Fairy Tale Spotlight: Little Red Riding Hood (Modern & Fractured Tales)

According to the article “1st-Century Roots of 'Little Red Riding Hood' Found,” Tehrani, a researcher, discovered “that ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ likely branched off 1,000 years ago from an ancestral story that has its roots in the first century A.D.”  Versions from ancient European oral traditions, including one where the girl outwits the wolf by leaving to use the bathroom, and “The Tiger Grandmother” (from Asia and Africa) are connected to it. Tehrani discovered that the tale appears to have descended from the ancient narrative "The Wolf and the Kids” (from Europe and the Middle East). 

Why does this story continue to be rewritten and recycled with each generation?  Some have suggested it is because of the universal themes, which center on venturing out into the adult world and surviving varying degrees of dangerous situations.  Authors continue to retell this story with their own imaginative plot elements and creative twists. Here are just a few modern retellings and fractured fairy tale versions: 

Little Red Writing

Author:  Joan Holub

Illustrator:  Melissa Sweet

Publisher Summary:  Once upon a time in pencil school, a teacher named Ms. 2 told her class, “Today we’re going to write a story.”  “Yippee!” Said the birthday pencil. “Slammin’!” said the basketball pencil. “Sharp!” said Little Red. So begins a hilarious and exuberant retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood,” in which a brave little red pencil finds her way through the many perils of story-telling, faces a ravenous pencil sharpener (the Wolf 3000)…and saves the day.

Why I Chose It: This book is ideal to begin an activity or unit on story writing.  Many elements of narrative writing as well as the process of putting it together are depicted. There are also many puns, multiple meaning words, and other fun word play that can be discussed formally or informally. In some parts, where she is putting her story together quickly—due to danger, there are run on sentences and choppiness. Another instructional idea would be putting those parts up on an overhead and then discussing where to add punctuation and transition words.  Finally, the story ends with a strong teachable moment. Red believes she is not brave because she was scared while working to defeat the Wolf 3000.  Principal Granny says, “Even heroes get scared, but they do brave deeds anyway.” There are so many layers in the text and illustrations that with every reading you could focus on different area each time. 

Carmine:  A Little More Red

Author/Illustrator:  Melissa Sweet

Publisher Summary: “Don’t dilly dally,” said Carmine’s mother. “Go directly to Granny’s.” And, as Carmine takes off on her bicycle with Rufus, it is just what she intends to do. But Carmine is a dreamy painter, always in search of capturing just the right hue in her drawing, and this drawing—the one she begins in a lovely forest clearing just off the path to Granny’s—must be her best yet.

Why I Chose It: One of the best parts of the book is the illustrations.  In some of them are embedded subtle references to other fairy tales and nursery rhymes like “Three Blind Mice,” “The Three Pigs,” and “Little Jack Horner.” Sweet maximizes her story telling opportunities with lots of action and activity on each two-page spread. Carmine’s artistic, dreamy side gives the character an interesting dimension that many will relate to. This version leaves out Red’s interaction with the wolf. Instead, he communicates with her dog that tells him everything he needs to know. Granny is simply pushed into a closet while the wolf steals the bones she has laid out for soup.  Another unusual technique is the use of 26 key words—one for each letter of the alphabet—which are incorporated into the narrative.  Many are common words.  Some, however, will be new to children. This idea could easily be incorporated in an extension activity by providing children with words—focusing on vocabulary, a part of speech, or random words—and allowing them to write their own version of this or another tale.

Little Red Hot

Author: Eric A. Kimmel

Illustrator: Laura Huliska-Beith

Publisher Summary: Little Red Hot loves red-hot chili peppers. She eats them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When her grandmother catches a cold, Little Red makes her a hot pepper pie that will “knock those cold germs right out of her!” But before Little Red shares her pie with Grandma, she meets Senor Lobo—and this pie comes in very handy when the wily wolf tires to trick her into thinking he’s her grandmother.

