Little Red Riding Hood (Timeless Tales)
Little Critter Series
What’s inside...
In Mercer Mayer's 'Little Red Riding Hood (Timeless Tales),' a young girl named Little Red Riding Hood sets out to visit her sick grandmother, carrying a basket of goodies. Along the way, she encounters a sly wolf who tricks her into revealing her destination. The wolf races ahead, swallows the grandmother whole, and disguises himself in her clothes. When Little Red Riding Hood arrives, she is surprised by her 'grandmother's' appearance. After a series of questions highlighting the wolf's big eyes, ears, and teeth, the wolf attempts to eat her. In this retelling, the story may include a twist or variation on the classic ending, such as a hunter or woodsman coming to the rescue, or Little Red Riding Hood outsmarting the wolf herself. Mercer Mayer's version is likely to feature his signature illustration style, adding charm and detail to this timeless fairy tale.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
417 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Little Red Riding Hood felt when she met the wolf?
Why is it important to listen to and trust the advice from elders like Red Riding Hood's mother?
How do you think the story would change if Red Riding Hood had taken a different path?
What would you have done if you were Little Red Riding Hood when you noticed something was different about Grandma?
What are some ways Little Red Riding Hood could have protected herself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences by asking if they’ve ever been in a situation where they felt deceived or mislead, similar to how the wolf tricked Red Riding Hood.
Facilitate empathy by discussing Red Riding Hood's feelings throughout the story, asking your child how they would feel in her shoes.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings or different choices the characters could have made, enhancing critical thinking.
Use the story to discuss the importance of following guidance from trusted adults and the consequences of not doing so.
Discuss the moral of the story and ask your child what lessons they learned from Little Red Riding Hood’s experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of caution and awareness
Explanation: Little Red Riding Hood teaches children the value of being cautious and aware of their surroundings by depicting the consequences of talking to strangers and not paying attention to potential dangers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more observant and cautious in new or unfamiliar environments, and by understanding the importance of following safety guidance from parents and caregivers.
Example Lesson: Obedience to trusted adults
Explanation: By not adhering to her mother’s instruction to go straight to Grandma’s house, Little Red Riding Hood encounters the Big Bad Wolf, showcasing the importance of listening to the advice of trusted adults.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the significance of listening to parents, teachers, and other caregivers, especially regarding safety rules and instructions.
Example Lesson: Clever problem-solving
Explanation: The story highlights how quick thinking and cleverness can solve difficult situations, as demonstrated when Little Red Riding Hood devises a plan to escape from the Big Bad Wolf.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply creative thinking and problem-solving skills in challenging situations, whether at school, in social settings, or in personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: Through the character of the Big Bad Wolf, who deceives both Little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother, the tale illustrates the negative outcomes that can arise from deceitful behavior.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of honesty and the potential repercussions of deceptive actions towards others.
Example Lesson: Importance of asking for help
Explanation: When in trouble, Little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother eventually receive help, teaching children the importance of reaching out to others when facing problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek assistance from trusted adults or authorities when they feel unsafe or when facing a problem too big to handle alone.