Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon
What’s inside...
In 'Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon,' Ying Chang Compestine reimagines the classic fairy tale from a Chinese perspective, infusing it with action, humor, and stunning illustrations by Joy Ang. This version of the story features Little Red, living near the Great Wall, training in kung fu, and encountering a fearsome dragon instead of a wolf on her way to her grandmother’s house. The book also includes elements of Chinese mythology, symbolism, traditional medicine, all integral to Compestine’s heritage. An author’s note discusses further the influence of Chinese culture on this vibrant retelling.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Little Red Riding Hood felt when she met the dragon? Why?
How did the characters' actions change the story's direction?
What would you have done if you were in Little Red Riding Hood’s shoes?
What can we learn from how Little Red Riding Hood handled her encounter with the dragon?
Do you think the dragon was always mean, or could he have been misunderstood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic language to understand the emotions of characters, asking your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different actions the characters could have taken and discuss the potential outcomes.
Highlight the moral or lesson of the story, and relate it to real-life situations your child might face.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book, focusing on the pivotal moment when Little Red Riding Hood meets the dragon. Discuss the drawing and what this moment means in the story.
Positively reinforce your child's responses to cultivate an open and trusting dialogue about their thoughts and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In the story, Little Red Riding Hood shows bravery by confronting the dragon that threatens her journey. Her determination to overcome obstacles is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and challenges, whether it's trying something new or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The importance of caution and awareness
Explanation: As Little Red Riding Hood ventures through the forest, she learns the importance of being aware of her surroundings and the potential dangers.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of being cautious and conscious about their environment, helping them make safer choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout her interactions with the dragon, Little Red Riding Hood attempts to understand and empathize with the dragon’s feelings and reasons for his actions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice empathy in their daily interactions, fostering a sense of understanding and compassion towards others.
Example Lesson: The power of cleverness and problem-solving
Explanation: Little Red Riding Hood uses her wits to deal with the dragon, coming up with creative solutions to avoid conflict.
Real-World Application: This highlights the value of using intellect and creativity to solve problems, an essential skill in school and everyday life.