Why I Chose It: Little Red Hot is one spunky character! This version is full of fun exaggeration reminiscent of a tall tale. This version could be used to teach hyperbole. Children can practice writing their exaggerations related to this story or in a different one. Instead of the woodsman, Pecos Bill and his crew make a cameo to warn her about Senor Lobo (the wolf) and again at the end. (Read a Pecos Bill tale and/or teach about tall tales.  Compare the characteristics to this book.) When Red confronts Senor Lobo at Grandma’s house, she goes through the “what big” encounter. One of the most memorable parts is when she says, “What big teeth you got! Now don’t say another word, ‘cause I know what they are for.” She has the perfect solution for him! The vivid and energetic illustrations compliment this riotous ride! 

Ninja Red Riding Hood

Author: Corey Rosen Schwartz

Illustrator: Dan Santat

Publisher Summary: This wolf just can’t catch a break!  Every since the three little pigs started teaching everyone Ninja skills, huffing and puffing just hasn’t been enough to scare up a good meal. Wolf’s craving for meat sends him to classes at the dojo, and soon he’s ready to try out his new moves. A little girl and her granny should be easy targets—right?

Why I Chose It: The story is mostly told through the wolf’s perspective, rather than Red’s. During their meeting at grandma’s house, he moves to eat her. However, she whips off her cloak to reveal she has been training as a Ninja too! There are several inventive twists as the narrative comes to a conclusion. The snappy poetic verse format makes Ninja Red Riding Hood perfect for reading out loud. The illustrations have an animated graphic novel look. Kids are sure to get a kick out of this creative fractured fairy tale. 

Betsy Red Hoodie

Author:  Gail Carson Levine

Illustrator:  Scott Nash

Publisher Summary: Betsy is finally old enough to take cupcakes to Grandma all by herself—with the company of her faithful sheep, of course.  And although wolves aren’t good for grandmas, Betsy lets her best friend, Zimmo, come along too. But will Zimmo’s wolfish instincts make Grandma the tasty treat instead?

Why I Chose It: This fractured fairy tale takes some interesting turns. First, Betsy is a shepherdess who has a wolf (Zimmo) helping her with her sheep. Keep in mind that Zimmo has always been “good” to the sheep, but he (because he is a wolf) is a threat to grandmas.  When she is sent with cupcakes to her Grandma’s house, Zimmo begs to go! She finally agrees. Next, The sheep add a lot of humor. They often make silly comments on their way, including comparing the eyes, arms, and teeth of grandma and wolf and make mischief. Then, Zimmo runs ahead, causing Betsy to become concerned. The ending is an original twist. Nash utilizes every surface for his lively illustrations. 

Little Red Riding Hood: A Newfangled Prairie Tale

Author/Illustrator: Lisa Campbell Ernst

Good Reads Summary:  It's the story of the girl in the red hood--with an unpredictable plot twist. She pedals over to Grandma's with a tasty treat a hungry wolf wants for himself. But, he soon discovers that broad-shouldered, sharp-eyed, tractor-driving Grandma has no patience for pesky predators.

Why I Chose It: The wolf is not interested in eating Little Red or Grandma.  Instead, he wants her muffin recipe. When he meets Grandma though, he is the one who is scared!  The “what big” encounter is reversed. Grandma is the hero of the story. She stands up to the wolf and, eventually, tames him. Grandma’s muffin recipe is included. Make mini-muffins for the class or bake together at home.  Perhaps compare it to another favorite recipe. 

Little Red Cowboy Hat

Author:  Susan Lowell

Illustrator:  Randy Cecil

Publisher Summary:  Little Red Cowboy Hat has saddled up her buckskin pony and is off to Grandma’s house with fresh bread and a jar of cactus jelly.  It’s rattler season in the desert, but Little Red has more to worry about than snakes. A big gray wolf in a tall black hat is lurking behind cactus, and he’s got a hankerin for a Little-Red lunch.  Getting ahold of this cowgirl won’t be easy, though, because he’s got to get past Grandma first.

Why I Chose It: This version stays fairly close to the traditional tale in structure, but the desert setting and colorful southern-style language set it apart. The end also has a modern twist. Both Red and the Grandma are the ones who chase off the wolf. The lesson at the end is “A girl’s gotta stick up for herself.” Fun onomatopoeia throughout make for an opportunity to add some dramatic flare and to encourage child participation. 

