Little Red Riding Hood

Kurtz, John:  Little Red Riding Hood.  New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children, 2004. Print.

Once there was little girl named Little Red Riding Hood (LRRH), who was given the bright red cape by her grandma so her mother could keep track of her even from far away.   LRRH was given a task by her mother, to take a basket of goodies to her grandmother.  Mother told the girl to go directly to Grandma's house and not speak with strangers.  Little Red did just as her mother told her.  She did not stop to pick flowers or play with butterflies or listen to the birds.  When the Wolf appeared Little Red did not stop but shared that she was going to her grandmother's and the wolf being the sly and clever creature he is went ahead to Grandma's house.  Once Grandma heard the wolf's voice, pretending he was Little Red she knew she was in danger and ran out the back door.  Finally Little Red appeared and after asking several questions of Wolf, Little Red realizes that she is in danger.  Fortunately the woodcutter, Grandma, Little Red Riding Hood's mother and some townsfolk appear and saves Little Red.  Little Red Riding Hood always wore her red cape everywhere she went.

Cultural Origins:

The author does not include any notes referencing the culture.  The characters in the book from which this story was taken are all African American.  There are a variety of hair styles worn by the characters that are representative of African American cultures.  Styles such as braids, afro, dreadlocks and wavy looks.  Also the ending, with the community coming together to save Little Red Riding Hood, is indicative of the sense of community known in many African American communities.

Audience:

This particular version is a story that can be shared with all ages. It is a great introduction to fairy tales for preschool age children.  Most school-age youth will be familiar with the tale and will delight in hearing again.  This story is a classic for most adults and I believe will be appreciated.  The story could be told in almost any setting including public and school libraries.  I think it would also be appropriate in academic settings - classrooms, residence halls, etc.

Adaptation:

Any adaptation to Little Red Riding Hood would greatly depend on the audience.  A tame version would be shared with youth.  In a telling to youth, I might also change what it is that Little Red is taking to her grandmother.  It may be cake and tea instead of bread and wine.

With an adult audience I may try one of the more graphic versions.  I think most people are very used to the tame version and may not be familiar with some of the original versions.  Depending on the audience I think a different telling would be an eye-opening experience for many adults.