SAUCY AND BUBBA A Hansel and Gretel Tale

Author Pattison and narrator Monica Clark-Robinson imbue this update of "Hansel and Gretel" with just the right mix of youthful idealism and harsh reality. Eleven-year-old Saucy is determined to keep Bubba, her younger brother, safe after their father marries an alcoholic who becomes their stepmother. Clark-Robinson portrays Saucy as a loving yet cautious girl who is constantly worried about her happy-go-lucky brother. Bubba sounds adorable as he follows his sister's advice or, occasionally, balks at her "bossiness." The situation escalates when the children are locked outside overnight and decide to leave home. The hopeful conclusion should help kids in similar situations. S.G.B. [Published: JANUARY 2015]