Another fun fractured fairy tale after the Three Ninja Pigs, this is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.After his skirmish with the three pigs, the wolf is still hungry and decides to take a martial arts class so he can...continue to prey on smaller creatures, but more successfully. When he sees Little Red, he knows where his next meal is coming from! Granny's not home so he hops in her clothes to wait...but he's in for a surprise!With really engaging, vibrant illustrations and 1-4 stanzas of rhyming verse on each page or spread, I liked reading through this. It could probably appeal to both boys and girls because there's a lot of action; I would, however, try to instill some sort of learning point that many martial arts are for self-defense only. There is some violence in the book that may not be the best idea for kids who are already big on punching and kicking, unless you lay down some solid guidelines that using karate on a sibling or anyone else "just because" isn't nice and isn't what the technique is meant for. Ninja Red Riding Hood is a picturebook written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and illustrated by Dan Santat. It is a companion to the hit The Three Ninja Pigs, another fractured fairy tale and sure-fire storytime hit. Ever since the three little pigs started teaching everyone Ninja skills Wolf just can’t catch a break!, huffing and puffing just hasn’t been enough to scare up a good meal. His craving for meat sends Wolf to classes at the dojo, and soon he thinks that he is ready to try out his new moves. A little girl and her tiny granny should be easy targets, right?Ninja Red Riding Hood is another great twist on classic fairy tales for the picturebook set. This story is told from the wolf's point of view, and he is very frustrated. Since so many of his fairy tale foes have started studying martial arts he has had a hard time finding food. He thinks that Little Red and her grandmother will be easier targets than the ninja pigs, especially as he spends some time training as well. Unfortunately for him, Little Red is no slouch when it comes to martial arts herself. A fun story, with the message that anyone can be strong and capable, regardless of age, gender, or even species.I would highly recommend Ninja Red Riding Hood to all picturebook fans. Readers involved in martial arts, fairy tale fans, and those that loved The Three Ninja Pigs will all really enjoy the art and story.
What do You think about Ninja Red Riding Hood (2014)?
This is my FAVORITE picture book of the year!! So witty, funny, and smart! I'm in love. :)
—who8mahrice
The Three Ninja Pigs was a better crowd pleaser, but this one is a nice follow-up
—ittybittybeka
One of the best children's books I have read in 2014!
—CAG
