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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Were the Brothers Grimm?
Known as the keepers of modern-day fairy tales, The Brothers Grimm are as legendary as their stories. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born in 1780s Germany and were inseparable throughout their childhood.
While pursuing their law degrees, the two became fascinated with folktales and folk songs. Together, they researched and published centuries of folklore in their famous early nineteenth-century compilation, Children’s and Household Tales.
Thanks to the Brothers Grimm, German folk tales like “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Little Red Ridinghood,” and “Hansel and Gretel" are enjoyed by children everywhere.
While pursuing their law degrees, the two became fascinated with folktales and folk songs. Together, they researched and published centuries of folklore in their famous early nineteenth-century compilation, Children’s and Household Tales.
Thanks to the Brothers Grimm, German folk tales like “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Little Red Ridinghood,” and “Hansel and Gretel" are enjoyed by children everywhere.
112 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2015
46 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 21, 2025
Who Were ...? biography series for middle grade brings two captivating brothers - Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm - who loved folktales and became the most famous collectors of fairy tales of all time.
Jacob Grimm (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) were born in Hanau, today’s Germany. From early age, the brothers were inseparable. The boys were young when their father died. They were sent away to school in Kassel where they could get proper education. Later, both brothers decided to study law, following in the footsteps of their father. But at their hearts’ was a different interest. They both loved literature, and telling each other stories: myths, fables, and fairy tales.
They spent many evenings at one of their professor’s home. Professor Savigny taught them how to study old manuscripts. At his house, they met many writers and artists. They all had a great appreciation for German history. Clemens Brentano, poet, had an idea to collect German folk songs, but they were rarely written down like fairy tales. This inspired the brothers to collect the fairy tales.
In order to collect those unwritten fairy tales, they sought storytellers who turned out to be local women. At the end of 1812, they published eighty-six stories which became an immediate success. The second volume included seventy stories.
They became the celebrities, dining with the new king and his family, and receiving honors for their work all across the world.
This biography exemplifies two characters that showed the true love for their history and storytelling by collecting the unwritten stories and preserving them for generations. “The fairy tales live on because they teach us to see the world differently.” The Grimm brothers initially wanted to preserve the fairy tales for the German people, but in reality they did it for the world. Grimm’s fairy tales have been translated into more than 160 different languages, and adapted into countless movies and plays.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
Jacob Grimm (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) were born in Hanau, today’s Germany. From early age, the brothers were inseparable. The boys were young when their father died. They were sent away to school in Kassel where they could get proper education. Later, both brothers decided to study law, following in the footsteps of their father. But at their hearts’ was a different interest. They both loved literature, and telling each other stories: myths, fables, and fairy tales.
They spent many evenings at one of their professor’s home. Professor Savigny taught them how to study old manuscripts. At his house, they met many writers and artists. They all had a great appreciation for German history. Clemens Brentano, poet, had an idea to collect German folk songs, but they were rarely written down like fairy tales. This inspired the brothers to collect the fairy tales.
In order to collect those unwritten fairy tales, they sought storytellers who turned out to be local women. At the end of 1812, they published eighty-six stories which became an immediate success. The second volume included seventy stories.
They became the celebrities, dining with the new king and his family, and receiving honors for their work all across the world.
This biography exemplifies two characters that showed the true love for their history and storytelling by collecting the unwritten stories and preserving them for generations. “The fairy tales live on because they teach us to see the world differently.” The Grimm brothers initially wanted to preserve the fairy tales for the German people, but in reality they did it for the world. Grimm’s fairy tales have been translated into more than 160 different languages, and adapted into countless movies and plays.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
December 1, 2022
This is a great series! I highly recommend this book to any kids interested in fairy tales or history.
April 14, 2018
The Grimm brothers were two brilliant Germans who collected and published various fairytales that were not recorded in writing and would in time be forgotten by the younger generations. I had already studied about them in college, but with this children's book I was able to know how intelligent and cultured they were.
August 23, 2016
I was very impressed that they begun a german dictionary project that was not completed until 1960, 100 years after they both died.
April 8, 2023
خیلی خوب بود. یه زندگینامه کوتاه و روون و جامع و کامل برای کودک و نوجوان و حتی بزرگسالان. واقعا مجموعه ارزشمندیه و اطلاعات رو بالا میبره.
