Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa

South African children's author and illustrator Niki Daly transplants the classic European fairy-tale of Little Red Riding Hood to Ghana and gives it a West African flavor in this picture book retelling. Dispatched by her granny to the market, Petty Salma sets out, singing her trademark song. But when she takes a shortcut through the wild side of town on her way home, she encounters Mr. Dog, who manages to finagle her yellow sandals, white beads and stripy ntama (wrap-around skirt) out of her. One thing he can't take or reproduce however, is her song, something that gives him away, when he heads to Salma's house, pretending to be her. As granny is forced into the cooking pot, can Salma and her grandfather arrive in time to save show more her...?

Although long aware of Niki Daly's work, Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa is the first of his books that I have read. I found it an engaging and amusing fractured fairy-tale, and as someone who loves stories about West Africa's trickster hero, Anansi, I was charmed to see that Salma's grandfather was a storyteller dressed in an Anansi costume. The accompanying artwork, done in watercolor and digital media, was expressive and appealing, capturing the humor of the story quite well. I confess to being slightly disappointed that this wasn't an actual West African variant of the Little Red Riding Hood story as I originally thought—I love seeing the same story type retold from the traditions of diverse cultures—but rather a transplanted tale, but in the end I think Daly did a good job with his relocation. Recommended to fairy and folktale lovers, and to those seeking picture books with a West African culture setting. For my part, although this isn't destined to become a personal favorite, it has certainly convinced me that I need to seek out more of Niki Daly's work. show less

An African retelling of LRRH. Salma lives with her grandparents, and she is sent to the market by Granny to do the family's shopping. Granny does warn Salma, "And don't talk to strangers, you hear?"

After she's done with Granny's shopping list and overcome by the heat, Salma decides to take a shortcut through the "wild side of town." In doing so she's approached by Mr. Dog (this story's version of the Big Bad Wolf) who, at first, appears to be a helpful stranger.

Mr. Dog acts more like a trickster or con artist as opposed to other LRRH tales in which the Wolf tends to have violent motives. Salma comes across a lot more independent and self-sufficient than most of the girls in LRRH tales that I've read or remember reading. And I like that show more Salma's grandfather was involved with the rescue. I can't recall the last time a male character proved helpful in a non-violent way in a children's version of LRRH.

4 stars show less

Niki Daly, from South Africa, shares a tale, set in Ghana, of a little girl sent to market by her grandmother. She runs into a wiley dog who convinces her to share her skirt, her scarf, and other belongings. In order to get things back she enlists help from grandfather and Ka Ka Motobi the Bogeyman. Lots of new vocabulary specific to Ghana with a glossary to help you learn meanings.

Hm. A very fractured, and very amusing, retelling. Pictures perfect for the story & style. A West African setting, by a (male) South African author. No author's note, and only two vocabulary words (on the copyright page). 3.5 stars rounded up because we in the US do need more tales from Africa; I'd round down if this actually had competition worth mentioning.

I will look for more by the author.

When Granny asks Pretty Salma to go to the market one day, she warns her not to talk to strangers. But cunning Mr. Dog tricks Salma, and before she knows it, he’s wearing her stripy ntama, her pretty white beads, and her yellow sandals. And he’s on his way to Granny’s house! African culture and flavor infuse this inventive retelling of the favorite "Red Riding Hood" fairy tale, and the vibrant lively illustrations bring it to life.

I highly enjoyed reading "Pretty Salma" for many reasons; the book is very colorful, engaging, and engaging. This book is a different version of "Little Red Riding Hood" and it is based in Africa. Not only is this book a fun read for children, but it also is very cultural and provides the reader with new language and cultural aspects in Africa. For example, Salma wears a ntama, which is a wrap-around skirt. Also, on Salma's way home she runs into her grandfather who is telling tales in an Anansi costume. The illustrations are captivating and give the story a little bit of humor; my only bad opinion on this story is that there is a lot going on in the illustrations, which could be confusing to young children (but it could good also, just show more depends on the child). Just like "Little Red Riding Hood", the message is that you should never talk to strangers and to do as you are told so you do not get put into bad situations like Salma did in the story. show less

This version of Red Riding Hood takes place in a city, with a black protagonist. Well, I live in a city, and my nieces are black, so I decided to take a chance and get this book sight unseen. (Besides, I've liked other books by this author, though they're a vastly different style!)

This one is great. First, the wolf (the dog) tricks Salma out of her clothes, then he goes to her home to steal her food. Meanwhile, Salma doesn't just wait for rescue, she goes and gets help! So everybody is saved and learns their moral lesson. Otherwise, it's the story you know. No violence in this version.