Fabulously Chilling Tales
By Ron Koertge, Illustrated by Andrea Dezso
Candlewick Press, $17.99, 96 pages
If you are a fan of fairy tales, you will know the delight in discovering an author who can rewrite them in a way that makes these stories relevant to the modern reader. Author Ron Koertge is successfully doing so in his book, Lies, Knives and Girls in Red Dresses. Reworking more than twenty popular old tales written by brothers Grimm, Andersen and others in new ways and from different perspectives, Koertge scrutinizes the disturbing nature of the original fairy tales and then turns them upside down. Highlights of the book include Hansel and Gretel, The Ugly Duckling, Rapunzel, and Bluebeard. In Hansel and Gretel the readers will find the children rather than the parents are the more frightening ones. And in The Ugly Ducklings the author focuses on bullying and its effects. The artwork by Andrea Dezsö that goes with the stories is perfect – it fits well with each story and adds to the overall ambience of the book. Despite its mocking tone this book will be enjoyed by fans of fantasy and those who loved – or still do love – fairy tales.
Reviewed By Barbara Cothern
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