House: Henry and Gretchen — Connie Myres

An evil stepmother, abandoned children, and a wicked witch are certainly part of this version of Hansel and Gretel. A short story. Times are tough and food hard to come by when young Henry and Gretchen are abandoned in the woods by their evil stepmother and feebleminded father who want more food for themselves. Dying from hunger or being ravaged by wild beasts are not the children's only threat; a wicked witch lurks nearby, eager to devour their little bodies. Will the fragile, malnourished Henry and Gretchen survive their parents, wild animals of the forest, and the hungry witch in this version of Hansel and Gretel?