Little Red and Big, Bad Fred -- a Humorous and Diverse Twist on a Classic Tale

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It has been a while since I have shared a fairy tale book. Our Fairy Tales in Different Cultures is one of our most popular series and has our popular posts. Today I am sharing a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood with much humor and definitely some twists. The book is Little Red and Big, Bad Fred by Ashley Belote. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7 and Little Red is a Black boy.

About the Book:

Little Red Riding Hood like you've never seen before! This fractured fairy-tale will have kids in stitches as Little Red optimistically befriends Fred (who may or may not try to EAT Little Red), reminding readers to always see the best in others, even when they have sharp teeth and are definitely the big, bad wolf.

Once upon a time. . . . Little Red loves to visit his great-grandfather. He makes the trip through the woods any time of year! The best part is when Little Red meets Fred along the way. Fred is the bestest, fluffiest, most amazing KITTY in the whole wide world (nevermind that Little Red is completely oblivious to the fact that Fred is, in fact, a very hungry wolf that is trying to EAT HIM). When Fred gets hurt (from a trap HE set for Little Red), Little Red takes his injured friend to Great Grandfather's house. That's when Great Grandfather tells Little Red that Fred is actually ... a DOG?! EVEN BETTER. (Poor Fred.)

Little Red's positive outlook is contagious in this picture book about an unlikely friendship, the power of kindness, and keeping an open heart from the creator of Witch & Wombat and Sheepwrecked.

From Me:

Little Red is off to visit his Great-Grandpa. He loved the trip where he always saw a kitty he named Fred. The thing is Fred is really the big, bad wolf. He is trying to eat Little Red, but Fred has luck like the Wiley Coyote in the Roadrunner. Little Red thinks he is playing games like hide and seek and such. It is what he loves about his trips to Great-Grandpa's. Then when one time Fred gets hurt, Little Red grabs him and brings him to Great-Grandpa. Great-Grandpa informs Little Red that Fred is a dog and not a cat. That excites Little Red. He wants to keep Fred as a pet. Fred still thinks Little Red would be a yummy snack, but as Little Red takes care of him, Fred begins to realize Little Red may be a friend.

The twists are pretty obvious. Little Red is a Black boy, and he is going to his Great-Grandpa. Little Red's ideas about Fred are rather humorous as are the things that happen to Fred every time he tries to get Little Red. Kids are going to love it just like kids loved watching Wiley Coyote get hurt when his plans backfired. This book would be a fun read aloud book at a story time. I can see kids loving it. It also is fun to compare it to the original Little Red Riding Hood. It can make some really interesting discussions. And of course there is Little Red asking to keep Fred. How many kids have promised to take care of a pet--feed and walk him daily. Of course, Little Red goes above and beyond with his care which is why Fred starts to realize he may not want to eat him.