• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

A graphic retelling of the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" in which a friendly woman lovingly decorates her candy home and two inconsiderate, greedy children take advantage of her kindness

When Gretel and Hansel carelessly abandon their wood-gathering chores and follow a fox deeper into the woods, they come across a delicious-looking house, the home of a friendly witch. Hungry after thoughtlessly feeding their picnic lunch to the wildlife, the two children start to devour the candy shingles, shutters and walls until the house begins to crack and crumble. Despite her initial shock, the witch is caring to the strangers and invites them in. But when they overstep the boundaries of her hospitality and start eating everything inside as well, it’s time for Gretel and Hansel to get their just desserts!

Told without words, readers of all ages will delight in this colorful and playful fractured fairy tale.

Author and illustrator Bee Waeland is the co-owner of the bespoke print house Vivid Print, in Edmonton. Having graduated from MacEwan University, Bee worked in design studios in Edmonton and Vancouver, British Columbia, before opening her own print shop, which sells local artwork and archive prints. Her style is bold in color and form with modernist and art deco influences. Bee has created art for individuals, businesses, interior design firms and publications. Gretel and Hansel is Bee's second picture book, following The Three Bears and Goldilocks.

Bee Waeland's profile page

“Big, bright, and colourful...Waeland has playfully righted the scales of justice. Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Another wry romp in the author/illustrator’s alternate fairyland, where justice is served to recalcitrant half-pints.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Fans will enjoy decoding the bold, color-block images of sweets, and spotting humorous details...in this fractured escapade involving just des(s)erts.”

Publishers Weekly

“Illustrations are cute, colorful and simplistic…This is a good book to read with young children and have them help tell the story. A teacher or parent could ask stimulating, open-ended questions to help the young readers create their own story to be retold again and again.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)