Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Publication Date: 2009
Genre: Fairytale rewrite, Christmas story
How I Got It: the library
Summary from book:
When the little red elf finds a pinecone, she knows just what to do: plant it, water it, and decorate it, to brighten up the workshop! But her lazy friends refuse to help. Poor little red elf!
This slyly funny adaptation of "The Little Red Hen" is sure to lift every reader's holiday spirits.
This book is so stinkin' CUTE! I can't believe it, it's adorable. Now, it's not like the world needs yet another version of the Little Red Hen, but this is a sweet Christmas version of the story and definitely worth the read. McGrath has integrated the holiday them nicely into her version of the tale. The little red elf is a really hard worker and she has some of the laziest friends in the North Pole.
She was filling some bird feeders, by herself, when she found a pinecone. Since none of her friends would help her plant it, she decided to do the job herself. When the time came to water it or bring it in to the workshop once it had grown, she was on her own.
By the time she had strung the lights, decorated the tree, and baked cookies for Santa without any help, she had gotten a bit frustrated but tried to keep her holiday cheer. Of course, when she needed help to open all of those presents her friends came running.
This is the point where the little red elf loses it and yells that she is going to open the presents by herself. Of course her friends are shocked and begin to cry. The little red elf feels terrible, apologizes, and lets the open the gifts. Boy did they dive right in. Inside every box from Santa was a Little Red Hen doll. The reindeer, penguin, and hare are confused (as are some younger readers) but the little red elf understands and thinks they've gotten the perfect gifts.
It's a cute story but I had two tiny issues. I wish there had been a bit more discussion regarding the reindeer, penguin, and hare's horrible and selfish behavior. Even my younger kids were aghast; we just talk about it a bit in class, so it's not really a big deal. (If you're looking for a version where the animal's realize how rude they've been, pick up Philemon Sturges's The Little Red Hen (Makes a pizza). ) My other issue is the ending - younger kids don't get it. I always have to explain it and the kids still don't seem to truly understand. I've tried this with second and third graders and they totally get it. I think the ending's humor is a little bit too sophisticated for the little ones.
The real star of this book, the entire reason you want to check it out and pour over it with your kid (or by yourself), is Bonnet's absolutely scrumptious and adorable illustrations. She uses a style of drawing that I tend to associate with Japan (but it's not manga or chibi style) and she throws in fantastically funny little details. Seriously, look at that second picture: there are little mice living below ground in house shaped holes! I just want to hug this book.
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| Courtesy of Rosalinde Bonnet |
Once upon a time, there was a reindeer, a penguin, a hare, and a little red elf. They all lived together in a comfy, cozy workshop.
The reindeer liked to snooze in the straw.
The penguin liked to relax in the bathtub.
The hare liked to hibernate by the hearth.
That left the little red elf to get all the workshop work done.
She was filling some bird feeders, by herself, when she found a pinecone. Since none of her friends would help her plant it, she decided to do the job herself. When the time came to water it or bring it in to the workshop once it had grown, she was on her own.
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| Courtesy of Rosalinde Bonnet |
"Well, I love being busy!" said the little red elf with the most positive of attitudes.
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| Courtesy of Rosalinde Bonnet |
"I will!" said the reindeer.
"I will!" yelled the penguin.
"I want the big one!" screamed the hare.
This is the point where the little red elf loses it and yells that she is going to open the presents by herself. Of course her friends are shocked and begin to cry. The little red elf feels terrible, apologizes, and lets the open the gifts. Boy did they dive right in. Inside every box from Santa was a Little Red Hen doll. The reindeer, penguin, and hare are confused (as are some younger readers) but the little red elf understands and thinks they've gotten the perfect gifts.
It's a cute story but I had two tiny issues. I wish there had been a bit more discussion regarding the reindeer, penguin, and hare's horrible and selfish behavior. Even my younger kids were aghast; we just talk about it a bit in class, so it's not really a big deal. (If you're looking for a version where the animal's realize how rude they've been, pick up Philemon Sturges's The Little Red Hen (Makes a pizza). ) My other issue is the ending - younger kids don't get it. I always have to explain it and the kids still don't seem to truly understand. I've tried this with second and third graders and they totally get it. I think the ending's humor is a little bit too sophisticated for the little ones.
The real star of this book, the entire reason you want to check it out and pour over it with your kid (or by yourself), is Bonnet's absolutely scrumptious and adorable illustrations. She uses a style of drawing that I tend to associate with Japan (but it's not manga or chibi style) and she throws in fantastically funny little details. Seriously, look at that second picture: there are little mice living below ground in house shaped holes! I just want to hug this book.
Verdict:
I will say it again, this book is so stinkin' cute!! Bonnet's illustrations are just wonderful and really make this Christmas version of The Little Red Hen worth the read. The Little Red Elf is a sweet holiday book that you should pick up from the library.
Related Links:
EVEN MORE CUTENESS!! Charlesbridge has a Make Your Own Little Red Elf holiday cards and gift tags.
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2 comments:
Oh my gosh I want to make my own little holiday cards! LOVE these illustrations, they are absolutely adorable. They would look so great as wall art in someone's nursery:) Love when you share books like this Jennifer!
December 21, 2011 10:31 AM@ Jenny - I know, aren't those illustrations adorable?! Unfortunately most of Bonnet's books are in French, but I'm trying to find her English work for the library. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
December 21, 2011 11:52 AMPost a Comment