PPBF: Little Red

Author: Lynn Roberts
Illustrator: David Roberts
Publisher: Abrams, 2005
Ages: 4-8yrs
Themes: wolves, grandmothers, soft drinks
Opening: In a time not too long ago and in a land much like our own, there lived a young boy. His name was Thomas, but – for some reason – everyone called him Little Red.
Summary: (from my library catalog) In this version of the Grimm fairy tale, Thomas–who is called Little Red–discovers a wolf in disguise at his grandmother’s house and ingeniously uses ginger ale to save the day.

I like this book because: of the mouth-watering illustrations, pure and simple. Just look! And EVERY page is gorgeous! And it’s a well told twist on a classic, set in post-revolutionary America. Need I say more?

Resources/activities: because we all know the storyline, this is an excellent story to use to teach improvisation or writing of fractured fairy tales: perform Little Red ad lib, in groups of 3-5; make it a puppet show. Read their other collaborations: Cinderella, An Art Deco Love Story and Rapunzel: A Groovy Fairy Tale.

Perfect Picture Book Friday has plenty of selections listed on a themed and alphabetized list, each with teacher/parent resources, on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.