Monday, November 9, 2009

Little Red Hoodie by Adrianna Kruse


Little Red Hoodie by Adrianna Kruse came out last month.

From the publisher:

Little Red Hoodie is a modern twist on a classic tale, which features a tech-savvy youth, Little Red Hoodie, an online predator, the Big Bad Wolf, and a not-so-ordinary Granny who rides motorcycles and takes karate. This delightful picture book teaches children and families an important life lesson, while keeping them laughing and entertained along the way.

Well, that's a new one and very timely.

Here's a link to an article about the book with an excerpt: Internet predators are big, bad wolf in 'Red Hoodie' by BRET LIEBENDORFER

"After hearing so many horrific stories on the news about Internet predators ... it hit me that there were parallels with the Big Bad Wolf," Kruse said.

Although a no-good wolf still feigns being a sick Granny, this time he's tech savvy and instant messages Little Red Hoodie, the main character's screen name, for help. Although the outcome is similar to the original, Kruse's version has a more humorous ending as Granny rides motorcycles and takes karate lessons.

According to the article, some proceeds from the book sales will be donated to organizations that promote Internet safety to children.

Side note: I am always amused by all of the retellings of Little Red Riding Hood with hip, crazy grandmothers that break the traditional stereotype but have become a new stereotype of their own. I know in its own way it relieves pressure and has fun with the traditional "milk and cookies" stereotype but I wonder if the new one applies just as much pressure to be fun and hip at the opposite extreme. I prefer this one, but it's wrought with its own expectations, too.

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