What do you think?
Rate this book
TALES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM
A gorgeous collection of familiar and lesser-known Grimm tales, illustrated by one of the greatest children’s illustrators of our time This handsome edition from the well-known collection of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm contains 11 popular stories. Old favorites such as “Hansel and Gretel” and “The Bremen Town Musicians” are included as are some lesser-known stories such as “The Seven Ravens” and “Hans My Hedgehog.” Lisbeth Zwerger’s evocative and exquisite illustrations perfectly capture the mood of these enduring tales.
Hardcover
First published November 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 22, 2018
Now honestly and in my own humble opinion, Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is most definitely and certainly both a visual and reading (or listening) treat, presenting eleven of the Brothers Grimm's folk and fairy tales (both some of their most well known and universally beloved stories, but also quite few not so universally popular, especially in English language renditions).
Translated (and indeed most capably and lovingly so) by the incomparable and sadly now late Anthea Bell, and as is shown from and by the book title itself, the eleven Grimms' tales are then wonderfully, imaginatively, colourfully accompanied by Lisbeth Zwerger's signature artwork. And yes, Lisbeth Zwerger is without a doubt my probably hands-down absolute favourite illustrator with regard to fairy and folktale accompanying pictorials, as she always does manage to provide a lovely and engaging mirror to and for the presented fairy and folklore texts without though ever overpowering or even aesthetically expanding too much on the presented and featured written words (although I have to admit that with Lisbeth Zwerger's pictures of the witch in Hansel and Gretel, I do have to say that I for one consider her depictions just a bit too witch-like and green skinned, as in the narrative, Hansel and Gretel are at first thoroughly duped by the witch's friendly demeanour and standardly "little old lady" type of appearance and therefore readily accept her offer of food and shelter). A wonderful and varied compilation is Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger (containing many of my own personal favourites, and yes, I am also so so glad and appreciative of the fact that Anthea Bell always manages to keep in and with the spirit of the Brothers Grimm German language original texts, including retaining the irony and delicious humour of The Brave Little Tailor and the Bremen Town Musicians, something that is definitely not always the case, as I have also encountered English language versions of the latter that while adequately presenting the basic thematics, also simply miss or have willfully erased that what makes these two tales often so intensely funny).
And with Werner Thusnelder's informative introduction (which does thankfully also show and point out that one of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's most important informants with regard to their collection of folk and fairy stories was Dorothea Viehmann, who was not, as has often been erroneously suggested, an elderly peasant woman, but highly educated and also of French Huguenot descent) being an academically and folklorically rich appreciated and actually also delightfully unexpected added bonus, Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is most highly recommended and definitely a high four star rating for and to me, and indeed perfect for not only reading on one's own but also for selecting specific stories to share with children as either a read-aloud or a read-along, provided that one does realise that Grimms' fairy tales can sometimes be a bit violent and harsh, but quite frankly, I have actually always found the French versions, the Charles Perrault versions of Little Red Cap (Little Red Riding Hood) and Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty) considerably more questionable and problematic content wise to and for children than the Brothers Grimm's versions of them (I mean, Charles Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood is both sexually charged and actually ends up with the little girl being "eaten" by the wolf and remaining thus, and in his Sleeping Beauty there is also that bit about the prince's ogre mother wanting to consume his and his recused bride's children, to basically cannibalise her own grandchildren).
And just to add that while my Kindle edition of Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger definitely does indicate that the late and great Anthea Bell is the translator of these eleven tales from Grimm, as I only own an e-book copy, I am also and of course not totally positive whether Anthea Bell is also the translator for the English language versions of Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger that appear as traditional paper book editions, although I do kind of assume this to likely be the case.
Translated (and indeed most capably and lovingly so) by the incomparable and sadly now late Anthea Bell, and as is shown from and by the book title itself, the eleven Grimms' tales are then wonderfully, imaginatively, colourfully accompanied by Lisbeth Zwerger's signature artwork. And yes, Lisbeth Zwerger is without a doubt my probably hands-down absolute favourite illustrator with regard to fairy and folktale accompanying pictorials, as she always does manage to provide a lovely and engaging mirror to and for the presented fairy and folklore texts without though ever overpowering or even aesthetically expanding too much on the presented and featured written words (although I have to admit that with Lisbeth Zwerger's pictures of the witch in Hansel and Gretel, I do have to say that I for one consider her depictions just a bit too witch-like and green skinned, as in the narrative, Hansel and Gretel are at first thoroughly duped by the witch's friendly demeanour and standardly "little old lady" type of appearance and therefore readily accept her offer of food and shelter). A wonderful and varied compilation is Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger (containing many of my own personal favourites, and yes, I am also so so glad and appreciative of the fact that Anthea Bell always manages to keep in and with the spirit of the Brothers Grimm German language original texts, including retaining the irony and delicious humour of The Brave Little Tailor and the Bremen Town Musicians, something that is definitely not always the case, as I have also encountered English language versions of the latter that while adequately presenting the basic thematics, also simply miss or have willfully erased that what makes these two tales often so intensely funny).
