Not-So-Little Red Riding Hood
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
A modern twist on the classic fairy tale, 'Not-So-Little Red Riding Hood' follows the adventures of a savvy and independent Red who must navigate through a forest filled with challenges and characters both familiar and new. Along the way, she learns important lessons about trust, bravery, and the power of wit. This fabulously funny take on a classic story is from two giants of children’s books, Michael Rosen and David Melling. Red, now bigger and braver, rides her pony through the woods to visit Granny for a picnic and a surprise, encountering unexpected twists including a meeting with the Big Bad Wolf.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Red Riding Hood brave in the story?
How do you think the story would change if Red Riding Hood made different choices?
What can we learn from the way Red Riding Hood dealt with the tricky situations?
How do you think the wolf felt during the story? Why?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and ideas about the book, validating their feelings and perspectives.
Discuss the moral lessons Red Riding Hood learned and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists in the story, which can help develop their creative thinking.
Use expressions, voice modulation, and even props to make the discussion lively and engaging.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's experiences, such as dealing with strangers or understanding the consequences of their choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Caution
Explanation: Red Riding Hood demonstrates caution by being wary of strangers, representing the modern concerns of safety for children.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being cautious around strangers and the significance of adhering to safety rules in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Empowerment and Self-reliance
Explanation: The character of Red Riding Hood in this version portrays strength and self-reliance, showing children that they can handle difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop confidence in their abilities, empowering them to solve problems independently in day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: Value of Questioning and Curiosity
Explanation: Through her interactions, Red Riding Hood teaches the value of being inquisitive and not accepting things at face value.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of asking questions and seeking clarity in school, home, or in any new learning scenario.
Example Lesson: Importance of Listening to Guardians
Explanation: Red Riding Hood's journey highlights the consequences of not listening to her mother's advice, which is a vital lesson for children.
Real-World Application: It underlines the importance of respecting and considering the guidance of parents or guardians in making safe and informed decisions.