Clever Gretchen

by John Warren Stewig, Patricia Wittmann (Illustrator)

Poor Hans marries the mayor's daughter after promising that in seven years he will go off with an evil dwarf unless he is able to pose a question the dwarf cannot answer.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Professor of Curriculum at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mr. Stewig lives in Glendale, Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine as far as folktales go--the illustration style wasn't my favorite, and I thought more of the story would focus on Gretchen but it was really about Hans with Gretchen only stepping in with the clever plan at the end. Sort of a gender-swapped rumplestiltskin.

[Allie Outhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing tale reminiscent of Rumplestiltskin with darling images. A very comforting and lovely story with sweet illustrations that supersede the unassuming plot.

[Carlie Engels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever Gretchen is a great fairy tail. It has an intriguing story line that will keep students entertained and interested. The illustrations are full bleed and are done using water color. They are realistic and very well done. Patricia Wittmann, the illustrator, uses cool colors like greens, blues, and yellows throughout the story. The endpapers are a light shade of green. This could be representing grass and farmland because Hans is a farmer. While reading Clever Gretchen, I noticed there is the same dog on every page, however, it is never mentioned in the story. The type face in the story is black and normal.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

With colorful and expressive illustrations, Clever Gretchen is yet another tale of a smart girl outwitting a fiendish opponent. Gretchen’s solution to her dimwitted husband’s dilemma is brilliant in its conception and execution. Even with only one day left out of her spouse’s contracted seven years of good fortune, she manages to save the day. Get ready to applaud Clever Gretchen.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our favorites.

[Saffron Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rating is for the edition retold by John Warren Stewig and illustrated by Patricia Wittmann.