Originally published in German as Märchencomics, this slim volume presents eight fairy-tales from the Brothers Grimm, each of which has been simplified and presented as a brief comic strip. Despite their abridged form, none of the "disturbing" elements or mature content - Mother Holle dumping tar all over the less worthy sister, Rapunzel and her prince jumping into bed together, various wolves being cut open - has been omitted, making these stories conceptually mature but textually simple. An ideal selection for "Hi-Lo" readers (those reading well below their age and grade level, who need mature stories told simply), I would think.

I don't know that Definitely Not For Little Ones: Some Very Grimm Fairy-tale Comics really stood out to me as an excellent fairy-tale retelling - yes, I'm a textual creature, and prefer the fuller, original versions - but I think that younger readers who appreciate humorous revisions of traditional stories will enjoy it, and the format in which it is presented. Certainly, Rotraut Susanne Berner is at no pains to make things neat and tidy for young children - witness the sister, in Mother Holle, smoking a cigarette - and that will undoubtedly add some spice as well. ( )

The title of this book says it all...This is not for little kids! Geared more for older kids (high school) or adults. It is presented in graphic novel format and the alterations to the stories are hilarious. It left me laughing! But definitely for mature readers. ( )