Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Riffs on "Little Red Hiding Hood" are many, but there's always room for more, especially when they're as good as this. In dense and delicate black lines, debut author-artist Alexander constructs a forest thick with trees for the small girl to traverse. But before readers even reach the title page, there are hints that this wordless story may not follow the expected trajectory: an opening spread shows the enormous and slyly smiling wolf walking toward Grandmother's cabin, bags of party hats and wrapping paper in its jaws. Red herself is a squat, no-nonsense heroine decked out in heavy black boots and a red hoodie sweatshirt. She's intercepted by the wolf, whose bulk and giant, lustrous tail almost seem to engulf her. The wolf seems to be toying with Red-or distracting her, perhaps. Foxes carrying red balloons sneak past as the two talk, and squirrels scurry by with trailing streamers. Alexander dials back the danger while still maintaining a degree of suspense: the only thing getting eaten in his version of the story is birthday cake. Ages 4-8. Agent: Abigail Samoun, Red Fox Literary. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-In Alexander's version of "Little Red Riding Hood," things are not what they seem. The story starts out much like the original, with a little hooded girl entering a dark forest carrying a basket of goodies. There she encounters a wolf, which, notably, is one actually large enough to swallow a child. It is at this point that something will pique viewers' interest; animals bearing gifts start walking by. Readers will only understand how deftly the author plays on their preconceived notions once they reach the end. What starts out as the normal cautionary tale becomes a sweet surprise that changes kids' perceptions of the archetypal wolf. With this knowledge, a second read-through proves a different experience. The variety in character expressions and body language supply some obvious dialogue choices for this wordless book; however, readers will likely narrate it in a different manner once they realize that the wolf is deliberately distracting the girl. These two possible interpretations were successfully executed, partially because of how carefully the characters were placed and posed on each spread. Overall, the illustrations are striking. Beautiful pencil strokes fill out the world and provide a background contrast for the limited reds. VERDICT A charming and truly surprising take on the familiar story that will delight readers of all ages. A contender for the wordless picture book of the year.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont. © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A small child in a red cape carries a basket through a forest filled with creaturesincluding an enormous wolf!This wordless story begins before the title page as the gigantic wolf emerges from the forest to deliver bags holding wrapping paper, ribbons, and party hats to an older woman waiting at the door of a cabin. Alexander's detailed black-and-white illustrations convey the textures of bark, fur, mushrooms, clothing, and the wolf's huge bushy tail, which extends past several trees at once. Shades of red and pink, the only colors against black, white, and gray, draw the eye. The girl, in red hoodie and black boots, looks intrepid as she enters the forest. (The girl and her grandmother are shown with dark hair and light, but not white, skin.) The wolf strategically blocks Red's view as a skunk tiptoes through the trees with a red-ribboned package and a pair of red foxes pass by with bouquets of red balloons. As the little girl catches sight of a bird with a pink streamer, two rabbits sneak by with a cake, frosted in pink. The surprise that awaits the child at her grandmother's house is full of warmth and good cheer, and somehow all the creatures fit into the small space.A nod to "Little Red Riding Hood," yes, but also a not-so-scary, sweet treat on its own. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
