Little Red Riding Hood by William Wegman, Carole Kismaric, Marvin Heiferman, Brothers Grimm

From the Publisher

Join internationally renowned photographer William Wegman and his famous weimaraners Fay Ray, Battina, and Chundo as they turn their attention to the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood. With his witty prose and unique visual interpretation, Wegman has once again taken a classic fairy tale and made it a delight for the child in everyone.

Publishers Weekly

Arriving on the tails of Cinderella , the second of Fay's Fairy Tales continues to feature photographer Wegman's famously photogenic weimaraners, but, unlike the previous book, reflects a predominantly adult sensibility. Wegman experiments more here, trying different camera angles, shooting his dressed-up dogs outdoors as well as inside, and achieving a depth of field that recalls the tableaux of old Viewmaster toys. Campiness is the order of the day: for example, an obviously fake stag's head intrudes into one picture of a caped Red Riding Hood carrying goodies through the forest; `` `Look, a deer. It has antlers. It must be a stag. Hello, stag,' she whispered to herself so as not to startle it'' reads the facing text. But the irony reaches its apogee when the wolf pretends to Red Riding Hood that it is her grandmother--the dog-as-wolf-as-grandmother is a virtual twin of the dog-as-grandmother, so that the ``what big ears you have!'' sequence becomes tongue-in-cheek. A few jolting images--of the ``wolf'' with bloody fangs presiding over a limp raccoon stole, or of it snapping ferociously at Red Riding Hood--may also deter the youngest readers even as their elders are entertained. All ages. (Oct.)

Children's Literature

Illustrated with weimaraners in the lead roles, this mini-version of Grimm's story first appeared in a larger version in l993. Told in flowery language, it ends untraditionally with the wolf hiccuping up the grandmother and girl, then slinking off rather than being killed by the huntsman. In an unresounding second ending, the wolf returns, but is not admitted to the house, an epilogue, which seems designed to fill up the white space before the bookends. Pictures invite readers to imagine how Wegman works with his dogs, but the snarling Weimaraner wolf character with reddened gums and fangs would be truly scary for most young readers. For the "real" story, see versions by Hyman or Galdone and save this one for the most committed Wegman lover. It is part of the "Fay's Fairy Tales" series.

Children's Literature

Recently it seems that our most loved fairy tales have experienced a rebirth, from original tales with stunning illustrations, to a retelling from the perspectives of the other characters involved. Wegman has held true to the basic tale we all remember from our childhood, with a little sugar coating added to the ending. His tale commands your attention because of his remarkable photographs. Most of them are full-page color, with detailed backgrounds. Wegman uses a special photographic technique involving 20 x 24 inch Polaroids. The surprise for readers is his use of dogs, Wegman's weimaraners portray the characters in the stories. While the text is for the more advanced reader, it's never too early for children to expand their vocabularies. Parents of the very young may appreciate the change in endings, especially in Little Red Riding Hood. Rather than devouring Red and her grandmother before being axed by the woodsman, Wegman's version has the wolf devour them whole, fall asleep, and, upon awakening by the woodsman regurgitate them unharmed and off he flees.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-3-The traditional folktale has been overwritten and laden with unnecessary details. The sole purpose for this expanded version seems to be to create more photo opportunities for Wegman's familiar Weimaraners. Frankly, the dogs are charming when dressed in hooded red capes, nightgowns, and plaid flannel shirts, but a problem arises when the wolf masquerades as grandma, since they look identical. Children are likely to have trouble understanding that the two grandmothers are not the same person/dog. Also certain plot details have been changed. Instead of the woodsman cutting open the wolf, ``The sudden shock of seeing the armed woodsman made him [the wolf] quite nauseous'' and he throws up grandma and Red Riding Hood. This may be an attempt to ameliorate the violence of the story, but it appears a bit hypocritical since in a previous photo the wolf's teeth are streaked with blood after eating the pair. Older children and adults may enjoy this romp, but stick to the classic versions for young children.-Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library

Details from Seller

• ISBN: 1562824163
• Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
• Pub. Date: November 1993
• Condition:

Comments from the Seller: Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Shipped to over one million happy customers. Your purchase benefits world literacy!