In Wenger’s children’s novel, Little Red Riding Hood is at it again—off to Grandmother’s house; this time, though, she promises not to speak to strangers.
With memories of the Big Bad Wolf still looming, Little Red once again sets off on a trip through the shadowy forest to Grandmother’s house. Unfortunately for Little Red, the “strawberry, lemon, cherry, and plum, coconut, kiwi, and blue-buttery-fun” cake that she’s bringing to Grandmother’s attracts lots of attention from strangers: a gray mouse, a bird, a porcupine and a duck. None of them can resist the cake’s yummy smell and shiny candy decorations, and each promises Little Red something in exchange for a piece. Eager for company in the increasingly dark forest, she agrees to allow the animals to accompany her to Grandmother’s house, but only after asking each of them if they are “of good manners and fine repute.” Little Red is reminded by Platter (upon whom the cake is balanced) that she promised not to talk to strangers. But to Little Red, the small animals of the forest are harmless; it’s the wolves she need fear. And sure enough, Little Red does—once again—run into a wolf. Wenger’s tale is filled with catchy rhymes that impart a rhythm to the story, balancing fun and humor with a dark undercurrent of suspense. The illustrations, also by Wenger, are effective but feel a bit rushed. Though the lesson of not speaking to strangers gets lost in this telling, as Little Red repeatedly speaks to strangers without suffering any negative consequences, young readers will learn the value of friendship. Each member of Little Red’s caravan eventually proves to be a worthy friend by playing an important role. Platter, for example, motivates Little Red to continue the journey even when she is most afraid. By the end of the story, the travelers learn the importance of getting to know someone before passing judgment on them. A fun fairy tale with an enduring message: friends come in all shapes and sizes—and they all love cake.
Pub Date: March 31, 2011
ISBN: 978-0615445977
Page Count: 58
Publisher: Essemkay Company Productions
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2011
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A nice but not requisite purchase.
A retelling of the classic fairy tale in board-book format and with a Mexican setting.
Though simplified for a younger audience, the text still relates the well-known tale: mean-spirited stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, overworked Cinderella, fairy godmother, glass slipper, charming prince, and, of course, happily-ever-after. What gives this book its flavor is the artwork. Within its Mexican setting, the characters are olive-skinned and dark-haired. Cultural references abound, as when a messenger comes carrying a banner announcing a “FIESTA” in beautiful papel picado. Cinderella is the picture of beauty, with her hair up in ribbons and flowers and her typically Mexican many-layered white dress. The companion volume, Snow White, set in Japan and illustrated by Misa Saburi, follows the same format. The simplified text tells the story of the beautiful princess sent to the forest by her wicked stepmother to be “done away with,” the dwarves that take her in, and, eventually, the happily-ever-after ending. Here too, what gives the book its flavor is the artwork. The characters wear traditional clothing, and the dwarves’ house has the requisite shoji screens, tatami mats and cherry blossoms in the garden. The puzzling question is, why the board-book presentation? Though the text is simplified, it’s still beyond the board-book audience, and the illustrations deserve full-size books.
A nice but not requisite purchase. (Board book/fairy tale. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-7915-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves
A young child explores the unlimited potential inherent in all humans.
“Have you ever wondered why you are here?” asks the second-person narration. There is no one like you. Maybe you’re here to make a difference with your uniqueness; maybe you will speak for those who can’t or use your gifts to shine a light into the darkness. The no-frills, unrhymed narrative encourages readers to follow their hearts and tap into their limitless potential to be anything and do anything. The precisely inked and colored artwork plays with perspective from the first double-page spread, in which the child contemplates a mountain (or maybe an iceberg) in their hands. Later, they stand on a ladder to place white spots on tall, red mushrooms. The oversized flora and fauna seem to symbolize the presumptively insurmountable, reinforcing the book’s message that anything is possible. This quiet read, with its sophisticated central question, encourages children to reach for their untapped potential while reminding them it won’t be easy—they will make messes and mistakes—but the magic within can help overcome falls and failures. It’s unlikely that members of the intended audience have begun to wonder about their life’s purpose, but this life-affirming mood piece has honorable intentions. The child, accompanied by an adorable piglet and sporting overalls and a bird-beaked cap made of leaves, presents white.
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves . (Picture book. 2-8)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-946873-75-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Compendium
Review Posted Online: May 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2019
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