The classic fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” was presented as a puppet show Wednesday morning as part of the Summer Reading Program at the Great Bend Public Library. Richard Elsenpeter is the fourth-generation leader of the Elsenpeter Marionettes company.

He encouraged the children to watch for “hidden messages” in the story. Hansel and Gretel hope to find treasure and when they first meet the wicked witch who lives in a gingerbread house, she insists she is nothing more than a kind, lonely woman. “I like children!” she says.

In the end, Hansel and Gretel escape from the witch, and their family is reunited. Children are reminded, “Never take candy from a stranger, and never go into a stranger’s house.”

The Elsenpeter Marionettes tradition of puppetry started in Elen, Germany approximately 139 years ago, by Richard’s great-grandfather. 

There was time for questions after the show and Elsenperter explained how a marionette works. “We make the marionettes,” he said. For any children inspired to put on their own puppet show, he suggests they do the same, rather than buying puppets from a store. 

“You can make your own,” he said. Puppets can be made from socks, paper or other items, and children can probably find ideas in books located at the library. “Use your imagination!” he said. 

Great Bend Public Library’s Summer Reading Program continues, with “Mad Science” coming next Wednesday, June 21. The 10:30 a.m. show is for everyone, while the 1 p.m. show requires advance registration and only a few spots remain. For more information about programs at the library, see Hannah Grippin’s “Book Nook” in the Great Bend Tribune.