Book titled 'The Story Orchestra Hansel and Gretel' on a purple background

Open book with illustrated story of Hansel and Gretel on a purple background

Colorful children's book with interactive elements on a purple background

Colorful children's book open on a purple background with a hand pointing to illustrations.

Frances Lincoln

The Story Orchestra: Hansel and Gretel

£15.99

Beautifully Illustrated
Made To Treasure

Deep in the enchanted forest, danger and music await. This interactive retelling brings the Grimm Brothers' classic tale to life through Humperdinck's beloved opera—press the buttons to hear real orchestral music as Hansel and Gretel's adventure unfolds from the woodland strawberry patch to the witch's gingerbread house.

Jessica Courtney-Tickle's illustrations capture both the beauty of the forest and the drama of the fairy tale. At the back, discover Humperdinck's story—how he transformed songs for his nieces into one of opera's most enduring works—plus detailed notes on each musical excerpt and a glossary of musical terms.

Book details:

10 sound buttons featuring Humperdinck's opera
24-page hardback with watercolour illustrations
Composer biography and musical analysis in back matter

Suitable for children aged 5 years and up

Example of Haliburtons & Co. gift wrapping

Delivery & Returns

Ships from United Kingdom
Tracked delivery: 2-4 working days £3.95
30 day returns
Free delivery on orders over £50

View our FAQs for more information.

Further Information

Musical Heritage: Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel premiered in 1893, conducted by Richard Strauss, and became an instant masterpiece. It was the first complete opera broadcast by the Royal Opera House (1923) and the first live transmission from the Metropolitan Opera (1931). The opera combines Wagner's orchestral techniques with German folk melodies, creating the "Märchenoper" (fairy-tale opera) genre.

About the Composer: Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921) initially composed these pieces as songs for his sister's children to perform in a puppet show. His sister Adelheid Wette wrote the libretto, softening the Grimm Brothers' original tale by adding guardian angels and the Sandman character.

How to Use: Sound buttons require firm press in exact location. Pull white tab from back of book before first use. Each orchestral excerpt lasts 10 seconds.

Series Context: Part of the award-winning Story Orchestra series bringing classical music to life for children through gorgeously illustrated retellings paired with real orchestral recordings.

Product Specifications

ISBN: 9781836007395

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Illustrator: Jessica Courtney-Tickle

Composer: Engelbert Humperdinck

Format: Hardback with sound chip technology

Pages: 24

Dimensions: Approximately 265mm (w) x 304mm (h)

Weight: Approximately 750g

Age Range: 5 years and up

Series: The Story Orchestra

Publication Date: September 2025

Fast, Free Delivery Orders Over £50

Rated Excellent on Reviews.io

Choice of Gift Wrapping

Frances Lincoln

Since 1983, Frances Lincoln Children's Books has championed beautifully illustrated titles that celebrate cultural diversity and visual storytelling. Working with innovative illustrators like Jessica Courtney-Tickle and award winners including David Litchfield, they create books that honour different voices, traditions, and perspectives. Their Story Orchestra series introduces children to classical music through interactive sound buttons and richly detailed illustrations, while the multi-million copy Little People, BIG DREAMS series brings inspiring historical figures to life for young readers. With recognition including multiple Waterstones Children's Book Prize wins, Frances Lincoln represents publishing that values both artistic excellence and inclusive representation.

View brand collection