Hansel and Gretel

On a slightly heavier note--and for slightly older (and heavier?) children, i.e. up to eight, I'd go for Hansel and Gretel. Oh no, I can hear you saying, not another Hansel and Gretel (there are another two out for Christmas)! Well this isn't just another Hansel and Gretel. It's the same story, but Anthony Browne sets the illustrations foursquare in a contemporary-but-not-quite context. The pictures are sombre, and therefore work well with what is, after all, a very sombre story. But for those who like their experiences to taste sharp, even in picture books, this is a genuinely valuable updating. I'd be careful about which child I bought this one for; but for the right child it could be a book in a million.