Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten was an interesting twist on a beloved fairy tale. I have always had a soft spot for stories told from a non-traditional view.The narrator of this story was the wolf, who is neither big nor bad. He is driven by circumstance to eat Grandma and Red Riding Hood. Wolf uses this story to explain what *really* happened.
The writing was humourous and clever. It would be easy for a child to understand. The illustrations (by Gerald Guerlais) held mixed feelings for me. Though, they were well done, they seemed slightly creepy (if I were a young child looking at them). They were bright and lively, for such a dark story. I think it's because the wolf was basically pure black. Even though he had cheeky facial expressions, they way he was portrayed just didn't seem to fit. He seemed more like the shadows that creep along walls in stories, the ones up to no good. I don't think I can successfully put into words why or why not.
It was enjoyable and a different take on an old classic.
So, what actually makes her so rotten? Is she a horrible cook? Is she self-obsessed? Does she smell bad? Does she taste bad? I can not tell you, that's Wolf's job!
Trisha Speed Shaskan will have many readers with their tiny noses in The Other Side Of The Story series.
The book is just long enough to interest little readers, plus it is detailed enough to have them asking questions and comparing it to the original.
Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten comes out August 1st, 2011 to a book store near you.
Title: Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!
Author: Trisha Speed Shaskan
Publisher: Capstone
Pub Date: August 1, 2011
Excellent! I'm totally going to read this. Red Riding Hood is my favorite of the Fairy Tales.
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