Crime Matters

The story of 'Hansel and Gretel' tells the tale of two siblings abandoned in a forest by their parents during a time of famine. The children use their ingenuity to find their way back home after being left twice. They encounter a witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread and candy, but they outsmart her and ultimately return home to find their stepmother dead and their father welcoming them back. The story is rooted in historical events such as the Great Famine of 1315-1317 in Europe and reflects the harsh realities of survival during such times.

In this iconic children's book, Max, dressed in his wolf suit, causes chaos at home and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a jungle, and he sails to an island where he encounters the Wild Things. Max tames the creatures and becomes their king, but eventually returns home, missing his mother's love. The book is praised for its honest treatment of children's emotions, particularly anger and the need for parental love. It has been adapted into a movie and an opera and remains a beloved classic in children's literature.