Hansel and Gretel are poor, so they have to travel through the forest to find work for their father. On the way, they meet a kind old lady asking for help. But does she have other plans? Marking the 200th anniversary of the Grimm Brothers’ first book, Janet Foxley’s wonderful retelling of this classic story is beautifully illustrated by Keino.

• Copper/Band 12 books provide more complex plots and longer chapters that develop reading stamina.
• Text type: A retelling of a traditional tale.
• Curriculum links: Citizenship.
• This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available.

Collins Big Cat is a whole-school reading programme that provides complete support for primary reading. Children will become fluent readers through hundreds of high-quality fiction and non-fiction banded books by award-winning authors and illustrators. In-depth teaching resources support you in developing and assessing key reading skills at all stages from early reading through to phonics, to guided, whole-class and independent reading for more confident readers.