The Hapless Child Funny she can't help but follow

she can't help but follow him into the forest – and on to a thrilling adventure

He has said that the story of Hansel and Gretel is what made him want to be a writer

Patricio Manuel

The two forge a strong bond while

have a frustrating conversation with an eccentric caterpillar

The Hapless Child Funny she can't help but followThis sorry tale of petite Charlotte Sophia's catastrophic, short life is classic Gorey. The poor child is orphaned and treated mercilessly by schoolmates and ruffians alike, and only barely survives for a time, anyway by the skin of her baby teeth. Even her doll suffers a grusome end. The little girl's journeiy is perfect fodder for Edward Gorey's brilliant penwork, so detailed and perfectly wrought that it's hard to believe he could master these