Book

The Wolf's Story: What Really Happened to Little Red Riding Hood

by Toby Forward

📖 Overview

The Wolf's Story presents Little Red Riding Hood's tale from the wolf's perspective. This picture book features the wolf as narrator, explaining his version of events to readers. The wolf insists he was trying to help Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother, not harm them. His account differs from the traditional fairy tale in key ways as he defends his actions and attempts to clear his name. The story incorporates humor and misunderstandings as the wolf tells his side. Illustrator Izhar Cohen's artwork brings the wolf's narrative to life through expressive characters and scenes. This reimagining of a classic fairy tale explores the concept that every story has multiple sides. The book raises questions about truth, perspective, and how different characters can interpret the same events in vastly different ways.

👀 Reviews

Readers praise this twist on Little Red Riding Hood for its humor and the wolf's charming narrative voice. Parents and teachers note it works well as a read-aloud book that engages children in discussions about different perspectives and unreliable narrators. Readers highlight: - Playful illustrations that enhance the wolf's explanations - Short length that holds children's attention - Works for teaching point of view to elementary students Common criticisms: - Some find the ending lacks resolution - A few parents considered the wolf's deception too sophisticated for very young children Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (385 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (41 ratings) From reviews: "Perfect for teaching different viewpoints" - Elementary teacher on Amazon "My second graders loved debating if the wolf was telling the truth" - Goodreads reviewer "The illustrations add personality to the wolf's excuses" - School librarian review

📚 Similar books

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka A wolf narrator presents his side of the three little pigs incident, explaining the misunderstandings that led to his reputation.

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems This retelling switches the classic bears with dinosaurs who set a trap for an unsuspecting child.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka Traditional fairy tales transform into warped versions where characters rebel against their stories and change the expected outcomes.

The Book That Jack Wrote by Jon Scieszka This twisted nursery rhyme builds upon "The House That Jack Built" with interconnected events that lead to chaos.

The Frog Prince, Continued by Jon Scieszka The story picks up after the classic fairy tale ends, revealing the prince's struggles with his new human life.

🤔 Interesting facts

🐺 The book presents a completely different perspective on the classic fairy tale, with the wolf claiming he was actually trying to help Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother with her diet and exercise routine. 📚 Author Toby Forward is also an Anglican priest, bringing a unique moral perspective to his children's stories and retellings. 🎨 The illustrations by Izhar Cohen use a distinctive scratchy style and muted color palette that gives the book a nostalgic, vintage feel while remaining contemporary. 🗣️ The wolf narrates the story directly to the reader, breaking the fourth wall and creating an intimate, confessional tone that encourages children to question traditional narratives. 📖 The original Little Red Riding Hood tale dates back to the 10th century, with versions appearing in many cultures, including China's "Grandmother Tiger" and Taiwan's "Grandaunt Tiger."