Andrea Wisnewski makes the story of Little Red Riding Hood fresh and new in this ingeniously designed retelling. She has set her tale in the rural New England of the early nineteenth century, basing her interiors, architecture, and costumes on models found at Old Sturbridge Village, the living-history museum in western Massachusetts. The images, full of lovingly rendered period detail, are done in a medium Wisnewski has made her own: black-and-white prints made from intricate papercut designs (the results look much like woodcuts) that are then hand painted in gloriously vivid watercolor. This is surely to become the favorite American retelling of this classic tale from Grimm, the one about a stout-hearted little girl and the crafty, hungry wolf.
Wisnewski retells the familiar story, adorning it with graceful illustrations that emulate woodcuts, washed with saturated watercolors, and brimming with details. Children will enjoy studying the detailed artwork.
—Publishers WeeklyA handsomely illustrated version of a folktale favorite. Wisnewski’s retelling is straightforward and the language has a comfortable, folksy cadence. The tale ends happily, as Little Red Riding Hood’s father comes to the rescue. Visual details abound, all vividly and gracefully rendered, and observant youngsters will notice that a calico cat plays a heroic role in the story. An eye-catching addition to folk and fairytale shelves.
—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library JournalThe rich colors and thick flowing lines are technically accomplished and lovely. The book’s design suits the content: it is simple and elegant.
—Lauralyn Persson, School Library JournalChildren will want to step into inviting artwork full of flowers and fruit from the orchard and help collect eggs or pick lavender and put it in a basket. The pictures, which look like woodcuts, are actually hand-colored paper cuts.
—Ilene Cooper, BooklistWisnewski brings to life, in vivid watercolors, a tale now set in rural New England in the early 19th century, the interiors and architecture and costumes found on models from Old Sturbridge Village’s living-history museum. Loving detail cloaks the woods, the home, the family, while retaining Grimm’s classic tale.
—Hannah Merker, Mainetoday.com