Definitely Not for Little Ones: Some Very Grimm Fairy-tale Comics

by Rotraut Susanne Berner, Shelley Tanaka (Translator)

Stories like "The Frog Prince" and "Tom Thumb" have been enduring favorites of young readers for their fantastic stories and captivating characters, while adults have appreciated the moral lessons they impart. But there are dark elements in these and other tales by the Brothers Grimm — from Rapunzel's entrapment by an evil witch to Little Red Riding Hood's deadly encounter with the Wolf. Contemporary readers like a fairy tale with a good scare, and that's what these witty, slightly chilling retellings in Definitely Not for Little Ones deliver. Mixing irreverent humor and creepiness, author and artist Rotraut Susanne Berner presents Grimm's characters as both recognizable and very contemporary. In addition to the stories above, the book includes "Lucky Hans, "Mother Holle," "Jorinda and Jorindel," "Hans the Hedgehog," and more — all brought to life by Berner's vibrant illustrations.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Juvenile, Picture Books

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2009

About the author

Rotraut Susanne Berner (born 1948) is a German graphic designer and illustrator.
She illustrated The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger.

She is well known for a series of popular children's book, called “Wimmel” books, which have attained a worldwide circulation of close to 500,000 copies in fifteen countries.

Working as a freelance illustrator, she has focused on books for children and young adults, illustrating more than 80 such books and designing over 800 book covers.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in German as Märchencomics, this slim volume presents eight fairy-tales from the Brothers Grimm, each of which has been simplified and presented as a brief comic strip. Despite their abridged form, none of the "disturbing" elements or mature content - Mother Holle dumping tar all over the less worthy sister, Rapunzel and her prince jumping into bed together, various wolves being cut open - has been omitted, making these stories conceptually mature but textually simple. An ideal selection for "Hi-Lo" readers (those reading well below their age and grade level, who need mature stories told simply), I would think.

I don't know that Definitely Not For Little Ones: Some Very Grimm Fairy-tale Comics really stood out to me as an excellent fairy-tale retelling - yes, I'm a textual creature, and prefer the fuller, original versions - but I think that younger readers who appreciate humorous revisions of traditional stories will enjoy it, and the format in which it is presented. Certainly, Rotraut Susanne Berner is at no pains to make things neat and tidy for young children - witness the sister, in Mother Holle, smoking a cigarette - and that will undoubtedly add some spice as well.

[Raina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this one because I noticed when processing it that it has a few scenes of ::gasp:: two people in bed together, naked! These are pretty bland retellings of Grimm fairytales, including some of the more obscure stories. But if I were a kid, I'd rather read them in prose - these are almost overly simplified.

[Jeremy New · Rating 2 out of 5]

traditional lit - 2009

This book has some endearing moments. But overall it's just not that good. It's a collection of Grimm Fairytales with a slight modern twist to each one. One of the lines that shows up at the end of four of the tales is "And they would still be alive today . . . if they hadn't died, that is." It was funny the first time, but after a while it got a little old.

[Jackie "the Librarian" · Rating 3 out of 5]

These short comic-book style retellings of familiar fairy tales are SO short they almost don't have time to be funny. I read this during my bus ride to work, with time to spare. I guess the emphasis was supposed to be on the pictures, but those weren't all that detailed, either. Not that I minded, because the action moved right along, and I certainly wasn't bored, and neither will be the kids who pick this up.

These versions include details often left out of retellings for young children, such as the wolf eating Little Red Cap, and Rapunzel and her prince sleeping together, with a panel showing them in bed together with naked shoulders. Hence the "not for little ones" caveat in the title. Not that these are particularly racy stories, or anything, just meant for older kids than the preschool set.

Includes Lucky Hans, Little Red Cap, Rapunzel, The Frog Prince, and Mother Holle.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find this interesting my library has this classified as "Children's Graphic" with that title... and also slight sex scenes. Lol.

Well, either way, this was boring. I thought it might be a little fun with a title like "Definitely Not For Little Ones: Some Very Grimm Fairy-Tale Comics" but they weren't very grim or entertaining. They were rather boring.

[Rachel B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the biggest hit from last week's library haul with my kindergartner. The tale of Jorinda and Jorindel is now coming up in dinner conversation.

[Holly Letson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contrary to its' title, there's really nothing in this graphic novel that is "Definitely Not for Little Ones" at all. It is, however, a very fun book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fairy tales or graphic novels, as that's what this is....a collection of fairy tales in graphic novel form.

It doesn't take long to read, and even my parents enjoyed it, as we read it aloud together. The only thing that slightly bugged me was that so many of the fairy tales ended with "And, they would still be alive today...If they hadn't died, that is".

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comic book retelling of fairy tales.

As much as the title proclaims that it's not for little ones, I didn't see too much that was inappropriate in this book. There are a few pessimistic proclamations, and one image of two character in bed together (under the covers), but besides that, it's a fun, comic book inspired romp through fairy tales. Some I wasn't as familiar with, and I think that might be since this book was originally published in Germany.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite its title, there is not really anything in this collection of graphic fairy tales that is inappropriate for children. That being said, there is also nothing really exciting or interesting either. It's a bit like if you ask a really cynical kid to tell you what happened in these tales. They have a sort of sarcastic tone and pretty juvenile illustrations. Just okay.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contains fairy tale retellings of:
- the Frog Prince
- Mother Holle
- Tom Thumb
- Rapunzel
- Jorinda and Jorindel
- Lucky Hans
- Hans the Hedgehog
- Little Red Cap

I borrowed this from the library and despite the title - oddly enough, it is shelved in the nonfiction of the children's department. They obviously have not read this book.

[Sam Bloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

A truly bizarre and often disturbing mix of old favorites (Frog Prince, Rapunzel) and unknowns (ummm... Hans the Hedgehog?!), presented in comic book format. Seriously, this stuff is wacky, but as a collection it's definitely worth a look.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars. The title is a bit over-hyped. Cute adaptations of Grimm's Tales, but it doesn't leave you with much to think about by the end.

[Jessie Qi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of familiar fairy tales. Very fast read. I like the drawing style. However, I don't think anything were added to the fairy tales through these retelling.

[Mollie B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Many of the stories ended the exact same way. The graphic novel format does not follow form in this story either. Overall, I did not care for it.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It had an easy flow and kept my attention. And I enjoyed reading the fairy tales from a German history point.