Little Red Gliding Hood

Tara Lazar is a master at fractured fairy tales, play on words, and humor, and this books has it all. The opening lines cleverly lead you to the title page, and every spread after begs the reader to turn the page. “Little Red’s skates were worn-in and worn-out, no longer snow white, and a little too tight.” What is Little Red to do? She plans to win a pairs skating competition, of course. The prize is a new pair of ice skates. But who will be her partner? Little Red considers a whole host of characters that readers will recognize from their favorite fairy tales and nursery rhymes. When she finally decides on a partner, new problems arise, but you’ll have to read the book to find out how Little Red resolves her problem. Troy Cummings’ colorful illustrations paint a winter wonderland for readers to enjoy. I love the way he painted the icy reflections on the pond and characters’ expressions. I looked at the pages over and over and noticed new details each time. Tara and Troy were the perfect pair to pull off this winner of a skating fairytale!

This book is an example of everything I love about the picture book art form. Fun to read aloud, ("He swizzled and twizzled across the ice"), clever story line, and pictures that beg to be looked at again and again. You'll be cheering for Little Red and her unlikely partner to win the skating competition, while you enjoy meeting up with familiar fairy tale characters along the way. I bought this book as a Christmas present for my nephew who is newly enjoying ice skating. I know he'll love it!

This story is the perfect winter tale! A re-writing of Little Red with other fairy tale characters thrown in, it's a delight. It's also funny, which makes it a hit for kids. The artwork is bright and Little Red is precious. My house really enjoyed it!