Hansel and Gretel is an over 200-year-old fairytale that most of us have read at one time in our lives. What Stephen King has crafted in this new retelling is a haunting and beautiful version of the classic tale. King’s amazing storytelling is paired with stunning illustrations from Where the Wild Things Are author/illustrator Maurice Sendak, bringing fresh life to a story we all thought we knew. This amazing retelling capture the magic and menace of the original tale, while also giving us a new and unforgettable experience.
The haunting tale of two brave children lost in a dark and dangerous forest is reimagined by literary legends. The most deliciously daring rendition of the classic Grimm fairy tale yet. But will you find your way back out?
Known for his legendary adult horror novels, novellas, and short stories, Stephen King takes his talents to a classic fairy tale with his retelling of Hansel and Gretel. King wonderfully balances the child-friendly structure of the story with the extreme mature nature which gives the story the depth needed to capture our attention. While it will likely scare the britches off super young kids, it really is for those ready for a horrifying tale as well as us adults who want to relive this classic story even in our adult years.
It can be daunting to retell a tale from 1812 and give it a fresh take, but that’s what King does in this 2025 version. I was lucky enough to listen to the author himself narrate the story in audiobook format while reading along with the book. King’s voice gave us a deeper experience that only enhanced the ready of this outstanding book.
The only thing that made this classic retelling by King even better was the inclusion of Maurice Sendak’s previously unpublished drawings. Sendak has a specific style that worked so well with the words from King. Putting this tale alongside great books such as Where the Wild Things Are is a given and with Sendak’s illustrations makes even more sense. This is a partnership I never saw coming, but am all the better for it.
While this retelling of Hansel and Gretel by Stephen King is wonderful, I can see how some would be cautious of such a dark fairytale having illustrations geared towards a younger crowd. The darker tone skews this story towards a more adult-appreciation rather than simple bedtime reading. However, it is a classic story that can now be enjoyed in a new format from two of storytelling’s greats.
Hansel and Gretel is available at bookstores everywhere from HarperCollins. The audiobook, narrated by King himself, is available via Libro.fm!
