
Author/Illustrator: Barbara Lehman
Publisher: HMH, 2021
Age: 3-7
Themes: wordless picture books, fairy tales, cats

Opening: see spread below

Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Little Red has baked a cake with their father, and is on the way to Grandma’s house to make a delivery. But someone has been trailing them ever since they left home . . . someone who really loves cake. This playful retelling of a beloved classic is a visual delight, with references to other fairy tales hidden throughout Lehman’s inviting illustrations.

I picked this book because: the author-illustrator is one of my idols and I would read her shopping list given a chance!! BUT, this is yet another delightful wordless picture book illustrated in the deceptively simplest lines that it takes a few pages before you notice all the wonderful fairytale clues seamlessly woven into the frames. And so much humor! I have read it 4x and I’m still finding something new to make me smile!

Resources/activities: Lehman has included some wonderful search-and-find material in the back matter; I would suggest looking for versions of some of the tales included in the illustrations to read along with this title, and maybe even a Each Peach Pear Plum, by Janet and Allan Ahlberg too! This could also be a fun story to act out!

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
Your summary of the this book reminds me of Josh Funks’ “It’s not..” series with their twist on the fairy tales and hidden gems. This book would be such a great for my 2nd Grade Scholars to experience.
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There are so many fun ones with fairy tales! I love Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg too!
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Julie, I LOVE that it is a father-son baking duo. And that cat is adorable. “Gingerbread Gym” and “Wolfie” the cat, HA!!! I can’t wait to read this. Thank you for featuring it!
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The cat’s attitude really reminded me of Felix the Cat!
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What a fun retelling of a favorite fairy tale. First time I’ve seen this one with a cat! Cute!
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It’s adorable!
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This looks pretty darn juicy! or bakey…as the cakey may be. Will add it and your associated suggestions to my TB perused list. Thanks!
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Baking a cake would be an even better activity, Jilanne!
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If her shopping list is interesting enough to read, I know I need to read this picture book. I love fairy tale retellings & this one looks awesome!
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I know you’ll enjoy it!
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