And with Werner Thusnelder's informative introduction (which does thankfully also show and point out that one of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's most important informants with regard to their collection of folk and fairy stories was Dorothea Viehmann, who was not, as has often been erroneously suggested, an elderly peasant woman, but highly educated and also of French Huguenot descent) being an academically and folklorically rich appreciated and actually also delightfully unexpected added bonus, Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is most highly recommended and definitely a high four star rating for and to me, and indeed perfect for not only reading on one's own but also for selecting specific stories to share with children as either a read-aloud or a read-along, provided that one does realise that Grimms' fairy tales can sometimes be a bit violent and harsh, but quite frankly, I have actually always found the French versions, the Charles Perrault versions of Little Red Cap (Little Red Riding Hood) and Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty) considerably more questionable and problematic content wise to and for children than the Brothers Grimm's versions of them (I mean, Charles Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood is both sexually charged and actually ends up with the little girl being "eaten" by the wolf and remaining thus, and in his Sleeping Beauty there is also that bit about the prince's ogre mother wanting to consume his and his recused bride's children, to basically cannibalise her own grandchildren).
And just to add that while my Kindle edition of Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger definitely does indicate that the late and great Anthea Bell is the translator of these eleven tales from Grimm, as I only own an e-book copy, I am also and of course not totally positive whether Anthea Bell is also the translator for the English language versions of Tales from the Brothers Grimm: Selected and Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger that appear as traditional paper book editions, although I do kind of assume this to likely be the case.
December 14, 2018
Nice selection of 11 tales by the Grimms, most of them not that known. I liked the illustrations for "Hänsel & Gretel" best, and then some of the ones for "Frog Prince" and "Briar Rose."
March 29, 2021
Красиво издание с прекрасни илюстрации на познати и непознати приказки на Братя Грим (Червената шапчица, Храбрият шивач, Жабокът принц, Спящата красавица, Бременските градски музиканти и т.н.). Преводът си беше хубав, но според мен историите хич не бяха разказани добре - в един кратък абзац ставаха толкова много неща, пълни обрати, че аз бях: "Уоу, уоу, моля за секунда", спъваше ми се четенето и трябваше да се връщам да го чета втори път. От описанието разбирам, че тези приказки за най-близо до немския оригинал, но на мен лично хич не ми харесаха.
November 28, 2018
Приказката свършва тука,
мишка мина през пролука,
който може да я хване,
да я тикне във капана.
мишка мина през пролука,
който може да я хване,
да я тикне във капана.
May 16, 2021
Tales from the Brothers Grimm, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger and translated by Anthea Bell, is a collection of eleven classic stories by the Brothers Grimm. From "The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids" to "Hansel and Gretel," each story conveys a message or valuable teaching after the triumph or downfall of a character or characters.
It was interesting to read some of the stories and recognize the similarity they bore to other classic tales. For instance, "Little Red Cap" reminded me of "Little Red Riding Hood," the "What big eyes you have!" "All the better to eat you with!" sequence being repeated. The story "Briar Rose" was another tale that sounded familiar to me, and after doing a bit of research, I learned that it was one of many versions of "Sleeping Beauty."
Overall, I did enjoy this book - especially the stories I had not heard of before such as "The Brave Little Tailor" and "The Bremen Town Musicians" - but I do not think I would share these stories with younger children. The book's recommended age range is 5-9, but since some of the stories had elements of terror and gory details, I think younger children would find them scary. (However, some of the stories would make great horror movies!)
I was able to read this book and view the illustrations using Epic.
It was interesting to read some of the stories and recognize the similarity they bore to other classic tales. For instance, "Little Red Cap" reminded me of "Little Red Riding Hood," the "What big eyes you have!" "All the better to eat you with!" sequence being repeated. The story "Briar Rose" was another tale that sounded familiar to me, and after doing a bit of research, I learned that it was one of many versions of "Sleeping Beauty."
