Oh, Grandmama!

I’m not sure why the old tale “Little Red Riding Hood” continues to resonate with readers; it’s been around since 1697 or so. There are literally dozens of retellings, parodies, and take-offs available today.

Let’s face it; Little Red and her hairy nemesis have become stock characters. So how is new life given to what has become almost caricature? By giving the characters a new dimension and a fresh look, I’ve decided.

And that’s just what Jerry Pinkney (opens in a new window) has done with his retelling of Little Red Riding Hood (opens in a new window)(Little Brown) due out next month.

In Pinkney’s version, Red is a child with skin the color of coffee and cream. The wolf appears quite authentic, but interestingly, with a sly jauntiness that makes him seem menacing but somehow beatable. The woodcutter happens along in time to release the girl and her grandmother with a crisp chop and snip, so all ends well — except for the poor wolf, of course.

Since the story’s origins, when it amused the 17th century French court, “Little Red Riding Hood” has engaged — or perhaps terrified — generations of children in English-speaking countries. And now, contemporary children can meet a Red in whom they may more readily see themselves.