برادران گریم (جیکوب و ویلهلم کارل گریم) که به قصههای پریان معروفند، درواقع گردآورردنده این قصههای محلی آلمانی بودند و این مجموعه افسانههای ماندگار رو برای نسلهای بعد خودشون بهجا گذاشتند.
داستان زندگیشون قشنگ بود و ارزش کارشون رو خیلی قشنگ میشد درک کرد. واقعا دوست داشتم. تصاویر وسط کتاب هم باعث جذابیت بیشتر کتاب شده بود.
برادران گریم (جیکوب و ویلهلم کارل گریم) که به قصههای پریان معروفند، درواقع گردآورردنده این قصههای محلی آلمانی بودند و این مجموعه افسانههای ماندگار رو برای نسلهای بعد خودشون بهجا گذاشتند.
داستان زندگیشون قشنگ بود و ارزش کارشون رو خیلی قشنگ میشد درک کرد. واقعا دوست داشتم. تصاویر وسط کتاب هم باعث جذابیت بیشتر کتاب شده بود.
May 10, 2018
A great read with the kids for bedtime! All information I thought I knew about the Grimm brothers was completely wrong. The book gave me new insights into the Grimm’s, their work and greater respect for the art of storytelling. A thought-provoking read that ages 4-40+ enjoyed!
May 29, 2017
I've always loved fairy-tales but who knew the Brothers Grimm were so freaking cool?!
Jacob and Wilhelm loved reading and writing from an early age and they especially loved fairy tales. They started their famous collection during the time that Napoleon was conquering, well, everything. They partly did it because they wanted the Germans to be proud of their heritage, even though everything was turning to French. They started looking through books first, when they came to books they couldn't read, they simply taught themselves how. They could read and write in over ten languages - all self taught! (WOW!) They eventually realized that the real place to find stories was through word of mouth. They went around collecting stories from all over. They published their first volume and it was an instant hit. They were surprised by how much people loved it.
They wrote a bunch of other books too, about folktales, German mythology, and Jacob even wrote a book about etymology. Many scholars considered it his most brilliant work. Up until their deaths they were working on the first Germanic Dictionary. Though they worked on it for decades they didn't even make it all the way through D. It took over 100 years for it to be finished and inspired other countries to start their own dictionaries.
What I also loved about them was how close they were to each other. It was sweet and touching. They were always surprised by how famous they were. They also kind of wished they just had more time to read! (I can totally relate.) I found myself all teary-eyed at the end. I'd love to read more books about them. I found their story very inspiring.
Wilhelm said this:
In the fairy tales a world of magic is opened up before us, one which still exists among us in secret forests, in underground caves, and in the deepest sea, and it is still visible to children.
Jacob and Wilhelm loved reading and writing from an early age and they especially loved fairy tales. They started their famous collection during the time that Napoleon was conquering, well, everything. They partly did it because they wanted the Germans to be proud of their heritage, even though everything was turning to French. They started looking through books first, when they came to books they couldn't read, they simply taught themselves how. They could read and write in over ten languages - all self taught! (WOW!) They eventually realized that the real place to find stories was through word of mouth. They went around collecting stories from all over. They published their first volume and it was an instant hit. They were surprised by how much people loved it.
They wrote a bunch of other books too, about folktales, German mythology, and Jacob even wrote a book about etymology. Many scholars considered it his most brilliant work. Up until their deaths they were working on the first Germanic Dictionary. Though they worked on it for decades they didn't even make it all the way through D. It took over 100 years for it to be finished and inspired other countries to start their own dictionaries.
What I also loved about them was how close they were to each other. It was sweet and touching. They were always surprised by how famous they were. They also kind of wished they just had more time to read! (I can totally relate.) I found myself all teary-eyed at the end. I'd love to read more books about them. I found their story very inspiring.
Wilhelm said this:
In the fairy tales a world of magic is opened up before us, one which still exists among us in secret forests, in underground caves, and in the deepest sea, and it is still visible to children.
December 29, 2018
Comparing with another book I read from these series (about J.R.R Tolkien), I did not like this one much. Neither its text nor its illustrations was something I could like.