Overall, I did enjoy this book - especially the stories I had not heard of before such as "The Brave Little Tailor" and "The Bremen Town Musicians" - but I do not think I would share these stories with younger children. The book's recommended age range is 5-9, but since some of the stories had elements of terror and gory details, I think younger children would find them scary. (However, some of the stories would make great horror movies!)
I was able to read this book and view the illustrations using Epic.
May 6, 2018
This book is for children of the ages 5 to 7 and is the genre of folklore and is illustrated by " One of the greatest children's illustrators of our time." A summary of the book is simple, the book consists of eleven classic Grimms fairy tales selected by illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger. I rated the book the way i did because i thought the fairy tales chosen were great. The color and pictures in the book were very different. I also liked how the book is a large size, i think that will hold a child's attention more. The stories in the book are "Hansel and Gretel", " The Seven Ravens", and " The Poor Miller's Boy and the Little Cat." That is just a few examples of what is shared in this book. I do think this book could appeal to young readers. I also think this book could be used in a classroom for different things. For example, i could use the book to introduce what fairy tales and folklore really is and explain that to a degree to children.
December 31, 2017
I am something of a collector of Lisbeth Zwerger so had to have this collection of Brother's Grimm. And after having had it out as a sort of coffee table book decided to go ahead and read it. Besides enjoying Zwerger's illustrations I enjoyed the quirky stories. This includes some of the lesser known stories and versions. Happy to have it in the collection.
February 13, 2021
Although familiar with many of the Grimm tales from my own childhood. I do not remember ever hearing them in their original form. The illustrations were pleasant and muted - which I felt were appropriate for accompanying stories from this long-ago, dark time. I enjoyed this selection of the classic tales very much and I think my children did as well.
April 2, 2019
Wonderful illustrations. But this version of the classic stories was an abomination full of Christian zealotry and misogyny.
July 9, 2021
An unusual collection, with a few lesser-known tales and Rackham-meets-Hopper watercolor illustrations.
June 12, 2016
Review WIP
I read the traditional Chinese hardcover edition under the title "茨威格繪本精選：格林經典童話" published by 繆思出版 with the isbn 978-986-6026-72-0.
I honestly, sadly, totally agree with fellow Goodreads User Dawn's review. I read the said review first, and was praying that perhaps it won't turn out that way since I'd be reading a translated version, and unfortunately that was not the case.
The reason I picked to read this collected edition, was because I saw Lisbeth Zwerger's publication, and thought it'd make more sense that, instead of borrowing several of adaptations of Grimm's, just borrowing the collection would save time. Now I'm just super confused. Were the originals this short as well? Did her separate publications also contained little illustrations for each story? I sure hope she had more than 5 images per story and this collection is the result of only being able to pick a few due to page limit? Really wanted to be wowed by her work, and just felt a little disappointed lol.
As for the stories, again thanks to Dawn for providing the English story titles (cuz the edition I read did not (or if it did, not listed in the table of content or the copyright page), and I actually don't recognize some of the story to be sure what they are known as):
Now; while the stories are in fact considerably all super short, I actually learned a lot more details of plot I previous was unaware of, and will jot them down when I have time.
I read the traditional Chinese hardcover edition under the title "茨威格繪本精選：格林經典童話" published by 繆思出版 with the isbn 978-986-6026-72-0.
I honestly, sadly, totally agree with fellow Goodreads User Dawn's review. I read the said review first, and was praying that perhaps it won't turn out that way since I'd be reading a translated version, and unfortunately that was not the case.
The reason I picked to read this collected edition, was because I saw Lisbeth Zwerger's publication, and thought it'd make more sense that, instead of borrowing several of adaptations of Grimm's, just borrowing the collection would save time. Now I'm just super confused. Were the originals this short as well? Did her separate publications also contained little illustrations for each story? I sure hope she had more than 5 images per story and this collection is the result of only being able to pick a few due to page limit? Really wanted to be wowed by her work, and just felt a little disappointed lol.
As for the stories, again thanks to Dawn for providing the English story titles (cuz the edition I read did not (or if it did, not listed in the table of content or the copyright page), and I actually don't recognize some of the story to be sure what they are known as):
"The Frog King" = "青蛙王子（與鐵箍的亨利）"
"The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids" = "野狼與七隻小山羊"
"Hansel and Gretel" = "韓索與葛麗泰"
"The Brave Little Tailor" = "勇敢的裁縫師"
"The Seven Ravens" = "七隻烏鴉"*title provided on Goodreads' book description
"Little Red Cap" (Little Red Riding Hood) = "小紅帽"
"The Bremen Town Musicians" = "不萊梅的音樂家"
"Briar Rose" (Sleeping Beauty) = "睡美人"
"The Poor Miller's Boy and the Little Cat" = "窮磨坊工的學徒與貓"
"Hans My Hedgehog" = "刺蝟漢斯"
*Precise English title tbd (didn't seem to be listed in the review) = "哈美倫的孩子"*it's the story more or less known as "The Pied Piper of Hamelin"
Now; while the stories are in fact considerably all super short, I actually learned a lot more details of plot I previous was unaware of, and will jot them down when I have time.
