Stephen King and Maurice Sendak Reimagine HANSEL & GRETEL in a New Picture Book
The classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel is getting a new picture book from two literary powerhouses. Bestselling author Stephen King and the late Maurice Sendak joined creative forces across time to bring a new version of Hansel and Gretel to life.
HarperCollins Publishers announced the project, which pairs King’s storytelling with Sendak’s evocative artwork, originally created as set and costume designs for a 1997 opera adaptation of the tale.
Slated for release on September 2, 2025, Hansel and Gretel the book features an introduction by King and was developed in collaboration with The Maurice Sendak Foundation.
King said in a statement: “When I was asked if I might be interested in writing a new interpretation of Hansel and Gretel, bending it to fit (loosely) with set and costume designs Maurice Sendak had created for the Humperdinck opera of the story, I was interested. When I saw the pictures themselves, I resolved to give it a try.”
King’s fascination with Sendak’s illustrations sparked his vision for the book. King went on to say: “Two of his pictures in particular spoke to me: One was of the wicked witch on her broom with a bag of kidnapped children riding behind her; the other was of the infamous candy house becoming a terrible face.
“I thought, this is what the house really looks like, a devil sick with sin, and it only shows that face when the kids turn their backs. I wanted to write that!
“To me, it was the essence of this story and, really, all fairy tales: a sunny exterior, a dark and terrible center, brave and resourceful children. In a way, I have been writing about kids like Hansel and Gretel for much of my life.”
Sendak’s distinct artistic style, which is both whimsical and unsettling, has captivated readers for decades, and now his work finds new life in King’s hands.
This unlikely collaboration blends their shared love of dark, yet meaningful storytelling, ensuring this adaptation will be a great and interesting read.
Nancy Inteli, vice president and publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books, describes the book as “the literary event of the year, a timely and timeless dialogue between Mr. Sendak, Mr. King, and Brothers Grimm that transcends time, space, and even death.”
Expect a dark and thrilling ride through the woods when the book drops next fall. Check out the cover art and an interior illustration from Sendak below.
