Kids the world over love listening to / reading classic fairy tales. But throughout the years they change and get given their own unique twists to keep them fresh. The retelling of classic fairy tales is like giving an old friend a brand-new wardrobe. These beloved stories carry timeless lessons and familiar beats – but when they are reimagined by authors and illustrators, they spark fresh excitement and highlight values that resonate for today’s young readers. Little Red Reading Hood, is a fresh twist on a timeless classic, one that flips the well-worn path of the original Grimm tale (although the story actually goes back longer that this) into a celebration of curiosity, courage, the magic of books themselves and reminding young readers that books can lead them down unexpected paths and empower them to rewrite their own endings..
Little Red Reading Hood is a children’s book, a reimagining of the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood (aka Little Red Cap). It’s a picture book told in rhyming text with bright illustrations, and has a rather nice surprise twist. A playful rhyming delight that will certainly excite! Instead of going to visit Grandma’s house, Little Red is off to the library instead!
Little Red just LOVES to read, she reads everywhere she possible can. She enjoys her reading so much that she forgets to return a library book. When her mother points out that it needs to be returned to the library, she also gives her an important warning – never stray from the path to the library in the forest! With her treasured tome she pulls up her little red hood and sets off to the library. Along the way she meets the hungry wolf who convinces her to stray from the path to sit and read for a while. While Little Red is doing what she does best, the Wolf races off to the library and ties up the librarian, taking her place in the library, waiting for Little Red. But with big eyes, big hairy ears and a terrible smell, Little Red isn’t worried as she’s exactly where she wants to be, cartwheeling through her imagination and breathing new life into her own story.
Overall, Little Red Reading Hood is a treasure trove of literacy magic. This fun picture book blends the classic elements of the original story that we all know and love with fresh creativity over its 32 pages, encouraging children to see books as portals to self-expression and adventure. Rowland and Mantle prove that sometimes the best path is the one you choose yourself – especially when it leads to the library, and endings are never finite – they can always be rewritten.
The story is told using playful text written by Lucy Rowland, it bounces with rhyme and rhythm. Each page turn builds anticipation, engaging young readers. And as this is a reimaging of a classic story, there is no violence and no one gets eaten. The rhyming text tells a great story and helps build confidence in emerging readers.
The text and story are excellent, but the full-page colour illustrations by Ben Mantle make the pages pop with personality, they are a feast of warmth and whimsy. Expressive and fun, they help visually tell the story and complement the story perfectly.
I thought that Little Red Reading Hood was a fantastic and fun retelling of a classic fairy tale with wonderfully playful rhyming text and bold, vibrant illustrations. It is a tale that teaches children that life is never on a set course, the path can always be altered and the outcomes can be changed. And it is a story that will hopefully inspire young page turners about the magic of books and reading.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
