Keith McGowan

I absolutely loved this book! For those of you who like the story of Hansel and Gretel, you will love this new spin on it.
The witch, Fay Holaderry has adapted her lifestyle to the present time, living like any elderly person in any community. But, looks can be deceiving.

Sol and Connie Blink have just moved to Grand Creek. They have a lovely set of parents who don't really seem to care about them. The reasons, and there are many, become clear as you read the book. Sol is a science nerd. His show more younger sister Connie loves animals and loves and admires her brother. Sol has a difficult time believing in himself after a terrible incident in the town they have just moved from.

Both Sol and Connie must learn to trust each other if they are to survive what their parents, Ms. Holaderry and many others in the town have set up for them. This story's themes of perseverance, trust and relying on family run all through this story. I can't wait for the first day of school to begin so that I can recommend this book to my new students. show less

What if the witch from Hansel and Gretel had survived into the 20th century and was now taking gifts of children whose parents didn't want them in order to feed her habit? Well, here she is. (She has an unusually nice dog though.) Fortunately, our main characters catch on faster than Hansel and Gretel, and they set out to evade her and their ill-willed step-parents. They have a little help, too.
I'd had this on my list for a long time, and I'm glad I finally got to it. There's a definite show more flavor of Roald Dahl and/or Bruce Coville to this, though it could easily be more absurdist for my taste. There's also a little bit in here about real family, honesty, and forgiveness. But mostly it's a fun romp with a hint of silly. show less

Fay Holaderry, the evil witch from Hansel and Gretel, has resurfaced. Although everyone thought that Hansel and Gretel had defeated her, it turns out that the witch survived.

Today the woods around her old gingerbread home have been claimed by urbanization and her house is no longer disguised as gingerbread and candy. However, as a witch, Holaderry proves her resourcefulness when it comes to finding tasty children to eat. For example, there are conveniently located drop-off boxes for show more “donations” and strategically placed Helpers who package up naughty children for pick-up.

It’s quite the set up, and parents of mischievous children everywhere seek out her services. And so it was that Mr. & Mrs. Blink moved to Grand Creek after much research hoping to find a solution to their childcare troubles. However, Sol and Connie are no ordinary kids; in fact, they are rather extraordinary. Together they must find a way to overcome the evil witch and escape becoming dinner.

The Bottom Line: The classic fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel has been brought into the modern era with a contemporary retelling by debut author Keith McGowan. Black and white illustrations by Yoko Tanaka help set the dark mood and add to the charm of this witty little novel. Enthusiastically recommended for young adults who appreciate a slightly morbid sense of humor. It's simply wicked fun.

This review appeared first in the MiniBookBytes Blog: http://minibookbytes.blogspot.com/ show less

A retelling of Hansel and Gretel, set in the 21st century. Sol and Connie Blink move to a new town. Their father and step mother picked this particular town because their research showed that it was the home of Faye Holaderry. Faye is the original witch from Hansel and Gretel. Yes, H&G failed to kill her. The world has grown around her and she has developed new, modern, means of finding children to eat. Mr Blink attempts to lose Sol and Connie in their new town. He doesn't know that prior to show more moving Sol took the time to print maps of their new town off the internet. Sol and Connie are intelligent, creative and resourceful. They discover who their new neighbor Faye Holaderry really is and they take her on in her own house.
This was a fun, quick read. I love that the book cover is the same red and white check print as the cookbook that my mother used when I was younger. (Betty Crocker? Good Housekeeping? - I can't remember) Recommended.
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