Trina Schart Hyman (1939–2004)

I enjoyed this book for multiple reasons. The illustrations in this novel were excellent, being so full of detail and vibrant. The author puts cats into every scene which allows the reader to become engaged as they try to find it in the picture! The illustrator also portrays the wolf as looking so cute and friendly at first, making the readers understand why Little Red Riding Hood is so nice to him, but then throughout the book has him transform into a scary looking creature, showing his show more true personality and intentions. The author adds a touch of humor and irony on the last page as Little Red reflects back on her mothers words to not stray from the path and to always stay polite, where she is then comforted about how she was polite to the wolf! The book pushes readers to think about obeying our elders commands, to follow directions, while bringing to light the issue of stranger danger and predators. show less

Fairy-tale illustrator par excellence Trina Schart Hyman retells that Brothers Grimm classic, Little Red Riding Hood, in this lovely, Caldecott Honor-winning picture book. Her narrative follows Elizabeth, nicknamed Red Riding Hood because of her fondness for the red hood made for her by her grandmother, as she is sent with a basket to visit that elderly relative. The meeting with the wolf on the path through the forest, our heroine's delay to pick flowers, and the wolf's devouring of the show more grandmother are all covered, as is the iconic exchange between the lupine villain and the little girl. The role of the hunter in rescuing grandmother and granddaughter, and Little Red Riding Hood's walk home close out the book...

Although a long-time fan of Hyman, I have never happened to read her Little Red Riding Hood before. I am glad that this omission has now been rectified, as I found this a wonderful retelling of a classic fairy-tale. The narrative is engaging, feeling somehow both modern and classic. I never love seeing the wolf as the villain, which is probably why this isn't a personal favorite of mine, when it comes to folk and fairy-tales. That said, I can't deny that there is something compelling about this story of a little girl who finds danger in the woods. Moreover, I appreciated some of the humorous little details in Hyman's telling, like Elizabeth's happiness in the end at having been polite, even if she failed to follow her mother's instructions in other ways. The artwork, which won Hyman a 1984 Caldecott Honor, is every bit as gorgeous as I expected it to be. The beautiful color palette, enchanting scenes, expressive characters, even the decorative borders—everything was wonderful! Recommended to fairy-tale lovers, readers looking for excellent picture book retellings of this tale, and to fellow fans of the marvelous Trina Schart Hyman. show less

I enjoyed this rendition for two reasons. First, I enjoyed the illustrations. Each illustration is beautiful and very detailed. The illustration style seems very appropriate for this traditional text. For example, each page has a detailed picture on one side and then the text with a detailed border and extra illustration on the other side. These extra illustrations provide more insight into the character’s thoughts and actions. On one of the pages, the extra illustration depicts a cat show more looking wearily at “grandma.” This foreshadows the next scene for readers and provides comic relief during an intense scene.
Another reason I enjoyed this book was due to the descriptive language used throughout the book. For example, “So the wolf lifted the latch and opened the door. He ran straight for the bed, and without saying good morning, he ate up the poor old grandmother in one gulp.” The words used in this sentence fully portrays the wolf’s urgency. The main idea of this book is to keep your promises and to be well mannered. show less

A little girl who had never heard of Christmas, until a wise old woman told her of it, decides that she must find out more about this mysterious holiday in this small picture-book, setting out into the Great Snow Forest of the North to look for it. On her journey she is joined first by a cat who is curious as to what a Christmas feels like, and then by a hound who wants to know what it smells like, a hawk who wishes to know what it looks like, a fox that would like to know what it tastes show more like, and a mockingbird who wants to know what it sounds like. When the companions find an old glass bottle in the snow, they think that they have found a "Christmas," and curiosity satisfied, they all head home. It is only when the girl gets home, fills the bottle with greenery, and sees it lit by starlight, that she truly discovers what Christmas is...

Originally published in 1969, and then reprinted in this 1991 edition, How Six Found Christmas is an engaging little holiday tale, one which has little to do with Christmas as a religious holiday, and everything to do with its observance as a winter festival. The format is reminiscent of a folktale, as the little girl picks up a coterie of followers along the way, each one with a different question to be answered. Picked up largely because I enjoy Trina Schart Hyman's artwork, this is a book that probably won't be going on to my list of favorite Christmas stories, but I did enjoy it as an exploration of the idea that the journey is as important as the end. Recommended to fellow fans of Hyman's, with the further recommendation that they pick up Louise Moeri's Star Mother's Youngest Child: A Classic Christmas Story, which Hyman also illustrated. show less