I loved fairy tales as a kid, and for the most part was happy to suspend disbelief no matter how bizarre the concept. Magic seeds? Sure. Talking mirrors? All right. Gold spun from straw? Why not?
But there was one story that strained plausibility beyond even my generous standards.
Arthur Rackham
Could you really look at this furry face, the toothy snout, and those sharp paws and mistake this creature for . . . Grandma?
Either this story made no sense, or Little Red Riding Hood was not the sharpest twig in the forest.
Happily, in Little Red (Peachtree 2016), Bethan Woollvin has reimagined our heroine, creating a character who is smart, plucky, and empowered. The book, first published in Great Britain, has striking, minimalist art (it was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book last year) and is also quite funny—in a dry and dark sort of way.
As a writer, what struck me most about the story was the simplicity and brevity of the text. With just over 250 words, it lets the illustrations do much of the telling. After the wolf meets Little Red on the trail, he races to Grandma’s house. We don’t need to be told what happens next:
I was also impressed by the effective use of repetition. For example, on the trail to Grandma’s house, Little Red meets a wolf, just like in the classic story.
“Where are you going?” he growled.
Which might have scared some little girls.
But not this little girl.
Later, when she arrives at Grandma’s house, she peers in the window and sees “a badly disguised wolf waiting in Grandma’s bed!”
Which might have scared some little girls.
But not this little girl.
She greets the wolf as if he were Grandma “though she wasn’t fooled for a minute,” and goes through the familiar exchange about big ears, big eyes and big teeth. Then the wolf lunges at her.
Which might have scared some little girls.
But not this little girl.
Needless to say, things do not turn out well for the wolf. But Little Red and Grandma are just fine.
Little Red is a bold and impressive debut, and reminded me again that in picture books, less is often more. I can’t wait to see what Bethan does with Rapunzel (coming later this year).
Quick Announcements!
- The winner of the I Dissent Giveaway is Debra Shumaker. Congratulations, Debra, and thanks to all for your comments.
- For my next post (April 4th), I’ll be discussing books and trends with my agent, Jennifer Mattson of Andrea Brown Literary. If you have questions about agents in general, or Jennifer and her agency in particular, leave a comment below (or send me an email here) and I’ll try to incorporate them into the interview.
Thanks for reading!
So excited to hear there will be another Bethan Wollvin fairytale! I really admire what she has accomplished with so few words in Little Red.
Me, too, Andrea! Really looking forward to Rapunzel.
You know who loved this post?
This 44-year-old girl.
Ha! Thanks, Tammi.
Fun post, Linda. I love dry humor and am already imagining what Bethan could do with Rapunzel….
I know, Jill. I can’t wait to see!
good job!
Thanks, Terri!
Picture books have grown up and branched out to appeal to almost every taste from classic to classy. I love it!
So true, Jean! Something for every taste.
Hooray! Thrilled that Rapunzel is coming our way! 🙂
Me, too, Cathy!
I, too, always found the concept of LRRH believing the wolf was her grandmother a “little hard to swallow” 😉 Can’t wait to see what Bethan Woollvin creates with Rapunzel!
I always found the hair-climbing thing rather odd, too. Can’t wait to see how that works in Bethan’s version.
Though I love Little Red Riding Hood and the many variants, I too have been troubled by things in the story. How can Grandma stay alive in the wolf’s tummy?
I look forward to reading this version. I am always in awe of writers who can do so much with a low word count.
I agree, Claire. I always wondered how Grandma managed to come out unharmed too. 🙂
I love the voice in LITTLE RED . . . and I love Peachtree Books. Looking forward to Bethan’s next book.
Me, too, Kathy. And, yes, hooray for Peachtree for bringing the book to the US!
Oh, please ask your agent if there are any trends of picture books becoming more than thin stories. I work with kids who aren’t strong readers and 1000-word picture books are ever so much more appropriate, where they can use the illustrations to guess at the words. These under 500 word stories are just whispers of a story and not fulfilling reads.
Thanks.
Thanks, Susan. Great question–I’ll ask!
This looks like such a fun, graphic approach to a loved folk-tale! These couple illustrations you shared already inspired me — thanks Linda!