As a storyteller the quickly-read picture book or chapter book I want to read most is the one I would so like to crib from and include in my set. This would be a highlight, were I to do that to such a brand-new title (which I wouldn’t). It has all the drama and logic and narrative sense and moral exploration of existence that makes it an instant classic, in my mind. I am not sure about the artwork, however much it wants to look antique, woodcut or such – it does certainly brighten up the pages with striking motion and design, however, even with a limited palette.

But it’s the story I’ll remember this for, as a humble poor fisherman seeks a godfather for his newborn, dismisses God for just being unfair and a rum ol’ rozzer, dumps the idea of the Devil for the same job, and agrees with Death when the latter declares himself the closest thing to an honest, fair being he’ll find. This has the Rule of Three, the magical guest at a family ceremony (see Sleeping Beauty, ad inf.), the powerful and unasked-for gift, and the blunt, obvious finality of ‘Death and the Walnut’, which I will have to stick with, however much I’d love to tell this. And I would have been applauding Ms Nicholls to all corners if it weren’t for the blurb on netgalley that says this is a rewritten Grimm story. No of course I don’t know them all – but either way, whatever has been tweaked here does nothing to prevent this being a marvel.

This is a charming retelling of a Grimm tale about a fisherman who seeks a honest man to be his son's Godfather. As indicated by the title, he selects Death

This version has most of the beats of the original fable, with a few changes that make the story run a little smoother and tidy up the ending. Sally Nichols uses a tone very much in keeping with a Grimm tale, although she adds sharp and well-judged asides to underscore the absurdity of the premise.

Júlia Sardà's illustrations are perfect for this story. Every page is illustrated in a woodcut style, with a limited palette of red, yellow and green giving a medieval feel. It is a truly beautiful and unusual looking book.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

That's what I love about Grimm stories - just merrily bobbing along and then WOOSH - dark turn incoming! This was a cover request for me but I also found the story itself to be utterly mesmerising!

Godfather Death wasn't a Grimm story that I knew before I read this book. In it, A man, desperate for a godfather for his child, chooses Death for the role, knowing that he treats all equally - no one can escape death, regardless of status, class, etc. However, despite all that Death does for the man and his family, the man tricks death and suffers the consequences.
This is a beautifully-illustrated version of the story and one that I am looking forward to sharing with my class.

Well, that got dark quick.
I've not read this Grimm tale before, but I loved how this retelling felt very reminiscent of the old-fashioned tales whilst also throwing in the odd bit of dark humour.
I really enjoy dark stories like this, especially in children's books. The creepy stories were always my favourite as a kid and this is the sort of thing I would've loved. And do love now as an adult.
It's the kind of story where you know exactly where it's going and grimly anticipate the outcome.

The artwork is beautiful. It had a very traditional style that absolutely suited the story. And the colour scheme used was perfect. The orange, red, black, and dark green gave the story an autumnal vibe making this a perfect Halloween read for both adults and children.
I'd love to gift this to my future nephew

This was such an enjoyable read! As someone who hadn’t heard of the original fable until recently, it’s refreshing to see the different ways in which contemporary writers like Nicholls are keeping the traditional fairy tales alive. Nicholls' enchanting narrative voice paired with Sarda’s delightful illustrations really help to tell this story in a way that’s appealing to audiences both young and old, and like a lot of the Grimm’s fairy tales the writer doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice her characters happiness in place of showing us what can happen when you misplace your trust and act selfishly.

A wonderfully illustrated creepy fable, perfect for autumn nights. This is one of the best of the new fairytales from Julia Sarda and the sardonic humour that accompanies Godfather Death is perfect for the story to take hold and frighten. One for the more off beat children's shelves.

A reimagining of a Grimm fairytale, and I got to the end and went “gosh, that was grim” (the irony is not lost on me, ha). Absolutely enthralling illustrations which just add to the atmospheric, dark and spell-binding story of greed, honesty and desperation!

Sally Nicholls and Júlia Sardà take on a delightfully morbid German fairy tale in this beautiful retelling of Godfather Death.

A poor fisherman goes out in search of an honest man to become godfather to his child. God is no use, the Devil is worse - but Death proves a suitable candidate. But when Death also offers him a chance at a better life, will the fisherman stay honest himself?

I loved this book! From the melodious prose to the absolutely stunning illustrations, it captures the dark but whimsical nature of folklore perfectly. And Death himself is a fairly benevolent figure, all things considered. It would be a fab book for reading aloud, and would fit nicely as part of a wider topic study on folktales and fables. The woodcut folkloric style of illustrations is so beautifully - and historically! - detailed, too, from the inscription of Death’s scythe (nemini parco - ‘I spare no one’) to the use of the banderole (little medieval ‘speech bubbles’). A real gem of a book - I can’t wait to read a print copy.

Godfather Death, is haunting, spellbinding and immerse, this tale will stay in your mind long after it’s last page. An reimagined Grimm tale which has been beautifully illustrated, this tale will fill you with nostalgia for the dark fairytales of old.

A poor fisherman is determined for his new son, to have an honest godfather, he eventually choses Death for surely no man is more honest than Death. But when Death gives the fisherman a gift at the christening, is the gift the good fortune it seems to be, or will the Fishermans greed show how nobody can cheat death.

I loved this, thought the writing, the story and the illustrations were beautiful. I haven't read the original version so cannot offer a comparison but I thought it read like a classic fairytale, with slightly more humour (albeit dark!). Can't wait to see a finished copy of this, I'm sure it will be a beauty,

Absolutely brilliant little book! This is written like a classic fairy tale full of all the usual tropes you'd expect and all the better for it, loved the characters, loved the story and loved Death!
Absolutely gorgeous illustrations, I couldn't stop staring at them!!

What a delicious little retelling of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, where we learn that no-one can cheat or outsmart Death...

The illustrations by Julia Sarda are beautiful and I flew through Sally Nicholls's words. I can't wait to see these two team up again.