March 22, 2020
A teacher in our school wrote this. This was a very easy book to read and had great information about the Grimm brothers. I think this will appeal to both Jack and Gabby!
July 5, 2025
“SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE”
March 1, 2017
Another great read! I love fairy tales, so much so that I studied them in college. But until now, I really didn't know anything about the Brothers Grimm themselves. This book taught me a lot! I never realized how much other scholarship they were responsible for. And with my German heritage, of course their major contributions to German culture were of particular interest to me. I'd like to check out some other biographies to learn even more about them.
I truly am enjoying this series as an adult, and I'm glad the kids at my library have access to these books and enjoy them as well.
I truly am enjoying this series as an adult, and I'm glad the kids at my library have access to these books and enjoy them as well.
November 6, 2017
This Who Was book was very good. It was very informative and included lots of details, which I really liked. I didn't like the illustrations, which were very plain and exceedingly boring. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more than the basics about the history of fairy tales and the Brothers Grimm.
May 2, 2016
Gus and I wanted to read this before we started reading our collection of Grimm fairy tales. Learned lots of new things!
December 1, 2017
I liked this biography! It explained why the brothers resorted to stories during their darkest days, their family, jobs, and more!
December 23, 2017
Love this series! One of my fourth graders has read several and particularly liked this one, so I read it, too! I love learning things I didn't know whenever I read one of these books.
January 25, 2019
Did you know that the Brothers Grimm were actually studying to become lawyers before they became known as the curators of fairytales?
Did you know that they could read in 10 languages?
Did you know that they published 156 collected fairytales for German cultural preservation?
Did you know that Hans Christian Andersen met them? (That's actually a fun story in their life)
Did you know that they began the first German Dictionary (that would explain all of the words' heritage and how German language ties in with the rest of the world)?
(I say began because the Brothers' Grimm only got to the letter 'D'. The final volume wouldn't be completed until 100 YEARS after their deaths. That's how long this took.)
Find out all the answers to these questions and more about the men behind the classic fairytales. I really do love the 'Who was/is/were' series of Juvenile Biographies. I always learn something new about people I thought I knew about. I also like that it is not only a biography, but offers more insight into their personal lives, as well as the important timeline of history around the individual and other famous people of the time. I think that's fascinating.
Also, for adult readers who enjoy fairytales and fantasy, never let anyone tell you you're too old for fairytales!
Did you know that they could read in 10 languages?
Did you know that they published 156 collected fairytales for German cultural preservation?
Did you know that Hans Christian Andersen met them? (That's actually a fun story in their life)
Did you know that they began the first German Dictionary (that would explain all of the words' heritage and how German language ties in with the rest of the world)?
(I say began because the Brothers' Grimm only got to the letter 'D'. The final volume wouldn't be completed until 100 YEARS after their deaths. That's how long this took.)
Find out all the answers to these questions and more about the men behind the classic fairytales. I really do love the 'Who was/is/were' series of Juvenile Biographies. I always learn something new about people I thought I knew about. I also like that it is not only a biography, but offers more insight into their personal lives, as well as the important timeline of history around the individual and other famous people of the time. I think that's fascinating.
Also, for adult readers who enjoy fairytales and fantasy, never let anyone tell you you're too old for fairytales!
August 7, 2022
This is a biography of the Grimm brothers who wrote the Grimm fairy tales. They grew up in the Holy Roman Empire, before there was a German country. In fact, Germany did not become a unified country until after their deaths. The brothers were 13 months apart in age and very close. They lived in turbulent times but managed to stay together most of their lives. Even when Wilhelm got married, he and his wife had Jacob live with them! This is a nice overview of their lives and work. They were interested in German culture as a way of promoting German pride in their society. They took their inspiration from Perrault who collected French fairy tales.
I am thrilled to see this in the library: when I was there, they didn’t want me to order paperbacks that were to be catalogued except in rare exceptions. I’m glad to see someone finally got sensible in the system! I hope that more of this series will be ordered in the system since it would fill many holes in the biography section for youth!
I am thrilled to see this in the library: when I was there, they didn’t want me to order paperbacks that were to be catalogued except in rare exceptions. I’m glad to see someone finally got sensible in the system! I hope that more of this series will be ordered in the system since it would fill many holes in the biography section for youth!
