When Fairy Tale Universes Collide

Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood

By Liesl Shurtliff

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Hardcover: 256 pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 12, 2016)

ISBN-10: 038575583X

ISBN-13: 978-0385755832

Lexile Measure: 0620

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Red is not afraid of the big bad wolf. She’s not afraid of anything . . . except magic.
But when Red’s granny falls ill, it seems that only magic can save her, and fearless Red is forced to confront her one weakness.

 

With the help of a blond, porridge-sampling nuisance called Goldie, Red goes on a quest to cure Granny. Her journey takes her through dwarves’ caverns to a haunted well and a beast’s castle. All the while, Red and Goldie are followed by a wolf and a huntsman—two mortal enemies who seek the girls’ help to defeat each other. And one of them just might have the magical solution Red is looking for. . . .

 

My Thoughts:

It’s been pretty well established that I really like re-told fairy tales. I love taking the basic story and adding embroidery and elaboration. This one definitely falls into that category, with some fundamental changes that make it even more fun. (Granny isn’t eaten by a wolf—that’s a costume she puts on when she has unwanted visitors.) When fairy tale universes collide and Goldilocks becomes a character in Red Riding Hood’s tale—even better.

 

This is Shurtliff’s third effort in the fairy tale universe and, while she refers to events from Rump, the effect was to make me curious about that book, not to make me feel like I was missing vital information.

 

Red shows progress in this tale as she tries to find magical means to keep Granny from dying. She learns how to help others and to make wise choices—as well as to embrace her own magic.

 

Shurtliff’s writing is clear and engaging, and her descriptions are vivid. Characters are well-drawn and realistic. (I enjoyed Goldy and Borlen in particular.) The conclusion of the tale is satisfying.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Perilous situations. Children out and about without parental guidance. Some spookiness. Magic.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who enjoy re-told fairytales. The main characters are female, so it could be difficult to get boys interested. Goldy is especially girly and, while I liked her, she is a bit on the silly side. This book definitely fits into the suggested age range.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.