Red Riding Hood

by James Marshall

Overview

"A thoroughly modern, thoroughly charming retelling of the old favorite. Witty and direct . . . both Granny and child are swallowed, then rescued intact by the hunter who kills the wolf. . . . A perfect union of words, story, and illustration."—Kirkus Reviews.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780803703445
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	09/30/1987
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,096,262
Product dimensions:	8.75(w) x 10.81(h) x 0.37(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

James Marshall was one of the most prolific and successful author/illustrators of children's books. He was best known for his series on the mischievous exploits of Fox, a debonair, lazy showoff; the uproarious adventures of the two Cut-Ups, Spud and Joe; George and Martha; and the misadventures of the Stupidfamily. He divided his time between an apartment in the Chelsea district of New York and his home in Mansfield Hollow Connecticut.

Editorial Reviews

``A fresh, utterly funny retelling that invigorates the spirit of the classic tale,'' said PW about Marshall's characteristically wacky version--featuring a supremely sly Wolf-about-town and a heroine oozing virtue from every pore. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

PreS-Gr 3 This irresistible retelling of the familiar tale will rank high in popular appeal while still maintaining the integrity of the Grimm Brothers' version, with both Grandma and Red Riding Hood eaten and later rescued by a hunter. Through simple words and a restrained use of line in the art, Marshall masterfully imbues his characters with humorous personality traits. The heroine is a considerate, bouncy sort of kid; Grandma, an avid reader, is feisty; and the wolf, a charming villain, is just a bit guilty about his behaviorafter his second meal he admits, ``I'm so wicked. . .so wicked.'' With just a flick of the whiskers even Grandma's heavy-set feline looks both outraged and scared. The cartoon styled ink and watercolor illustrations play harmoniously along with the spare story, and as the drama heightens viewers are treated to fresh perspectives and enticing peeks into Grandma's bedroom. Cheery colors predominate, with a judicious use of black effectively conveying tense moments. Throughout, comic touches are understated (a box of empty imported after-dinner mints lay discretely beside the snoring wolf). A marvelous offering that begs to be added to everyone's storytelling repertoire. Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, N.Y.

School Library Journal