Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon - by Ying Chang Compestine (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this retelling of the classic story, Little Red lives in a village near the Great Wall, trains in kung fu, and must save her grandmother and village from a mighty dragon. An author's note discusses how this reimagining is influenced by Chinese mythology, symbolism, traditional medicine, and other elements of Compestine's heritage.

Book Synopsis

In Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon, award-winning author Ying Chang Compestine reimagines the classic fairy tale from a Chinese perspective, filled with action and humor--with stunning color illustrations by Joy Ang.

By now, you have probably heard the old folk tale about a girl in a red cape.
The truth is that the story took place here in China, there wasn't a woodsman, and I, the gentle wolf, certainly was not the one who ate them.
Here is the real story.

This is not the story you think you know. In this version of the classic fairy tale, Little Red lives in a village near the Great Wall and trains in kung fu. When she ventures to her grandmother's to deliver rice cakes and herbal medicine, she encounters something much more fearsome than a wolf--a mighty dragon. With her wits and a sword in hand, Little Red must valiantly defend herself and her grandmother in this vibrant retelling.

An author's note discusses how this reimagining is influenced by Chinese mythology, symbolism, traditional medicine, and other elements of Compestine's heritage.

Review Quotes

"Chang Compestine empowers with a retelling that casts the red-hooded heroine as a kung fu performer." --Publishers Weekly

"The colorful characters, including Dragon, are adorably expressive. . . A fun addition to the fractured fairy-tale bookshelf." --Kirkus Reviews

"Whimsically reframes the classic European folktale from a Chinese point of view . . . a delicious, original, and highly entertaining story."--Common Sense Media

About the Author

Award-winning author Ying Chang Compestine is a sought-after speaker who has lectured at schools and universities around the world. Her books include the picture book The Chinese Emperor's New Clothes and the middle-grade Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier. She is passionate about showcasing Chinese history and culture, promoting healthy eating and living, and inspiring young writers. She lives in Lafayette, California. Joy Ang is an illustrator who has worked in comics, video games, and animation. Her picture books include the Mustache Baby series and Mulan: The Legend of the Woman Warrior, and she is the illustrator behind The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid. She currently lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband, son, and fluffy cat.