Post Reading

• Pick two or more tales with different characters who “save the day.”  Compare and contrast how the characters resolve the conflict.  Which is most effective?  How would you resolve it?
• Break the story up into parts, like beginning, traveling to, arriving at Grandma’s house, and resolution. Take different parts from two or more versions. Rewrite a new tale. Can be done as a class, with a parent, with a peer-partner, or independently. 
• Rewrite the tale using a new premise like being in space, in the future, on a boat, or some other creative setting. 
• Read a traditional version (like Grimm’s) or multicultural one.  Compare and contrast with one of the modern versions.

Activities and Resources for Lesson Plans

• Other Little Red Riding Hood Books Reviewed
• Use a Venn Diagram to compare/contrast 2 versions.
• Visit SurLaLune for more about Little Red Riding Hood and other beloved tales.
• Pinterest Collection of "Little Red Riding Hood" activities (Feel free to give additional suggestions for this board)
• Pinterest Ideas for Fairy Tales

Middle Grade Reader: Pipper's Secret Ingredient

Summary of Pipper’s Secret Ingredient (by Jane Murphy & Allison Fingerhuth):

The only thing Pipper loves more than food, is her friends.  She loves gathering them together to cook and to socialize.   Pipper also has a large blog following, craving for her latest recipes and intrigued by her many adventures.   One sleepless night, she feels she has run out of things to share on her blog.  She has a little “cooking-inspiration block.”  After meeting with her friends, they come up with a plan for her to seek out the secret ingredient to what makes a snack so special.   Her journey leads her to the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the cafes of Paris, the Orient-Express across Europe, a famous deli in New York, and the Machu Picchu in South America.  Pipper updates her blog followers on her progress as well as shares with them the recipes and foods she discovers along the way.  A sub-plot involves a greedy and unethical character who hires someone to trail Pipper in hopes of stealing and using her discovery for his own financial benefit.  Fortunately, her friends find out and warn her.  Everything comes together for a satisfying ending.   

Evaluation:

The layout of Pipper’s Secret Ingredient is geared toward reluctant and transitional readers.  While it is a chapter book, the pages have the smooth glossy feel of a picture book.  There are colorful illustrations throughout, ranging from small ones on a page of text to full one- and two-page spreads.  This feature helps break up the text, which many readers need. Also, the text is spaced well.  The lines have a slight space between them with bigger gaps between paragraphs.  One of my children gets overwhelmed with too many words (especially close together) on a page, so I really appreciate this format.  My favorite visual feature is the blog entry pages that begin each chapter. The pages look like blogs snapshot with an entry through Pipper’s perspective as well as features that reveal her past posts, recipe titles, and follower comments (called Bark Backs).  All of these aspects make it visually appealing.  I wish there were more of these transitional type readers.  

The characters are all dogs, but their character qualities and actions are human. The dog motif is used to create some fun puns and word play.  The narrative is part adventure story and part quest.  Pipper visits many fascinating areas, which is ideal for extension activities related to geography (locating areas on a map, learning about the cultures, trying ethnic foods).  There is mystery and excitement along the way.  She meets inspirational people who each teach her something about life and cooking.  One of the best parts is the focus on good character.  Pipper and her friends are encouraging, loyal, and helpful. 

While this book has some definite features geared for children and will likely appeal to many, I find the child perspective is lacking.  All the characters are grown-ups.  They have adult jobs.  They go on adult quests.  They think and act like adults.      

I recommend Pipper's Secret Ingredient for ages 8 and up.   The layout is perfect of reluctant readers (especially of chapter books).  The exciting adventures and loyal friendships are sure to appeal to many.  

For more information on this book, check out the website.  The publisher has included an activity guide with lots of extension ideas for learning and fun!  

Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. 

Picture Book: Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows (by Rowen Clifford)

Summary of Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows: 

Riding atop a bright red cow, Rodeo Ron moseys into the town of Cavity.  Three more cows—yellow, blue, and green in color—follow behind.   Burping and running, the towns’ children gather round Rodeo Ron, wondering why his cows are unusual colors.   Ron explains that the red one only eats strawberries, the blue one eats blueberries, and the yellow one eats bananas.  The green one munches only grass and provides “cow juice” (milk).  The children have never had cow juice before.  They only consume sweet drinks at the soda shop of two brothers—Frothy and Fruity.  It shows…the townspeople’s teeth are dirty, brown stumps. 

