Hansel and Gretel by Stephen King and Maurice Sendak
we talk about a new book for once
This week we’re sharing a gift link to the New York Times Book Review, where you’ll find our review, conducted in “Looking in Picture Books Fashion,” of the Hansel and Gretel by Stephen King and Maurice Sendak.
The children’s books section of the NYTBR has been publishing some lively and thought-provoking writing about picture books lately. We were chuffed to be invited.
The book uses Sendak’s production art for a 1997 staging of Englebert Humperdink’s opera, with a new text by King. It’s an interesting way to make a picture book and gave us a lot to think about.
YouTube has the whole opera, which aired on PBS’s Live from Lincoln Center, and opens with a tuxedoed Hugh Downs describing Sendak’s work. Public television in the 90s!
“And by the way,” says Downs, “you can take Mr. Sendak away from his books, but you can’t take books away from his sets.” If I were to further complicate this tangled construction (and why not!), I would add that you can’t take sets away from Sendak’s books. The theater is all over his picture book designs —it’s a big part of why they work so well to read aloud.
(When the director Frank Corsaro first approached Sendak about designing for the opera, he replied, “It’s been a dream all my life, but I’m mired in children’s books. Who would take a chance on such a person?”)
[Hugh Downs voice] Finally, while you can’t take books away from his sets, you can take away these recommendations for books about Mr. Sendak’s sets. I’m Hugh Downs. Goodnight.
Drawing the Curtain: Maurice Sendak’s Designs for Opera and Ballet, by Rachel Federman
A look at Sendak’s work for several theatrical productions, including The Magic Flute and Where the Wild Things Are.
The Love for Three Oranges, by Frank Corsaro and Maurice Sendak
A conversation between Sendak and Corsaro (who also directed the Sendak Hansel and Gretel) about Sendak’s drawings for the Prokofiev opera.
Oh no, more books to add to my shelves. Your posts should come with a warning for everyone’s banks balance. 😅
Hugh Downs, host of both “Today” and “20/20,” for many years, was a gentle, kind-hearted and intelligent man.
I wonder how many of your readers know of him.