Title: Petite Rouge, A Cajun Red Riding Hood
Author: Mike Artell
Illustrator: Jim Harris
Publisher: Puffin Books
Ages: 4 to 8
"Back in de swamp
where dat Spanish moss grow,
I heard me a story
from long time ago
In a little ol' house
dat been built outta wood,
live a girl people call
Petite Rouge Riding Hood."
Synopsis: It's a Cajun twist on the fairy tale Little Riding Hood as Petite Rouge Riding Hood travels through the swamp to visit her ailing Grandmother. It's not a wolf to greet her but a crusty, crafty alligator named Claude trying to trick the little Cajun girl out of some tasty gumbo and boudin. It will take a sneaky cat and a quick-thinking girl to save everyone from becoming lunch on the bayou for that old gator!
Why you should read it: Being Cajun myself and growing up in the swamps just south of Lafayette, I could certainly relate to the characters in this delightful book. Mr. Artell does a great retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood and artful Jim Harris' wonderful illustrations help readers to visualize life on the bayou. It brought back lovely memories of growing up in southern Louisiana and being a part of the fascinating Cajun people living there!
Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5...grab it!
Hi Donna .. looks absolutely amazing - love the lead in and then the cover .. brilliant - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary! I sent notes to both the author and the illustrator of this book...letting them know about this review. I received lovely notes from both of them. I just love this writing community where even authors with huge careers still take the time to talk to the newbies like myself...;~)
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