The children lead Rodeo Ron to the soda shop where everybody is gathered.  Burping as they work, the brothers create a sugary treat for him.  He takes a big, long gulp and lets out the biggest burp of his life!   Ron points out that these sweet and frothy drinks are the cause of their bad teeth!   Frothy and Fruity challenge Rodeo Ron to a contest to see who can make the tastiest beverage.  The brothers “BURP! BURP! BURP!” as they create their best concoctions.  Each of Ron’s cows buck, bronk, shiver, and shake their way to the frothiest and fruitiest shakes in strawberry, blueberry, and banana.  Each time, he wins the taste test.  Finally, the green cow dances his way to the frothiest, creamiest, whitest milk.   The townspeople declare it “the finest drink ever!”  Now, the soda bar is replaced by a milk bar.   Instead of dirty, brown stumps, the townspeople now have bright, white smiles. 

Evaluation:

Rowen Clifford wrote this imaginative story and created the vibrant pictures.  Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows is set in the Old West, but the narrative incorporates the modern with the soda shop and the milkshakes.   It uses a common childhood fantastical element of different color cows being the origin of the various flavors of milk. (Who hasn’t jokingly said chocolate milk comes from brown cows?)  In an entertaining and subtle manner, the story teaches the importance of a wholesome diet, including healthy drinks like calcium-rich milk, while incorporating the incredible characteristics of tall tales.  I recommend Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows for ages 4-10.   

Teaching Opportunities:

·         Choral Reading—The repetitive pattern during the competition is an amusing choral reading occasion.

·         Similes—Identify the similes in the narrative.  Discuss other stories with similies or complete additional activities with similes.  Create other similes for actions or descriptions in the story.

·         Alliteration—Identify examples of alliteration.  For younger children, connect the sounds to the corresponding letters. For older ones, create examples of alliterative phrases or study poems with alliteration. 

·         Health—Teach about oral hygiene and the importance of limiting sugary drink/food consumptions. 

·         Literature—Connect this narrative to a unit study of tall tales or discuss the characteristics of a tall tale and how they related to Rodeo Ron and His Milkshake Cows.  

·         Comparative Literature—Pick another tall tale from the library or book store.  Compare the two using a Venn Diagram or other chart.

·         Field Trip—Visit a local dairy farm (or find a video about one). 

·         Cooking—Create a milkshake concoction of your own!  Use a basic recipe for a milk shake and add ingredients of your choice—strawberries, bananas, mangos, and so forth. 

·         History/Social Studies—Add this story to a unit study on (or related to) cowboys. 

Picture Book: The Gingerbread Girl by Lisa Campbell Ernest

Summary of The Gingerbread Girl:  

Everyone is familiar with the sad story of the Gingerbread Boy.  It has been a year since his untimely demise at the mouth of the wily fox! 

Despite the lonely elderly couple's fear of losing another Gingerbread Child, they resolves to bake again.  This time they dress a Gingerbread Girl with candies from head to toe and create a brilliant licorice whip hairdo for her.  

As the Gingerbread Girl bakes in the oven, she overhears the couple reminisce about the Gingerbread Boy.  She determines, “Sweet or not…things will be different this time.”   When it is time for the cookie to be done, the little old woman carefully opens the door and peeks inside.  BAM!  Out jumps the Gingerbread Girl.  

She calls back to them:

I’ll run and I’ll run

With a leap and a twirl.

You can’t catch me,

I’m the Gingerbread Girl!

Next, she dashes passed a group of farmers who are charmed by her sweet aroma.  As they run after her, she laughs and says:

Hey, farmers, don’t bother!

Like my brother, I’m fast!

Run all you want,

But I’ve learned from his past!

Then, she repeats her Gingerbread Girl mantra.  Similarly, she passes a pig, an artist, cows, dogs, and school children who all join the procession chasing her.  She assures each one with their own distinctive rhyming stanza that she will not repeat her brother’s mistake nor does she mind them all chasing her.  She seems to be inviting them along on her flight.

