Ed Young - Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China

Pros: Unusual but lovely illustrations, interesting story in which children take matters into their own hands.

Cons: Nothing major.

The Bottom Line: This wonderful picture book has suspense and striking drawings. Even though it's a variation of Red Riding Hood, it has some big differences.

Review: On the cover, a dark wolf stands against a sunset orange background. The outline of his body is not sharply drawn, but his form is clear. His head is turned toward the reader. He stares with stark white eyes, as if the illustrator forgot to draw...

Pros: Strong female characters

Cons: May be too dark for younger children

The Bottom Line: Mood filled illustrations and a traditional tale of courage and bravery make this version of Red Riding Hood a delight.

Review: Admittedly, this isn't a book my son picked out, nor one that he really wanted me to read to him. However, he WAS motivated that it not only counted toward his summer reading program but also toward his school's reading program for next year. With...

Pros: great artwork, familiar story

Cons: some pictures are a little scary

The Bottom Line: Wonderful illustrations about a folk tale from China that children will relate with especially if they are familiar with the American version.

Review: The cover of this book caught my attention. A wolf with bright white eyes stares at you. And that is only the start, as the striking artwork continues throughout the story, and even won this book the Caldecott Medal in 1990.

Lon Po Po A...

Pros: fantastic illustrations, clever protagonist

Cons: a tad violent

The Bottom Line: No wolf is going to pull anything over on this little lady!

Review: I've read many versions of Little Red Riding Hood, and always a foolish girl allows herself to be tricked by a cunning wolf and nearly loses her life as a result. In Ed...