Little Red

Little Red: A Fizzingly Good Yarn by Lynn Roberts, ill. by David Roberts

            Picture Book—Fairytale

            Grades PreK-4

            Rating: 5 Stars

            Summary: Little Red goes off into the dark woods to visit his grandma and bring her a basket of goodies as he does every week. The big bad wolf has plans to eat Little Red and his grandma, but Little Red uses his sharp wit to outsmart the wolf in an unusual twist to this classic tale.

            Robert’s version of Little Red Ridinghood is so charming and irresistible. She puts a totally new spin on the tale, starting with the time and place. Little Red brings us back to post-revolutionary America. Peterson and Eeds discuss the ways in which the author lets the reader know about place, and Roberts definitely adds unique details to the story that enrich our sense of the setting (p. 46). Little Red’s parents own a tavern which reflects an earlier time, and the family’s interactions with the customers as they talk about their travels also helps the reader discern that this story is not set in modern times. The illustrations also contribute to the reader’s sense of time and place, as everything from the clothing to the tableware and décor of both the tavern and the grandma’s house are from the post-revolution era and give off an aura of patriotism. Overall, I just love the unique details of this fairytale, and the ending certainly does not let down. The wolf ends up making a deal with Little Red that he will not eat them if he can have an unlimited supply of ginger ale.

            Little Red would be a great version of a classic to use in a study to compare and contrast different versions of the same fairytale. Robert’s style makes this story truly unique. While it has the same frame as the original Little Red Ridinghood, there is so much to take in that is new and interesting by comparison. This story would also be valuable to share in order to inspire a creative writing project. Either individually or as a class, students can change and add unique details to a classic fairytale and create a completely new and imaginative take on the story, just as Roberts did. 

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel by Rachel Isadora

            Picture Book—Fairytale

            Grades 1-3

            Rating: 5 Stars

            Summary: Hansel and Gretel are abandoned in the lush African forest and cannot find their way back home. They find a witch’s cottage made of bread, cake, and sugar, but must escape the hungry witch before she eats them!

            Rachel Isadora’s Hansel and Gretel is a fresh retelling of the Brothers Grimm classic tale. The illustrations create an entirely new atmosphere for this story to take place, with vibrant colors and an enticing collage effect that brings the story to a different level. I love the texture that is created by the painted papers—I think it creates an effect that brings the story down to a younger audiences’ level as it appears to be more playful and authentic. In addition, Isadora’s interpretation of the story embraces a different culture that is not often portrayed in fairytales, which is also refreshing in a genre that typically embodies the European heritage. The emotions of Hansel and Gretel are certainly relatable as their simple yet telling facial expressions capture each moment perfectly. I felt like my experience as the reader was enhanced by the tension in the story when the witch is preparing to eat Hansel and Gretel. Peterson and Eeds mention the importance of a shift of tension, which I felt when Gretel pushed the witch into the oven (p. 37). This moment provided a release and the reassurance that everything was going to work out for them.

            I love the idea of using this version of Hansel and Gretel in my future classroom. Fairytales often limit the perspective to a Caucasian European protagonist, which can send a latent message that only white people can be the hero and rule the day. However, I hope to teach my students to embrace diversity and all of the unique cultures that we see not only around the world but in our own backyard. Therefore, this particular book would be a valuable addition to a year-long focus on diversity as well as a study of fairytales. It would definitely lend itself to a compare and contrast discussion to encourage students to think about why most fairytales are written and illustrated to portray the typical white princess and the white prince that saves her.