Book Review (And Celeb Video!): The Sisters Grimm

Growing up I always loved fairy tales. From The Three Little Pigs to Rapunzel, there was something magical about this type of story that was cute and fluffy on the outside, but had a deeper meaning on the inside. As a writer, I've tried to write on those levels. And also as a writer, I've had a special place in my heart for fairy tales (I used to write for the PBS show Super Why, which tells old favorite fairy tales with a twist).

So I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I found the Sisters Grimm series! Many of you may already be fans. Basically, two orphan sisters, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sent to live with their grandmother, Granny Relda, whom they thought was dead. In the first book they arrive in her small town of Ferryport, NY and discover that the residents include princesses, dwarves, and other twisted fairy tale characters. (i.e. the Three Pigs are policemen, Snow White is a school teacher, Prince Charming is the evil Mayor, etc). Granny reveals that Sabrina and Daphne are descendants of The Brothers Grimm and that it is their destiny to preserve the fairy tales — and act as detectives for any fishy business with the “Everafters” (aforementioned fairy tale characters). Sabrina doesn't believe Granny Relda is the real deal, but Daphne does. But before they can get to the bottom of their first mystery, Granny is kidnapped by a giant and they've got to save her.

These books are not only interesting, but SERIOUSLY clever. The writing is sharp and funny, not dumbed down for kids, and I totally LOL-ed more than once. It was neat seeing the characters I knew represented in a different setting. Like the mirror from Snow White giving advice, the flying carpet from Aladdin shuttling the kids around, and the Grand Ball hosted by Mayor/Prince Charming.

Plus, it made me want to re-read the original fairy tales! I had forgotten how dark they were. People were getting eaten, poisoned, baked in ovens, etc. And I discovered lots of crazy gruesome details. Like how in the original Snow White, the evil queen is forced to dance at Snow White's wedding in red-hot shoes until she dies. Seriously, LOTS more where that comes from — you have to read the originals!

To hear more about The Sisters Grimm, check out this exclusive video of actress Sammi Hanratty giving her own review of the first book: The Fairy Tale Detectives.

Oh, and bonus tidbit! On the book jacket, Sarah Michelle Geller (aka "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") had this to say about the Grimm Sisters series: “Kids will love Sabrina and Daphne's adventures as much as I did.”

How about you? Weigh in if you've read!

— Ratha, STACKS Writer

Comments

[Comment #1]

I love the sisters grimm and i hope he keeps writting more

*the books are so punk rock*

[Comment #2]

Oh my goodness! "The Sisters Grimm" is my FAVORITE book series of all time!!! I've met the author, and let me tell you, he is just as funny as the books! I can't wait till book seven comes out! May 1st!

[Comment #3]

I just read this book last month! I LOVED IT! Go Michael Buckley!

[Comment #4]

I LOVE SISTERS GRIMM!!!!!!!!!!
You met the author! Lucky!

[Comment #5]

I love the Sisters Grim! when I get the book I'm gonna read it as much as I can

[Comment #6]

I've heard of The Sisters Grim before but i never read it.So when my friend's done reading her sister's book of it ,I'll be the first to ask!

[Comment #7]

go micheal buckley. those books are awesome

[Comment #8]

that awesome

[Comment #9]

I really like this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Comment #10]

This book really inspire me alot in many ways!!!!!!!!

[Comment #11]

This book is really great this is the real deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Comment #12]

I Really Enjoyed This Book, It's One Of My Favorites!

[Comment #13]

awsome,cool,WOW

hehehe

[Comment #14]

I love the sisters grimm,and i love Sammi Hanratty. As soon as I saw her face i knew it was her,Sammi Hanratty. She played Chrissa in Chrissa:an american girl. Anyway,people who have not read the sisters grimm,need to postpone what they are reading and read the sisters grimm now! This is an order!!!!

[Comment #15]

I am counting down till book 7! AAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I will stay up all night to read It! I love the sisters grimm. If you go to the official site, you can read an exert from the book 7!

[Comment #16]

charming is NOT evil; i've read all of the currently available series. Twisted,yes,evil,no.No offense! ; )

[Comment #17]

oh my gosh! i love these books so much. I love Michael Buckley. Michael you rule!

[Comment #18]

GO SISTERS GRIMM!!!!!!!!
THOOSE BOOKS ARE AWSOME THEY ARE SO GOOD I CAN NOT STOP READING THEM!!!!!

[Comment #19]

i heart sisers grimm

[Comment #20]

i love the sisters grimm they rule! i just go the 7 book icant wait to start reading

[Comment #21]

i LOVE THE SISTERS GRIMM!!!YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I hope Sabrina and puck get married in teh futer O.M.G!

[Comment #22]

I LOVE THESE BOOKS SOOOOOOOOO MUCH. I read all the books of the sisters grimm. I EVEN READ THE 7 BOOK !!!! O.M.G!! I am soooo SIKED!! ANYONE WHO DID NOT READ THE 7 BOOK u can get it at the libarey it is soooo asome

[Comment #23]

I agree with u d charming is not evil but... he thretend to smash there house and throw them on the street.But he is not mean anymore

[Comment #24]

OMG I ♥ ur books Michael Buckley! U rock!!!!!!!

[Comment #25]

the books is so fun to read love the books.