Little Red Riding Hood - by Andrea Wisnewski (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The story of Little Red Riding Hood reset in rural New England of the early nineteenth century.

Into the forbidding but beautiful New England winter steps a resourceful farm girl in her scarlet cloak, bound with her basket of presents for her ailing grandmother. Told in a folksy cadence, the tale ends happily, as Little Red's father comes to the rescue (sharp-eyed children will notice a calico cat helped, too!).

Loving detail fills each illustration in this unique version. Andrea Wisnewski based her interiors, architecture, and costumes on models found at Old Sturbridge Village, the living-history museum in western Massachusetts. The images, full of period detail, are done in a medium Wisnewski has made her own: black-and-white prints made from intricate papercut designs (the results look much like woodcuts) that are then hand painted in gloriously vivid watercolor.

This is a beautiful, totally original, reimagining of the German fairytale classic and, yes, Little Red does survive the ravenous wolf--moist but intact. A wonderful version of the classic tale, perfect as a read-aloud, a picture book to share.

Review Quotes

Praise for Andrea Wisnewski's Little Red Riding Hood

"Wisnewski brings to life, in vivid watercolors, a tale now set in rural New England in the early 19th century, the interiors and architecture and costumes found on models from Old Sturbridge Village's living-history museum. Loving detail cloaks the woods, the home, the family, while retaining Grimm's classic tale."--Maine Today

"A handsomely illustrated version of a folktale favorite. Wisnewski's retelling is straightforward and the language has a comfortable, folksy cadence. The tale ends happily, as Little Red Riding Hood's father comes to the rescue. Visual details abound, all vividly and gracefully rendered, and observant youngsters will notice that a calico cat plays a heroic role in the story. An eye-catching addition to folk and fairytale shelves."--School Library Journal

"Wisnewski retells the familiar story, adorning it with graceful illustrations that emulate woodcuts, washed with saturated watercolors, and brimming with details. Children will enjoy studying the detailed artwork."--Publishers Weekly

"Children will want to step into inviting artwork full of flowers and fruit from the orchard and help collect eggs or pick lavender and put it in a basket. The pictures, which look like woodcuts, are actually hand-colored paper cuts."--Booklist

"The rich colors and thick flowing lines are technically accomplished and lovely. The book's design suits the content: it is simple and elegant."--School Library Journal