The Wedding of Mrs. Fox and Other Stories from the Brothers Grimm

 We have dozens of Grimm fairytale books and I still come across new stories that I've never read before.  These earthy, water color illustrations by the Slovak artist L'uba Koncekova-Vesela are what drew me to this collection in the first place.  I'm hoping I find more of her books and artwork!

The Wedding of Mrs. Fox and Other Stories from the Brothers Grimm

retold by Vera Gissing

illustrated by L'uba Koncekova-Vesela 1986

Snow White illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

If you're not a fan of the Disney version, here's a retelling of the original Grimm story.  We've always liked this one that includes the poisoned comb and the lacing corset along with the apple (adhering to that fairy tale tradition of events happening in threes).  How clueless is Snow White that she accepts dangerous presents THREE times in a row!

Everyone knows what a fan I am of Trina Schart Hyman.  Her Snow White rendition is both beautiful and dark, evoking Rackham and befitting of an 19th century German fairy tale.  I particularly like her take on a fair-haired evil Queen.  And truthfully the rugged prince makes a much more appealing romantic hero!

Snow White

retold by Paul Heins

illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman 1974

The Fox and the Cat

All sorts of silly, fun tales by the Grimm Brothers featuring animals and foxes in particular.

 

The Fox and the Cat

Animal Tales from Grimm

Kevin Crossley Holland

illustrated by Susan Varley

In one story Wolf does old dog a favor and in another fox uses his tricks to help an old horse.  The famous story "The Bremen Town Musicians" is included and all the tales are full of sharp humor and a lesson.

I just loved that the cat on the cover looks like our calico "S'more".

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

Cynthia Rylant

pictures by Jen Corace 2008

Yesterday we had a magical morning of misty rain and fog and the last bits of white snow.  The view out our kitchen window was ghosty trees and soft patches of brown earth.  The tree house and shed seemed to shrink further into the woods and I half expected to see story book children come walking out.  Today there was sun and lighter, less mysterious air.  All the same, I was in the mood for fairy tale reading and this book Hansel and Gretel by Cynthia Rylant (with Henry Darger-esk pictures by Jen Corace) did the trick.