Federico and the Wolf

by Rebecca J. Gomez, Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)

Overview

Clever Federico outsmarts el lobo in this fresh and funny Mexican-American take on Little Red Riding Hood.

With his red hoodie on and his bicycle basket full of food, Federico is ready to visit Abuelo. But on the way, he meets a hungry wolf. And now his grandfather bears a striking resemblance to el lobo...

Fortunately, Federico is quick and clever—and just happens to be carrying a spicy surprise! Federico drives the wolf away, and he and Abuelo celebrate with a special salsa. Recipe included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781328567789
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/19/2020
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.30(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD600L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Rebecca Gomez co-authored two picture books with Corey Rosen Schwartz, What About Moose and Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks. She lives in Nebraska with her husband, their three kids, two poodles, and a parrotlet.

Elisa Chavarri is originally from Lima, Peru, and lives in Northern Michigan, with her husband, daughter, and son. She has illustrated several picture books, including Rainbow Weaver and Maybe Mother Goose. 

Editorial Reviews

"Gomez delivers a fresh and creative retelling of 'Little Red Riding Hood.'....A delightful picture book with animated illustrations that are sure to attract readers."  — School Library Journal (starred review)

"A lively, playful take on a classic."  — Booklist

"A reboot of the classic tale of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ brings new flavors to an old favorite. Chavarri's vibrant illustrations include plenty of colorful details for observant readers. The infusion of Spanish words on almost every page works perfectly with the settings and adds cultural specificity to Federico's journey to visit his abuelo. Bright visuals and culinary elements with appeal to readers seeking a twist on the familiar."  — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

"A lively, playful take on a classic." 

Booklist

★ 04/01/2020

Gr 1–3—Gomez delivers a fresh and creative retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood." Federico has an important errand to run. He must ride his bike and deliver groceries to his grandfather's home in the woods. The grocery basket is filled with delicious herbs, onions, bread, pickles, and more. Then a cunning wolf appears out of nowhere with a plan of its own. The main character, a boy of Mexican heritage, wears a red hoodie revealing a Mohawk hairstyle and an amused expression. The text flows naturally in a rhyming structure that highlights vocabulary words in English and Spanish. The colorful illustrations use a combination of bright and soft palettes. The wolf is a young, energetic, and expressive antagonist who's likely to appeal to readers. This title has a more humorous tone than its original version, making it ideal for discussions on retellings. VERDICT A delightful picture book with animated illustrations that are sure to attract readers.—Kathia Ibacache, University of Colorado Boulder

School Library Journal

2020-02-18
A reboot of the classic tale of “Little Red Riding Hood” brings new flavors to an old favorite.

Federico is given the job of riding his bike to the market for the ingredients on Abuelo’s grocery list, but he soon becomes the object of a hungry wolf’s attention. When the wolf (bloodlessly) takes Abuelo’s place in an attempt to make Federico his lunch, Federico must use his wits and his grocery basket to save the day. While the Red Riding Hood story is a familiar one, the clean abcb rhymes in this retelling give the story a contemporary feel. Federico’s sleeveless, red, hooded sweatshirt and cool shaved hairstyle also give the story an update. Chavarri’s vibrant illustrations include plenty of colorful details for observant readers, such as a luchador mask–themed shopping bag and papel picado bunting at the market. The infusion of Spanish words on almost every page works perfectly with the settings and adds cultural specificity to Federico’s journey to visit his abuelo. Main characters are depicted as a Latinx family with shades of light brown skin and straight black, brown, or white hair. A recipe for the “perfect pico de gallo” salsa—key to Federico’s thwarting of the wolf—is included at the end of the story for a delicious way to extend the fun.

Bright visuals and culinary elements will appeal to readers seeking a twist on the familiar. (glossary) (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews