Classic storylines and timeless tales

Hansel and Gretel

Stephen King
HarperCollins, 48 pages

According to prolific horror author Stephen King, his recent collaboration with the late illustrator Maurice Sendak has at its heart “a sunny exterior, a dark and terrible center, brave and resourceful children.” Their storybook begins: “Once upon a time, long before your grandmother’s grandmother was born, a poor broom maker and his wife lived on the edge of a great dark forest with his two children, Hansel and Gretel.” As the children’s troubles advance, Hansel has nightmares of a witch. Gretel dreams of angels circling the moon. While Hansel’s dream comes true, Gretel’s never does. It feels significant that the story rests on human ingenuity at the expense of spiritual rescue. As a whole, though, Sendak’s images and King’s musical but contemporary text make the book feel like a classic. Ages 6–9

Flora and the Jazzers

Astrid Sheckels
Waxwing Books, 40 pages

Flora the ferret works as a scullery maid at a grand hotel in the center of an old city. During her long days scouring pots and scrubbing floors, she sings to herself because her heart is full of music. She vows to one day fulfill her dream of attending a concert. When she learns that the famed Jazzers will be performing at the hotel, Flora dares to hope that this is her chance to finally get to see a concert. Her dream is cut short, though, until her hopeful singing draws an unexpected audience. While the book’s conclusion is predictable and rather anticlimactic, young girls in particular may be drawn to this Cinderella-esque story with Sheckels’ charming watercolor illustrations featuring an extensive cast of anthropomorphic woodland animals. Ages 4–8

Arco’s Little House

Jess Fogel
Penguin Workshop, 32 pages

Arco the fox loves his little house. He takes care of it, and it takes care of him in return. But when a neighbor builds a big house, Arco starts to compare—and starts a construction project of his own. As Arco’s envy grows, so does his little house—until his house is so big and so mobile and so popular that Arco doesn’t feel at home anymore. On one level, this tiny easy-reader teaches a profound lesson about contentment. But with subsequent readings, other messages emerge. First, that what others view as “success” may actually rob you of joy. Second, it’s unwise to have more stuff than you can care for well. The cozy, muted illustrations give this small story a peaceful feel perfect for bedtime. Ages 4–8

The Best Bath Ever!

Paul Tautges
P&R Publishing, 32 pages

This second book in the Pictures of Gospel Grace series tells the story of Naaman, the Old Testament pagan army commander who needed God to give him a good washing to make him clean on the outside as well as the inside. Author Paul Tautges retells Naaman’s story from 2 Kings 5, illustrating how Naaman’s pride nearly prevented him from receiving God’s healing grace until servants urged him to obey. Ingrid Sawubona’s illustrations use bright colors, bold fonts, and word balloons to create a visually engaging format. The final pages connect Naaman’s story to our own need for God’s grace to wash us clean from our sins while pointing to the hope we have of a future time when Jesus will make all things new. Ages 5–9