Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German professors, best known for publishing collections of folk tales and fairy tales, and for their work in linguistics. Daniela Drescher was born in Munich and trained in art therapy. She has worked with children for several years and is an illustrator for a parenting magazine. She has written and illustrated many picture books, which are bestsellers in Germany, including, In the Land of Fairies, In the Land of Elves, In the Land of Merfolk, The Elves' Big Adventure, What's Hiding in There?, Merlina and the Magic Spell, Little Fairy's Christmas and Little Fairy Can't Sleep (all Floris Books).
'[To illustrate Hansel and Gretel] Daniela Drescher offers a single, colorful painting of the children meeting the witch in front of a gingerbread house that seems to glow from without and within -- a subtle prefiguration, perhaps, of the fiery oven into which Gretel will eventually push her captor. Ms. Drescher's paintings in this traditional and satisfying compilation of 30 Grimm tales put emphasis on the enchanted aspects of the folklore rather than the fear or the gore.' -- The Wall Street Journal 'This is a large, elegant, hardback book full of favourite fairy tales such as Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as well as lesser-known tales such as Mother Holle. Daniela Drescher's beautiful watercolour illustrations are both ethereal and detailed. This would make a wonderful gift to be treasured by all generations.' -- Juno Magazine 'This collection from the Edinburgh based Floris Books is exceptional. The publishers' commitment to high quality production values is realized in a robust, large format book with clear text setting. Drescher's delicate but vivid illustrations consist of full and half page paintings for each of the 30 selected stories, punctuated by pencil sketches and silhouette motifs. The paintings are in the magical romantic tradition, depicting vulnerable women and children, for the most part, confronting natural and supernatural terrors This is an invaluable collection, which re-imbues these seminal narratives with much of their thought-provoking and talk-provoking vividness.' -- Books for Keeps 'Children's Book of the Month: the stories are exquisitely and evocatively illustrated, adding a new, luminous dimension to their enchantment. A book to treasure forever.' -- Cygnus Review