By Amélie Fléchais
Genre: Children, Picture books, Fantasy, Fairy Tales
Pages: 80
ISBN: 9781941302453
*A special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
The Story:
The Little Red Wolf was inspired by the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale by Charles Perrault. This story is about a little wolf with a red cape who needs to cross the dangerous forest to deliver a rabbit to his grandmother. However, he must heed his mother’s warning about the treacherous and villainous humans living in those woods. When stumbling upon a charming little girl, the Little Red Wolf will have to choose if he’s ready to trust this creature or follow his mother’s advice. Curiosity might have killed the cat… but what will it do this Little Red Wolf?
The Positive Points:
The storybook The Little Red Wolf features eerie but cute (and even funny) drawings – they’re childish and exaggerated. I think it fits that new fairy tale, inspired by the creepy Little Red Riding Hood. If it had other pictures, I figure it would have changed the mood drastically and not have it be as troubling as it is! This book uses and elegant font which reminds me of the fairy tales of old.
Moreover, the colours used to paint the story start bright and get darker and darker as the little red wolf (a cute little fellow!) steps closer to the enemy. These artistic choices fit the story perfectly. It’s easy to notice how much work the author and illustrator put in the illustrations! As for the story itself, I was under the positive impression it was told in a way that is reminiscent of the fairy tales of old. However, don’t be mistaken in thinking it’s too hard for a child to understand because it’s not. It simply has a distinctive ring and approach to it.
All in all, the images are beautiful. I loved how imaginative wolves’ houses in trees and underground are; it’s quite original. This story is faithful to olden fairy tales what with the words chosen, the warnings, the colours used, the gruesome events and twists and characters depicted.
The song woven in the story was fun and I also loved all the different point of views, though the main (and cutest) one is the little red world, our sweet protagonist. The little suspense and mystery surrounding the humans was predictable, but then again it’s a tale for children! So, I can’t really blame the author for this, can I? Last but not least of the positive points is how the ending explains the red cape the protagonist has and what really happened to the humans’ family. It demystifies everything and answers all the reader’s questions, leaving them satisfied once they close the book.
The Negative Points & Conclusion:
Although I know a wolf is carnivorous, and he would obviously take a dead rabbit or something like that to his grandma, it was slightly disgusting… mostly when he eats parts of it. Don’t get me wrong: there might not be any blood, but the image is still disturbing somehow. I’m not sure this is okay for children. Or perhaps I’m too sensitive when it comes to animals. Or in general, too. But that is the only negative point I could find.
While I think this adorable storybook is really worth purchasing (especially for a child you know, although it’s a greatly enjoyable read even for an adult), it didn’t grab me fully. I do think back on it appreciatively, but my emotions weren’t really in the equation. For all these reasons, good and bad, I give The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I encourage you to give it a try or buy it for a child you know! The point of view of the wolf is a very different take on this reimagined story – it’s great and surprising.
If you want to learn more about Amélie Fléchais and her storybooks, head over to her Facebook account or her Tumblr.
Ad Librum Aeternam 