A slightly modern ('80s) original fairy tale that is haunting yet charming, a little scary yet delicious (look at all the food!), and stunning in every way; much aided by the breathtaking artwork. It took me back to my childhood of reading illustrated fairy tale books.
'Heckedy Peg' is about how nothing is more powerful than a mother's love and affection for, and knowledge of, her children. It is about why children should listen to their mother's reasonable dos and don'ts of life - for the witch, albeit an old, reclusive, disabled one, is a metaphor; there are worse things to be wary of in real life. It is about never letting strangers into the house, and never touching fire; it shouldn't be used for anything other than cooking, light and warmth (smoking is bad, too, kids!). It is about hard work being rewarded. It is about outwitting your foes.
'Heckedy Peg' is about a lot of things. But the biggest that is to stick in a child's mind is: love and appreciate your mama for all she does for you.
Darkness and a bit of nightmare fuel in the art can be good for kids. They learn from a little fear and uneasiness; it's good human instinct, and good fairy tales should reflect this. They should also pour in an equal measure of light and hope, culminating in the famous "happily ever after". 'Heckedy Peg' provides exactly this spectacle and treat.
It's just that I'd like to read fairy tales that are a bit more subversive, where the witch isn't evil and typically old and ugly (and disabled with a peg leg, in this case). But oh well.
A classic gift.
Final Score: 4/5
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