Like her brother before her, she comes to the river where the cunning fox is anxiously waiting for her.  He coyly coerces her and uses the same tricks, but the Gingerbread Girl outsmarts him!  She pulls from her head one of the leathery licorice strands.  Like an expert ranch hand, she lassos up fox’s mouth and rides him back to shore.  The amazed crowd follow the lonely couple back to their home.  Everyone quickly joins in to help feed the hungry houseful.  From that day on, the couple is never lonely again.   Neither is the Gingerbread Girl.  She also has a new friend. 

Evaluation:

I have read several versions of this story.  I was pleasantly surprised by this fresh, inventive retelling by Lisa Campbell Ernst.  The text is fast-paced and engaging.  The prose and poetry combination is fluid.  The poetic lines are well-written and insightful.  The protagonist is dynamic and clever.  The ending is satisfying.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story out loud with my son.   

Teaching Opportunities:

·         Reading Skills—Sequence the Story Events using a graphic organizer

·         Pretend Play—Students can re-enact the story using themselves as the characters or created materials like stick or finger puppets to use

·         Choral Reading—Signal the children each time the Gingerbread Girl chants her mantra; student can “read” along

·         Rhyme—Identify end rhymes in each stanza

·         Art—Decorate Gingerbread boy or girl cut outs with crayons, markers, or other supplies (glitter, ribbon, faux jewels)

·         Math—Click on Gingerbread Math Ideas for lots of great ideas

·         Building—Create a gingerbread house or small ones for a village

Also, click on The Gingerbread Cowboy post and BabblingAbby’s blog for more lesson plan idea and activities.   For technology connections, check out InTech Insights.

Picture Book: Mean Soup by Betsey Everitt

Summary of Mean Soup: 

Horace has had a bad day at school.  He is so frustrated when he arrives home that he stomps on a flower.  When his mother greets him, he hisses and growls.   His mother acts silly to cheer him up, and she suggests they make some soup together.   After filling a pot with water, she fancifully throws some salt in.   Then, she adds the ingredients!  Taking a deep breath, she screams into the pot.  She tells Horace, “Your turn.”  He stands on a stool and screams too.  His mother screams louder, and Horace growls and bares his teeth.  As the water starts to boil, they repeatedly stick out their tongues.  Horace bangs on the pot with a spoon and breaths his best dragon breath.  Finally, they both smile.   Horace wants to know the name of the recipe.  His mother reveals it is called, “Mean Soup.”  Side by side, they stir the bad day away.   

Evaluation:

The whimsical illustrations add to the tone and the characterization in Mean Soup (by Betsy Everitt). Horace’s feelings of embarrassment and anxiety are depicted as well as the mother’s free-spirited and quirky response.  For instance, she puts spoons up by her ears and dances around as Horace angrily lies on the ground. The simple text portrays a common childhood struggle of dealing with emotions. I have a child who sometimes gets emotionally worked up like Horace.  I appreciate how the mother finds a creative and positive way to deal with her son’s emotions.  Sometimes children are too worked up to talk about their feelings or to reason with.  I was inspired by Mean Soup to come up with imaginative ways to help my children when they are feeling frustrated or angry.  Use this book as a springboard to talk to your children (or students) about ways to deal with intense emotions or to brainstorm ways you can help your children when they are having a rough day.  Chances are, they can help you come up with a recipe for your own "Mean Soup."

Concept Books: General (Learning Numbers & Counting)

Even though counting books are geared for preschool aged children, older kids will often enjoy them too.  My nine year old looked at One Boy several times because it is so creative and entertaining.  He also enjoyed Over at the Castle and One Tractor.   Check out my favorite counting books (general). 

