Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
``A fresh, utterly funny retelling that invigorates the spirit of the classic tale,'' said PW about Marshall's characteristically wacky version--featuring a supremely sly Wolf-about-town and a heroine oozing virtue from every pore. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 3 This irresistible retelling of the familiar tale will rank high in popular appeal while still maintaining the integrity of the Grimm Brothers' version, with both Grandma and Red Riding Hood eaten and later rescued by a hunter. Through simple words and a restrained use of line in the art, Marshall masterfully imbues his characters with humorous personality traits. The heroine is a considerate, bouncy sort of kid; Grandma, an avid reader, is feisty; and the wolf, a charming villain, is just a bit guilty about his behaviorafter his second meal he admits, ``I'm so wicked. . .so wicked.'' With just a flick of the whiskers even Grandma's heavy-set feline looks both outraged and scared. The cartoon styled ink and watercolor illustrations play harmoniously along with the spare story, and as the drama heightens viewers are treated to fresh perspectives and enticing peeks into Grandma's bedroom. Cheery colors predominate, with a judicious use of black effectively conveying tense moments. Throughout, comic touches are understated (a box of empty imported after-dinner mints lay discretely beside the snoring wolf). A marvelous offering that begs to be added to everyone's storytelling repertoire. Caroline Ward, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, N.Y.
Publishers Weekly
09/22/2014
The story of Little Red Riding Hood unfolds in an accordion-style, postcard-size book with paper-cut scenes that make striking use of contrasting black, white, and red. The format lets readers open the book so that the story reads as a long narrative chain, or to simply flip the pages, with trees and buildings from earlier and later pages peeking through the die-cuts, creating the effect of a dense, deep forest. The extra-small font may challenge some young and adult readers alike, but the visually arresting and sometimes frightening compositions—the wolf is shown shoving Little Red’s grandmother into his gaping mouth, full of blood-red teeth—leave a strong impression. Ages 5–10. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
Praise for
Abbeville Classic Fairy Tales:
"The fanciful illustrations and small square format make the series especially inviting." — Publishers Weekly
"A pretty little series…with bright colorful illustrations—all very artistically done. — Parade
"…just the right size for preschoolers' little hands. The books…are beautifully illustrated and bound well enough to withstand nightly rereading. — Wilmington News Journal
