Adapted and illustrated by Willaim Wallace Denslow
This version of Little Red Riding Hood is different than the classic version, so don't expect any frightening or otherwise disturbing scenes. Denslow illustrated it very well and added some humor to the plot which is roughly similar to the original Red Riding Hood but differs in some crucial elements.
Red Riding Hood goes through the woods. She has a basket full of goods for her grandmother. The old lady is not ill. She just lives too far away to have access to the goods of the civilized world. She still likes cheesecakes and oolong tea, though.
The girl is not scared of the path. Fairies love her, and nobody will hurt her. This includes the wolf. No need to worry, even if you are a small kid.
The girl is not scared of the path. Fairies love her, and nobody will hurt her. This includes the wolf. No need to worry, even if you are a small kid.
The wolf knows about the stuff in the basket. He wants it. He loves sweets. He would take it from the little girl is he wouldn't be afraid of the woodcutters who work nearby and might hear about his actions.
The wolf greets Little Red Riding Hood and wishes her a great day but already has a plan. When she continues on her way, he takes a shortcut.
The wolf really reaches the cottage where granny lives before the girl and knocks. Nobody answers, so he enters. The cottage is empty. Even better. With an old lady out of the picture, his plan is much easier.
The wolf puts grandmother's nightcap and sleeping gown on and gets in the bed. Among the sheets, he somehow looks like an old lady.
He plans to get the Red Riding Hood's basket as soon as she puts it down. He is willing to scare her if necessary.
He plans to get the Red Riding Hood's basket as soon as she puts it down. He is willing to scare her if necessary.
The girl gets in. She is surprised to find her grandmother in bed on such a lovely day.
The wolf explains that she (he pretends to be an old lady) is ill.
Red Riding Hood notices how strange and hoarse the voice he has.
The wolf blames the cold.
The girl notices his shiny eyes and sharp teeth.
The wolf explains that she (he pretends to be an old lady) is ill.
Red Riding Hood notices how strange and hoarse the voice he has.
The wolf blames the cold.
The girl notices his shiny eyes and sharp teeth.
Then the wolf decides to move from small talk to action. He jumps out of the bed and falls.
He is completely tangled up in an old lady's gown. He can't get out. He can't stand.
He is completely tangled up in an old lady's gown. He can't get out. He can't stand.
Then the granny comes home. Just in time to test the hardness of her umbrella on the poor wolf's body.
He is completely defeated.
He is completely defeated.
The old lady and her granddaughter chain him outside of the cottage. They give him enough time to think about his bad behavior.
In the meantime, the little girl and her grandmother have a nice tea party.
When they finish it's still some food for the wolf. But does he deserve it?
Red Riding Hood has a very long talk with the beast. He shall learn what is right and what is wrong. robbing little girls and old ladies is certainly wrong.
It seems the wolf understands that.
When they finish it's still some food for the wolf. But does he deserve it?
Red Riding Hood has a very long talk with the beast. He shall learn what is right and what is wrong. robbing little girls and old ladies is certainly wrong.
It seems the wolf understands that.
So he is awarded with some food.
He even learns a few tricks.
Soon he becomes a friend with the girl. She names him Towser. Red Riding Hood doesn't need to walk home. He is willing to drive her!
He even learns a few tricks.
Soon he becomes a friend with the girl. She names him Towser. Red Riding Hood doesn't need to walk home. He is willing to drive her!
This is how the wolf befriended a human. Word about that spread among other wolves and many started living with people.
This is how wolves changed into dogs. With a basket full of goods and a long talk.
This is how wolves changed into dogs. With a basket full of goods and a long talk.
Denslow obviously didn't want to retell the classic version. Instead, he made a cautionary tale with an explanation of the evolutionary steps from wolves as human enemies to dogs as human best friends. You may like his version or not, but his illustrations are definitely great!