May 9, 2015
This book includes selected Grimm’s fairy tales including classics like “The Frog King”, “The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids”, “Hansel and Gretel”, “Little Red Cap” (Little Red Riding Hood), “The Bremen Town Musicians”, and “Briar Rose” (Sleeping Beauty). It also includes some less popular tales like “The Brave Little Tailor”, “The Poor Miller’s Boy and the Little Cat”, and “Hans My Hedgehog”. Most of the tales end happily, with the good rewarded and the evil punished, and the gorier aspects removed.
Retellings of Grimm’s fairy tales are often picture books that feature a single story, or anthologies with few, if any, illustrations. This book combines the two, offering 11 tales with a picture for almost every page of text. Kirkus describes the book as, “elegant of design and equally fine for reading alone or aloud." However, the translations are odd, not always flowing nicely, and many have traditional storytelling endings, which seem out of place when reading rather than listening. There is also inconstancy between the text and the pictures, with some illustrations depicting moments that don’t happen until the following pages. Many of the illustrations come from previously released, individual books, and the author has simply picked two or three pictures to illustrate the entire story, which does not always work well (though the illustrations are beautiful). Though fairy tales, this book is best suited for ages 10 and up.
Retellings of Grimm’s fairy tales are often picture books that feature a single story, or anthologies with few, if any, illustrations. This book combines the two, offering 11 tales with a picture for almost every page of text. Kirkus describes the book as, “elegant of design and equally fine for reading alone or aloud." However, the translations are odd, not always flowing nicely, and many have traditional storytelling endings, which seem out of place when reading rather than listening. There is also inconstancy between the text and the pictures, with some illustrations depicting moments that don’t happen until the following pages. Many of the illustrations come from previously released, individual books, and the author has simply picked two or three pictures to illustrate the entire story, which does not always work well (though the illustrations are beautiful). Though fairy tales, this book is best suited for ages 10 and up.
March 14, 2015
FOLKTALE - THE FROG KING OR IRON HENRY (German)
MOTIF - TRANSFORMATION
Zwerger, Lisbeth. Tales from the Brothers Grimm. Hong Kong: Michael Neugebauer, 2013.
Target Audience: Grade 1 to 12
The youngest princess of the King loses her ball down a well and she makes a deal with a frog to get it back. She promises the frog that she will be his friend and playmate if he can return the ball to her. The problem arises when she does not keep this promise and the King insists that she follow through with her commitment to the frog. She finds the frog disgusting and throws him against the wall which breaks the spell and the frog is transformed back into a Prince. The spell could only be broken by the King's youngest daughter and so in the end, the princess was to be the Prince's companion and wife. They lived happily ever after in their own kingdom.
I came across a few different versions of this folktale. It is interesting and reminds the audience to keep their commitments. This tale also exhibits the motif of transformation since the frog in the story turns into a prince when the princess breaks the spell cast by a wicked witch.
MOTIF - TRANSFORMATION
Zwerger, Lisbeth. Tales from the Brothers Grimm. Hong Kong: Michael Neugebauer, 2013.
Target Audience: Grade 1 to 12
The youngest princess of the King loses her ball down a well and she makes a deal with a frog to get it back. She promises the frog that she will be his friend and playmate if he can return the ball to her. The problem arises when she does not keep this promise and the King insists that she follow through with her commitment to the frog. She finds the frog disgusting and throws him against the wall which breaks the spell and the frog is transformed back into a Prince. The spell could only be broken by the King's youngest daughter and so in the end, the princess was to be the Prince's companion and wife. They lived happily ever after in their own kingdom.
I came across a few different versions of this folktale. It is interesting and reminds the audience to keep their commitments. This tale also exhibits the motif of transformation since the frog in the story turns into a prince when the princess breaks the spell cast by a wicked witch.
August 19, 2015
A beautifully illustrated collection of fairy tales that have updated language.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
March 3, 2019Not my thing. I would have had nightmares if I'd read these versions, with these illustrations, as a child. Masterfully done and other will like it, but don't buy it as a gift unless you *know* the recipient wants it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews