AT THE LIBRARY

"A Tale Dark and Grimm" by Adam Gidwitz, Dutton, 251 pages

Read aloud: age 9 and older

Read yourself: age 10, 11 and older

For those who think they know the charming fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, you're in for a surprise. This story adheres to the original tale - one that hasn't been sweetened and sanitized and is not cute at all. In fact, it's violent, often bloody, and never, ever boring.

Weaving the original Hansel and Gretel with other Grimm fairy tales, author Adam Gidwitz provides a refreshing story that is bold and frightening, encouraging and wise and, above all, a story that helps children find out the meaning of things. As the author says, "You see, the land of Grimm can be a harrowing place. But it is worth exploring. For, in life, it is in the darkest zones one finds the brightest and the most luminous wisdom."

LIBRARIAN'S CHOICE

Library: Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Librarian, 2 Library Lane, Old Lyme

Library Director: Mary Fiorelli

Children's Librarian: Michelle DeSarbo

Choices this week: "Bark, George" by Jules Feiffer; "Ginger and Petunia" b y Patricia Polacco; "The Trouble with Chickens" by Doreen Cronin

AT THE BOOKSTORE

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School" by David Cali, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud, Chronicle, 2015, 36 pages, $12.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 6 to 9

Read yourself: age 8 and 9

A boy's teacher wants to know why he is late for school. He says it's a long story and then describes exactly what happened: giant ants stole his breakfast; an attack by evil ninjas; his run-in with a little girl in a red hooded jacket, asking for help to find her grandmother's house (while a wolf lurks in the shadows); nibbling on a gingerbread house; he is uncontrollably drawn to follow a boy playing a magic pipe (think Pied Piper); Bigfoot and yeti sightings and much more. Really? Really.

A funny book, kids are bound to delight in this fresh, imaginative story.

"Sleeping Cinderella and Other Princess Mix-ups" by Stephanie Clarkson, illustrated by Brigette Barrager, Orchard Books, 2015, 40 pages,$17.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 7 and older

Read yourself: age 8 and 9

It all begins with Snow White, who is fed up with her messy housemates, the seven dwarves. Leaving home, she searches for a place that isn't so sloppy. She meets Rapunzel, who is living a rather solitary life in her tower. This appeals to Snow White, and Rapunzel is ready for a change herself - a life that isn't so lonely. The deal is sealed: Snow White stays, and Rapunzel goes off to find a new life of her own. And who do you think Rapunzel happens upon? That would be Cinderella, who, in turn, encounters Sleeping Beauty. Gads! Will anyone be satisfied?

Told in jaunty rhyme, this tale is highly original and very amusing.

kendal@sunlink.net