Little Red Riding Hood

Jerry Pinkney
Little, Brown Young Readers (2007)
ISBN 9780316013550
Reviewed by Olivia Alejandre (age 4) and Mom for Reader Views (12/07)

Mom’s review / summary:
I had forgotten the original details since this story has been watered down over the past few decades.  Upon my first read, I wasn’t sure I liked the fact that the wolf did indeed eat the grandmother AND Little Red Riding Hood, especially since my daughter is so young.  But, as I thought about it, I realized that it’s probably appropriate to have a healthy fear of certain animals and threats in our world, without being too graphic.  Olivia didn’t seem to react negatively to that aspect of the story, even before she knew that they were both going to be OK in the end.  Some children might not respond well to this aspect of the story.

I did feel, however, that the dead wolf in grandmother’s bed was unnecessary to include in the artwork.  Is there another way to present the events of that page?

I loved the diversity of the book – Little Red Riding Hood is definitely not white.  I appreciate classic stories coming out with more diversity of character background and ethnicity.

The artwork is expressive and intricate – maybe too much for a children’s book?  Also, on most pages, Little Red Riding Hood has an odd expression on her face – sometimes, it seemed like she was confused, other times talking.  Her mouth is partially open on several pages, which looked a little odd.

Olivia’s review / summary:
“Little Red Riding Hood packed some tea and some muffins and sauce in a basket.  She set off into the woods.  She saw a fox.  ‘My grandmother’s house is behind the oak tree.’  And the fox went to grandmother’s house before Little Red Riding Hood.  ‘Knock, knock.’  ‘Who’s there?’  She got there and said ‘It’s your child’.  He ate her up and he is dressed up like grandmother.  The wolf ate Little Red Riding Hood in his tummy.  And, then he (the woodcutter) got them out of the tummy.”

Some quotes from Olivia about “Little Red Riding Hood”:
“I like the color of his fur.”

“He’s not scary to me.  I like that wolf.  He asked her a question nicely.  I’m going to take that wolf home with me.”

“He’s being mean now.”

Make comment on weblog