Little Red riding hood is a great example of traditional literature because it is has a comical plot line of good vs. evil. It also has a good lesson to teach students: do not to talk to strangers. In my opinion this is a fun book to read aloud to students for three reasons. First, the writing does not stray too far from the original plot line (Because it is traditional literature there is no “original story” but follows the same plot). There are so many retellings of the story that some authors try to take an original stance on it. However, I like the original plot line, so I am happy the author wrote it the exact way I have been told it. For example, books written in the wolf’s point of is funny and original, but it does not teach the same lesson that Little Red Riding Hood does. Another reason I liked the book is because it is an interactive book which keeps the students engaged (“lift-the-flap” book). The students can lift the flap themselves to see what is going on between the lines. For example, on the page when the wolf is looking for Little Red Riding Hood, you as the audience can see where she is hiding if you lift the flap. This makes the book more exciting because the students know something that the main character doesn’t. It makes them keeping reading to find out if the character ever knows what they know. Lastly, this particular book includes minuscule character who gets no recognition in the story itself, but makes a world of difference to the readers. There is a mouse who is in every scene who “narrates” the book. For example, on the page when the wolf is climbing into grandma’s house, the mouse is in the corner saying, “Here’s trouble!” This mouse is almost a context clue for students who cannot read between the lines. Also, the mouse would make the book interactive even if there was no flaps because it ask the audience questions as well as make comments. For example, he will often say, “And where do you think Granny is?”

This is a very toned-down version of “Little Red Riding Hood” (the wolf never even eats her). It has great flip-up pictures with funny comments underneath. ( )