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May 15, 2017Who Were The Brothers Grimm
The major event is the brothers Grimm creating fairy tails. The brothers Grimm wanted to know every fairy tail by heart so they could tell the stories to their children. The only bad thing that happened was their father died at a young age. Later in the years they when't to a university for a long time until they started to make and sell books. When the brothers Grimm were at a old age already famous they decited to make a dictionary from A-Z that were all fairy tails.
In the brothers Grimm the most sad moment was when all the family died. what I would change about the book is to explain in details why the brothers Grimm died and at what age.
I think who else might like this book are people who are in lots of fairy tail books.
The major event is the brothers Grimm creating fairy tails. The brothers Grimm wanted to know every fairy tail by heart so they could tell the stories to their children. The only bad thing that happened was their father died at a young age. Later in the years they when't to a university for a long time until they started to make and sell books. When the brothers Grimm were at a old age already famous they decited to make a dictionary from A-Z that were all fairy tails.
In the brothers Grimm the most sad moment was when all the family died. what I would change about the book is to explain in details why the brothers Grimm died and at what age.
I think who else might like this book are people who are in lots of fairy tail books.
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November 12, 2024Povestea fraților Grimm prezintă în primul rând legătura strănsă dintre cei doi frați, dar si pasiunea lor pentru lectură și dorința de a culege și scrie basmele. In carte autoarea face diferența dintre basm și poveste. Munca lor a dat roade. De carte a auzit și H.A. Anderson, care le-a făcut într-o zi o vizită... insă a fost dezamăgit...Ei au fost primii care au scos un dicționar al limbii germane. Finalizarea dictionarului a fost finalizată după 100 și ceva de ani. Era o muncă titatnică, nu au reușit să adune decăt primele 4 litere ale alfabetului.
December 4, 2016
Who were the brothers Grimm is about a houl life story about Jacob and Wilhelm. What thay did was they whough feary tails and forlk lords, they where ask tomack the dickshornery and never finsh it because they died, and ther most best jobe was in a lirbay. The brothers made storys that wher to grimm in snow white the mother died and show white died 3 times and in honsal and greadle they die and come back to life.
November 1, 2020
A very complete biography about the Brothers Grimm that surprises and entertains. There is so much more to them than the German fairy tales they collected and published; though that in itself was a difficult task that meant a lot to the people as they learned and appreciated their culture and heritage.
This chapter book provides not only a deep look at these brothers, but at the time they lived and the difficulties it brought with it. Yet, there's no time to get bored.
This chapter book provides not only a deep look at these brothers, but at the time they lived and the difficulties it brought with it. Yet, there's no time to get bored.
July 9, 2018
I didn't know anything about the Brothers except that they wrote fairy tales. This book was a wonderful exploration of two brothers (and several siblings) that I never knew. It was fascinating to learn about their speaking with people to write down oral history and also that they started working on a dictionary of German words and their origins.
March 7, 2022
It is interesting the things you learn from these short books. Not only did the Grimm brothers save their heritage via writing down fairy tails, but they also started the process of explaining the German language via publishing the beginnings of a dictionary. This is a fast read and is quite interesting.
March 14, 2019
This was a good book about the two brothers who wrote down over 70 German fairytales that where later translated to over 100 languages. These brothers were also scholars and almost like best friends.
February 3, 2021
Interesting read. I had no idea the Brothers Grimm just collected fairy tales from other people and copied them down. They were also very intelligent and wrote a German dictionary. I might find some of their fairy tales now to read.
March 16, 2024
Great mini biography. Great job on the research and revealing the great big story line (between two brothers and their family) and going down to the little details (Eg. being annoyed that the other brother opened the door to loudly)
May 30, 2024
Why are all these writers' lives so sad? Particularly touched by this story, which is really a love affair between two brothers, as well as their valiant and successful endeavors to preserve German history.
September 6, 2025
This was interesting. I guess I’d thought that the Brothers Grimm had written themselves the stories associated with them. It was interesting to learn about how storytelling and the recording of stories evolved over time.
December 6, 2017
This is a good book, but It didn't come down to fine detail that was in their early life
March 21, 2018
These books have yet to disappoint me. Informative and readable. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews