator)

The is much debate on the appropriateness of Grimms' Fairy Tales for the reading to or by children. Some versions are somewhat benign and others replete with overtones of unacceptable behavior. The tales are not original to Grimms but are the Grimms' 1814 retelling of existing German folk tales passed down orally through the years. 

Some retelling and publishing of the Grimme's versions have been gentled-down and told in bare minimum versions for young children. These are published in cute, sweet little books or produced in video versions animated or with actors. 

Basically, it is up to the parents to make a determination what their child reads and when they read it.

  

Grimms' Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm (Sandra Dieckmann)

 

My thoughts:  This is a beautifully illustrated publication of Grimms' Fairy Tales illustrated with rich colors and visually stimulating scenes and characters. The illustrations show the good and the bad side of the characters and the intensity of the story. 

The compilation of 20 stories consists of well known stories and some rarely heard. The book is large size consisting of 176 pages and weighs about two pounds. 

Folk tales were often used to scare children into obedience and to make them aware of evil in the world. In ages by gone, there wasn't a lot of entertainment so oral storytelling was a form of entertainment but carried with it strong emotions.

As I read through several of the listed stories, I found the text flowed well and was easy to understand. The story of "Little Red Cap" was essentially "Little Red Riding Hood" but a bit different from what I've traditionally heard. In this story, the wolf eats the little girl's grandmother, and the ranger cuts the wolf's stomach open so Grandmother can escape. Then the wolf's stomach is sewn shut. The story ends with Little Red Cap riding a demure wolf into the village. So ends well but with a bit of gore. 

"Sleeping Beauty" was told sweetly but does talk about the evil fairy casting an evil spell. Story ends well with spell being broken by a gentle touch to Sleeping Beauty's face by the sweet man who rescues her.

So parents, the choice is yours.  

About the book: Twenty classic stories get a gently modernized twist in Sandra Dieckmann’s beautifully illustrated collection of treasured and lesser-known fairy tales.

From internationally acclaimed creator Sandra Dieckmann comes a captivating collection of Grimms’ fairy tales, accessibly written and illustrated with an eye to inclusivity. Including much-loved stories like “Rapunzel” and “Sleeping Beauty” as well as more obscure gems from the author’s childhood in northern Germany, this splendidly illustrated gift book of twenty tales is poised to charm readers of all ages. Enchanted forests, wild animals, powerful princesses, and brave heroes all reflect a lightly modern take in this Grimms’ collection to be cherished by all.

Read an Excerpt - click here

Author/Illustrator: Sandra Dieckmann is an author and illustrator who works from her studio in Yorkshire, England. Deeply influenced by her childhood in northern Germany, which she spent exploring outside and reading European folklore by the likes of the Brothers Grimm and Astrid Lindgren, her artwork revolves around her love for nature, wildlife, and dreams. She is the author and illustrator of the picture books Leaf, which was short-listed for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, and The Dog That Ate the World.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.