(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. After almost being cooked by their local witch, siblings Connie and Sol hastily leave town. Unfortunately, they run into the forest domain of the ancient witch Monique--and a hunter who specializes in targeting runaway children. The narrative's dark humor, enhanced by moody black-and-white illustrations, creates a satisfyingly eerie atmosphere for the adventures of two daring and quick-witted children to unfold.

Reviewer:

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. "I love children. Eating them, that is," begins this contemporary "Hansel and Gretel" refashioning. Sol, eleven, and Connie, eight, have just moved to Schoneberg with their father and stepmother. The story of these resourceful siblings who escape the clutches of the crone next door (her journal entries are interspersed within the main text) has both humor and suspense. Black-and-white illustrations add atmosphere.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute