Once upon a time, there was a popular fairy tale about a girl with a red cape, her grandmother, and a cunning wolf. We all know the story of Little Red Riding Hood, but what if we told you there are contemporary versions of this beloved classic that put a twist on the original? Welcome to the world of fractured fairy tales! Here are seven imaginative and captivating renditions of Little Red Riding Hood that we absolutely adore.
1. “Little Red Gliding Hood” by Tara Lazar
In this delightful take on the traditional story, Little Red needs a new pair of ice skates. To win them, she decides to enter an ice-skating competition with her friend the Gingerbread Man. A whimsical winter adventure ensues as familiar characters from other fairy tales make appearances along their journey.
2. “Ninja Red Riding Hood” by Corey Rosen Schwartz
“Everybody was kung-fu fighting…”- in this amusing spinoff! This martial arts-infused rendition has the Big Bad Wolf learning ninja skills to catch his prey–only to discover that Little Red is also a skilled ninja who has some tricks up her sleeve.
3. “The Little Red Wolf” by Amélie Fléchais
This beautifully illustrated adaptation switches things up by featuring a little red wolf who must steal food from humans while avoiding Grandma’s house. However, when he reaches his destination, he finds kindness and friendship instead of danger in this unique version of the tale.
4. “Little Red Hot” by Eric A. Kimmel
Set in Texas, this spicy twist introduces us to Little Red Hot, who loves nothing more than eating hot peppers. When the sly coyote tries to take advantage of her grandmother’s absence, she challenges him to an epic battle involving chili peppers and plenty of bravado!
5. “Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!” by Trisha Speed Shaskan
Told from the wolf’s perspective, this humorous retelling portrays Little Red as an obnoxious little girl who flaunts her beauty. In the end, the wolf wonders if there might be some benefits to eating her after all…
6. “Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood” by Mike Artell
Transported to the bayous of Louisiana, this colorful rendition boasts lively language and plays with local culture. The main character, Petite Rouge, must navigate the swamp while steering clear of the cunning alligator Claude to bring her sick “gran-mere” a batch of gumbo.
7. “Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion” by Alex T. Smith
In this African setting-inspired adaptation, Little Red outwits a very hungry lion intending to devour both her and her auntie who is suffering from a spotted fever. With just wit and courage on her side, Little Red teaches the lion a lesson that he’ll never forget.
These seven fractured fairy tales offer fresh takes on Little Red Riding Hood that will enchant readers of all ages. Ranging from whimsical to humorous, these versions challenge us to rethink familiar stories and introduce new magic into these timeless tales.
