Little Red Hot
What’s inside...
Little Red Hot loves red hot chilli peppers and eats them for every meal. When her grandmother catches a cold, Little Red makes a hot pepper pie to help her recover. On her way to share the pie with her grandmother, she encounters Señor Lobo, a wily wolf who tries to trick her into thinking he’s her grandmother. The hot pepper pie proves useful in thwarting the wolf's deceptive plan.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Little Red Hot
Wolf
Discussion points
Why do you think Little Red Hot was brave to face Señor Lobo?
What would you do if you were in Little Red Hot's place?
How do you think the chili peppers helped Little Red Hot?
Why is it important to be cautious just like how Little Red Hot was with Señor Lobo?
What can we learn about handling tricky situations from Little Red Hot?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the story and discuss what could have happened differently.
Ask your child to relate the characters' experiences in the story to their own life, fostering empathy and personal connection.
Discuss the importance of courage and cleverness, and how both traits were important for Little Red Hot's success.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, changing your tone and pace to match the story's mood, to keep your child engaged and entertained.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Little Red Hot shows bravery as she confronts the spicy-loving wolf, Senor Lobo. Despite her small size and the wolf's menacing presence, she stands her ground.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it’s talking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: Clever problem-solving
Explanation: In dealing with Senor Lobo, Little Red Hot uses her wit to outsmart him by cooking an extra-spicy chili. This clever approach allows her to handle the situation on her own terms.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think creatively to solve conflicts or problems they encounter, such as finding ways to share toys or completing a difficult school assignment.
Example Lesson: The importance of caution
Explanation: Little Red Hot’s grandmother warns her of the dangers of Senor Lobo. This cautions her to be wary, ultimately preparing her for the encounter with the wolf.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of listening to advice from parents and other adults, which can protect them from potential dangers.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: After outsmarting Senor Lobo, Little Red Hot displays resilience, not allowing the encounter to deter her from her journey or her enjoyment of chili.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can recover and continue with their tasks or hobbies confidently after facing a challenge or setback.