"Not This Little Girl"

Little Red by Bethan Woollvin

How many versions of Little Red Riding Hood are in existence?
I suspect that there are more than I will ever be able to determine.
If that is true, what's so special about this particular version?
Let me count some of the ways that make Woolvin's interpretation a standout.

• ​The cover

​Isn't this a most brilliant way to introduce a well-known story? Just by examining the cover readers know that it features a very familiar character. The text superimposed on the oversized red hood gives it away. It is worth noting that the image makes the word "hood" superfluous.
But really, it's the eyes that demand attention. She is NOT looking at the reader. She is looking toward the book's interior. One might ask: What is she looking at? Why has she focused all of her attention on what is within the pages of the book?

• ​The design

The use of color is important. Ample white space and various shades of black and gray are punctuated by the standout red of our heroine. Obviously, red is going to be the main character and deserves our attention.
The lines are bold and the images are equally striking. The wolf dominates the space on any page in which he appears, often spanning the spread. He is a force to be reckoned with.
We learn of his schemes through an interesting visual device: we see the workings of his mind in the form of images inside his head, rather than a thought bubble. Captivating!

• The eyes

Little Red's eyes are one of the distinguishing visual features. Note that only on the end papers do we see a small version of her looking directly at the reader. Most of the time, Little Red's eyes shift to one side, and she peers at what seems to be awaiting her.
However, during her dialog with the wolf, the eyes change from a sideways glance and she looks up. This expression speaks volumes as to what she is actually thinking as she and the wolf exchange a series of questions and answers. It's not simply a verbal exchange. Her face reveals how she actually perceives his responses.

• The unexpected

Because this is a familiar tale and because the author uses many of the well-known tropes, the ending may come as a surprise and a fairly violent one at that. Careful story pacing builds to the story's climax. When rereading, readers find that Woollvin plants clues throughout the book which point to the story's conclusion. Discovering these textual and visual clues enhance anticipation for the unexpected outcome.

• The text

Three phrases are repeated throughout the pages and all play a critical part in the story:
"made a plan", "unlucky for", and "but not this little girl". Youngsters will enjoy chanting aloud these phrases, especially "but not this little girl". This increases reader involvement and enhances the story experience.

Lucky for young readers everywhere, this book is no ordinary retelling. The author's approach is fresh, witty, and wildly entertaining. She obviously made a plan.