Stephen King and Maurice Sendak Reimagine Hansel & Gretel in a new illustrated book

The classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel He is getting a new book illustrated by two literary plants. Best -selling author Stephen King and late Maurice Sendak he joined the creative forces over time to bring a new version of Hansel and Gretel to life.

Harpercollins’ publishers announced the project, which couples King’s narration with Sendak’s evocative works of art, originally created as sets and costume projects for an adaptation of the work of 1997.

Scheduled for the release on September 2, 2025, Hansel and Gretel The book presents an introduction of King and was developed in collaboration with Maurice Sendak Foundation.

King said in a statement: “When I was asked if I could be interested in writing a new interpretation of Hansel and GretelFolding it to adapt it (vaguely) with the sets of sets and customs that Maurice Sendak had created for the humperdinck work of the story, I was interested. When I saw the photos alone, I decided to try it. “

King’s charm for Sendak’s illustrations has unleashed his vision for the book. King continued to say: “Two of his photos in particular spoke to me: one was from the evil witch on his broom with a bag of kidnapped children who ridden behind her; The other was that the notorious house of candies became a terrible face.

“I thought, this is how the house really appears, a devil sick with sin, and shows only that face when the children turn their backs. I wanted to write it!

“For me it was the essence of this story and, really, all the fairy tales: a sunny outside, a dark and terrible center, brave and enterprising children. In a sense, I wrote on children like Hansel and Gretel for most of my life. “

Sendak’s distinct artistic style, which is both extravagant and disturbing, has fascinated readers for decades and now his job finds new life in King’s hands.

This improbable collaboration blends their shared love for the dark, but significant narrative, ensuring that this adaptation will be an exceptional and interesting reading.

Nancy Intele, 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 who transcends time, space and even death.

Wait for a dark and electrifying lap through the woods when the book will go down next autumn. Take a look at the cover and an internal illustration from Sendak below.