ere’s a simplified English version of “Hansel and Gretel,” commonly known as “The Candy House” or “The Gingerbread House” story, suitable for retelling or adaptation:

strong>Hansel and Gretel: The Candy House

ar away, deep in a dark forest, lived a poor woodcutter and his two children, Hansel and Gretel. Their stepmother, a cruel woman, convinced the woodcutter that to survive a terrible famine, they must abandon the children in the woods.

ansel, a clever boy, overheard their plan. The first time they were led into the forest, he dropped a trail of shiny white pebbles he had collected. The pebbles glittered in the moonlight, guiding the children safely back home.

he stepmother was furious. The next time, she locked Hansel and Gretel in their room so he couldn’t collect pebbles. Hansel could only use crumbs from their meager piece of bread to mark the path. Sadly, the birds of the forest ate all the crumbs, and the children were truly lost.

or days they wandered, hungry and scared, eating only a few wild berries. Then, one morning, they saw a truly astonishing sight nestled amongst the trees: a little house made entirely of candy! Its walls were built of gingerbread decorated with icing, its roof was layered with cakes, and its windows were clear sugar candy. Lollipops grew like flowers in the garden.

tarving, the children rushed forward and began to break off pieces of the delicious house. “Nibble, nibble, little mouse,” called a sweet, old voice from inside. “Who is nibbling at my house

n old woman, with a kind smile but sharp, watchful eyes, came out. “Don’t be afraid, little dears,” she cooed. “Come inside! Come inside and eat all you want!” She ushered them into her magical cottage.

ut the kind smile was a trick! The old woman was actually a wicked witch who had built the candy house to lure hungry children. She locked Hansel in a sturdy cage to fatten him up. Gretel was forced to cook and clean.

very day the witch would hobble to Hansel’s cage. “Stick out your finger, boy!” she’d cackle. “Let me see if you’re plump enough to eat!” Clever Hansel, knowing she had poor eyesight, stuck out a thin chicken bone instead. The witch, feeling the bone, grumbled that he wasn’t ready yet.

inally, she grew impatient. “We cook the boy tomorrow!” she screeched at Gretel. “Heat up the oven! I want him roasted!” Terrified but determined, Gretel pretended she didn’t understand how to check if the oven was hot enough. “You silly girl!” snapped the witch. “Watch how it’s done!” She bent down and stuck her head deep inside the big oven to check the flames.

uick as a flash, Gretel gathered all her courage. She gave the witch a mighty shove, sending her tumbling into the blazing oven! Gretel slammed the heavy iron door shut and bolted it tight.

retel freed Hansel from his cage. Together, they searched the witch’s cottage. They found chests overflowing with pearls and precious jewels! They filled their pockets with these treasures.

unning hand in hand through the forest, they soon found a familiar path. Following it, they finally saw their own cottage! Their stepmother had died, and their father, who had grieved for them every single day, wept with joy to see his brave children alive and safe. He hugged them tightly. With the witch’s treasure, they never had to worry about being hungry or poor again.

nd they all lived happily ever after.

strong>Key Elements Included:

. The Poor Family & Famine: Sets the scene.

. The Cruel Plan: Abandoning the children.

. Hansel’s Cleverness: White pebbles (successful) and breadcrumbs (unsuccessful).

. Getting Lost & Discovery: Finding the Candy/Gingerbread House.

. The Witch’s Deception: Kind facade, evil intent.

. Captivity: Hansel caged, Gretel enslaved.

. Hansel’s Trick: Using the bone instead of his finger.

. Gretel’s Bravery: Tricking the witch and pushing her into the oven.

. The Treasure: Finding the witch’s jewels.

0. Return Home & Happy Ending: Stepmother gone, father overjoyed, wealth secured.

strong>Tips for Using This Version:

Simplify Further: For younger audiences, shorten sentences, use simpler words (e.g., “mean lady” instead of “cruel stepmother,” “magic food house” instead of “cottage”).

Add Detail: For older audiences, describe the forest or the candy house in more vivid detail, add dialogue between the children or the witch.

Read Aloud: Practice reading it aloud with expression, especially the witch’s voice!

Adapt: This is a base. Feel free to change details to suit your purpose (e.g., making the father less weak, slightly altering how Gretel tricks the witch).

Mention the Source: You can add a line like “This is a retelling of the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

njoy telling the story!