One Boy by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Using a peek-a-boo window, children can practice counting, identifying words with in words, and predicting.   This clever book begins with a simple phrase on the left side and a window looking on to the next page on the right side.  As you turn the page, the phrase creatively continues and uses parts of the previous one.  In addition, more of the original picture is revealed.  It is sure to bring children back over and over!  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numbers, Numeral Words, Prediction, Words with in Words  *My Top Pick 

Over at the Castle by Boni Ashburn

Using the familiar “Over the Meadow” folk song, a picture of castle life is illustrated.  A mother dragon and her child wait for the right moment to make their entrance.  Meanwhile, groups of lords, servants, chefs, weavers, knights, and others are seen doing their daily work.  Written in beautiful rhyming quatrains and coupled with vivid pictures, the dragons appearance makes a glorious glow in the sky.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numeral Words, Rhyming, Alliteration, Poetry, Castle Life, Middle Ages, Dragons

One Tractor by Alexandra Siy

Little boys will love this imaginative counting book!  A boy sees a toy tractor on this grass which he imagines is out of gas.  From there, he imagines his interaction with other forms of transportation like planes, boats, dump trucks, trains, and buses.  Each are in groups from two to ten with pirates (and a single mouse) driving, flying, running, swimming, hoisting, and more.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numbers, Numeral Words, Transportation, Pirates, Rhyme, Alliteration, Poetry, Imagination 

One Sister Smiling by Lucy Coats

From breakfast with one smiling sister to pick-up timeby ten happy parents, a joyful preschool day is described with lots of fun activities and happy faces in the illustrations.  The children are seen painting with five pots, eating six donuts, skipping in a group of seven, and much more.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numbers, Numerals Words, Rhyme, Alliteration, Onomatopoeia, Poetry, School, Daily Schedule  

The Baker’s Dozen: A Counting Book by Dan Andreasen

This delectable book counts to a baker’s dozen, thirteen.  A baker is illustrated with creating his delicious desserts, such as four sticky buns, five gingerbread cookies, six jelly rolls, seven heart-shaped tarts, and so forth.  Then, all the desserts are shown again for more counting practice.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numbers, Numeral Words, Rhyme, Baking, Shapes 

 

Construction Countdown by K.C. Olson

Various construction vehicles are shown in action, such as earthmovers scraping up a load, bulldozers reshaping the ground, and backhoes scooping up the gravel.  Little boys will love watching these amazing vehicles in action in this backwards counting story.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Construction Vehicles, Transportation 

Carlo Likes Counting by Jessica Spanyol

Carlo, a giraffe, loves counting.  He walks around to many different places like a farm, a toy store, a park, a diner, a garden, and a construction site.  In each scene there are several groups of items for one specific number.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Number Words, Animals, Vocabulary Building (each group of items is labeled) 

Ten Red Apples by Virginia Miller

Bartholomew Bear loves his apple tree.  He climbs it, hugs it, swings on it, and shakes it as he watches the apples ripen.  Watch as a new apple turns red on each page until there are ten in all (Children can also feel the smooth texture of the red ones!).  Then, Bartholomew and his mother make an apple pie with them and enjoy it together under the tree.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Number Words, Bears, Baking, Apple Picking

One Beautiful Baby by Martine Oborne  

A mother is seen waking her baby boy for the day's activities.  The first thought is his one sweet smile.  As she feeds him, she thinks of his two adorable eyes.  She counts things for him like three bananas at breakfast and four diaper during changing time.  The baby plays with his five soft toys before his mother buttons him up for a trip to the park to feed eight ducks and have a picnic.  When you put all of these parts of his body and day together, the end result is "one beautiful baby!"  Teaching Opportunties:  Counting, Number Words, Ducks, Park, Body Parts

City Lullaby by Marilyn Singer

In this backwards counting tale, a baby is sleeping while being strolled through a noisy city.  Horns beeping, cell phones ringing, dogs barking, and trash cans bashing are amoung the many loud sounds the baby sleeps soundly through.  Ironically, when a single bird twitters, he awakens with a smile.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Onomatopoeia, Rhyme


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Circus 1-2-3 by Megan Halsey  

Beginning with a dynamic ringmaster, members of circus acts are grouped from two to ten.  Two spunky mice lead the way through the acts as elephants do somersaults, bears dance, acrobats defy gravity, seals balance, clowns amuse, and much more.  Each page has a number and a single word describing the acts.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Circus Acts, Vocabulary Building