Red: The (Fairly) True Tale of Red Riding Hood

I loved the whole plot of the book from start to finish and I couldn’t control myself from reading deep into the night I recommend this book to all who love books with twists and turns and to those who have big fears. This book is amazing and you should definitely read it!

I have been reading Liesl Shurtliff's fairy tale retelling stories to my younger kids. We have really enjoyed Rump and Jack, but Red is a bit different. The story is a bit darker and it might just be our favorite so far! It reminded me a little of the old fairy tales recorded by Brothers' Grimm. Some of the characters that Red met throughout the book didn't live happily ever after. Sometimes getting what you wish for doesn't turn out like you expect. As always, it's a lot of fun reading new renditions of old tales. What if the story we think we know isn't all there is to the tale?

Since I have read and enjoyed fairy tales in my youth I was excited to learn about these creatively written adaptations.I naively trusted in an interview I listened to on the radio and purchased these books for my granddaughter and grandson. While I admit I have not read the other three books in this series yet, I started with Red and this book concerns me. Right from the start it is stated Red is a suspected witch and her ill grandmother has been declared one (all innocently). My biggest objection is when Red mocks the Mother of a girl she casually played with - simply because the Mother is concerned about her daughter befriending a suspected "witch". Red tries to cast a "playful" spell on this Mother that backfires. The Mother then prohibits her daughter from further contact with Red. Red then mocks this concerned Mother as being the town gossip simply because the Mother has told her daughter she can no longer play with Red and also because she advises the other townspeople of what Red has done to her. As a Mother and Grandmother I object to this attitude of Red towards a rightfully concerned Mother. Goldilock's Mother is also stated to have been concerned about Red's reputation as a witch...that too is casually dismissed. Aren't we as Mothers and Grandmothers called to be aware of and concerned about those who influence our children and grandchildren and limit contact where appropriate. I don't think books that choose to undermine a parent's honest concern for the welfare of their children and portrays a "child/Red" as being more "intelligent/righteous" than an adult is positive reading for any youngster. Second of all, this particular book portrays witchcraft as a positive harmless thing. The Bible says witchcraft is as rebellion against God. Red's befriending of the "wolf" is a bit weird at times as well. Too Bad... this story had some great potential otherwise...(And that is why I gave it two stars instead of one.)

I am a school librarian and I read this book after reading 'Rump' by same author. It was followed up by 'Jack' and now we will read 'Grump'. These books are so very clever, and FUNNY and the kids have gone nuts over them. I read them to grades 3-6. But first I read the original fairy tale associated with the book so they can see how the author has changed it up a bit....so very clever and lovely. I have gifted this to all of my nieces and nephews and spread the word with all of my librarian colleagues. The kids at their school are all hooked now too! And on a train in Paris I shared these books with some local children and they were so intrigued they wrote the titles down so they could acquire them. Red is international!

I am a 3rd grade teacher. I started reading Rump to my students. After that, they couldn't get enough of these books.

I loved how the wolf isn't the bad guy in this book.Very touching story of love between Red and Grandma.Also, a lesson about living in the moment.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series so far. I haven't read Grump, but I'm sure it won't disappoint. Red is a great character though a bit naive and sheltered. She learns a great deal during her adventure and grows into a stronger person.Bottom line: A fresh take on the story of Red Riding Hood that will take you on an exciting adventure filled with danger and unexpected friendships.

I haven’t finished reading the whole book,but it is excellent. My granddaughter read it first and talked so much about it that I wanted it. I like how the author pulls you in and it is hard to put down. Easy reading for an adult. Children would have to be able to read chapter books, but it would be a fun book to read to younger children.

Great service! Fabulous book!

My 9year old loves this book. I highly recommend it!

Great read