Hanzel and Pretzel
by Mike Thaler
Cartwheel Books (Scholastics) 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- sibling teamwork
- cleverness
- problem-solving
- humor
- fairy-tale parody
- resourcefulness
About this book
This silly, pun-filled retelling of Hansel and Gretel follows two clever siblings who find trouble—and lots of snacks—in a fairy-tale forest. Mike Thaler’s wordplay and goofy twists make it an easy, giggle-worthy read for early elementary students. With colorful picture-book pacing and familiar story beats, it’s great for shared reading and building confidence. Kids enjoy the humor, the food jokes, and cheering on the brother-and-sister team.
Setting: a fairy-tale forest and a sweet-filled cottage
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanzel and Pretzel right for my child?
Yes — Hanzel and Pretzel is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include sibling teamwork, cleverness, problem-solving.
How long does it take to read Hanzel and Pretzel?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Hanzel and Pretzel takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hanzel and Pretzel have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hanzel and Pretzel has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hanzel and Pretzel?
Hanzel and Pretzel has an AR reading level of 2.8, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.