I originally chose this book because I really enjoyed this authors short story in the book Gothic! and really enjoyed her story. I knew that this was a reimagining of the little red riding hood story but i did not know it was just a collection of short stories.

I am surprised at all of the negative reviews for this book. The authors note at the beginning was pretty funny. VVV was pretty much poking fun at herself and the classic story, but some people took that seriously. If you read it knowing that this was her being light hearted and funny it really works, if you think she is being serious in the note then you will hate it.

each short story took a different element from the original and created its own story. in one of the tales you have a grandmother who saved a wolf, in another a woman makes a doll in a red hood, a story of two boys who become important in the fairytale world, and a riding hood that has a mind of its own.

These stories had their own touch of magic and while not all of them were 100% perfect they were really fun. There were a few times in the book that I could not help but smile because of the little special things she added such as the smart red cloak eventually finding its way to a man and it helping him leap tall buildings in a single bound. I mean I never thought I would read about a super hero like superman in a book about little red riding hood.

I really think it would be a fun book to read to a younger audience or better yet have them read it to you. Don't let the average rating deter you, go in knowing that the book is just about having fun with a classic tale and you will enjoy it. ( )

8 short stories that are variations of Little Red Riding Hood. Imaginative and thought provoking. I liked the fresh look of the story and how the villain is not always the wolf. ( )

I love the way Vivian Vande Velde spins a tale. I've read her Companions of the Night twice and have been wanting to read more of her works. now that I'm on a fairytale retelling kick, I decided to read this collection of short stories around the Little Red Riding Hood tale.

The Author's Note breaks down all the things wrong with the original tales and then we are reintroduced to the tale from different points - mostly Red, the wood cutter, granny and the wolf with one from the cloak.

All are both imaginative and hilarious and some other well known characters make an appearance.

A really quick read for anyone who wants a little more fairytale in their lives. ( )

A delightful companion to [b:The Rumpelstiltskin Problem|794615|The Rumpelstiltskin Problem|Vivian Vande Velde|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348317326s/794615.jpg|2845551]. These are mostly light stories but they're still intriguing. I would buy both books for a classroom or tween girls. Boys might like them if the whole family reads together. It is very short but don't read it too fast or you will miss some of the slightly more complex ideas. ( )

Cute book with several different versions of red riding hood. ( )