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The Land of Stories #Companion
Adventures from the Land of Stories: The Mother Goose Diaries / Queen Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royalty
Featuring Mother Goose and Queen Red Riding Hood, fan favorite characters in the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Land of Stories, this boxed set is a must-have for new and old fans alike.
From New York Times bestselling author Chris Colfer comes two new books about two beloved characters, Mother Goose and Queen Red Riding Hood. Mother Goose's diary entries over the last five hundred years take readers on a journey to learn buried secrets; and the young queen gives us her take on politics, government, health, love, and of course, what it means to be royalty.
From New York Times bestselling author Chris Colfer comes two new books about two beloved characters, Mother Goose and Queen Red Riding Hood. Mother Goose's diary entries over the last five hundred years take readers on a journey to learn buried secrets; and the young queen gives us her take on politics, government, health, love, and of course, what it means to be royalty.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2015
279 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Chris Colfer
59 books11.1k followersChris Colfer is an Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actor best-known for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the FOX television series "Glee".
He is also a New York Times bestselling author whose books include the first three novels in the "Land of Stories" series ("The Wishing Spell", "The Enchantress Returns" and "A Grimm Warning") as well as "Struck By Lightning: The Carson Philips Journal" which is a novelization based on the script he wrote for the film "Struck By Lighting" (Colfer also co-produced and starred in that movie).
He is also a New York Times bestselling author whose books include the first three novels in the "Land of Stories" series ("The Wishing Spell", "The Enchantress Returns" and "A Grimm Warning") as well as "Struck By Lightning: The Carson Philips Journal" which is a novelization based on the script he wrote for the film "Struck By Lighting" (Colfer also co-produced and starred in that movie).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 9, 2016
red is so funny!
May 7, 2016
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration: 3 Story: 3
Combining two titles, the first we’ll talk about today is Queen Red Riding Hood’s Guide to Royalty. While I was expecting a bit of twisted humor and a unique take on the tales that are familiar, Colfer adds some strange tweaks and twists to the story, and perhaps takes a bit too political a stance on the relationship (cross-species *gasp*) between Froggy and Red. Now – I have zero issue with presenting a relationship as a done deal, and even showing relationships or elements that are out of the ‘mainstream’ to perhaps start to present differences to children. But I do draw the line at proselytizing a point with overplaying its importance. Not so thinly veiled references to the similarities between the ‘cross species’ relationship and the fight for LGBT equality did, for me, cross the boundary of effectiveness. Show me the relationship, have Red share her philosophy on life (be yourself – and let them talk) and even show that they rise above the chatter. But please don’t turn a title into a manifesto for one issue – and that is what this book boiled down to for me. Not to mention that Red was more than a touch self-centered and brash- and difficult to engage with.
The second in this collection is The Mother Goose Diaries – and this was the romp and amusement I expected as we traversed some 500 odd years of historical events and moments – all tinged with humor and some rather unique perspectives. Mother Goose is sharing her moments and events – in a rather uneven retelling – from fairly well flushed out to rather rushed in the latter moments. There’s a certain humor that Colfer carries through the stories – but whether or not it is child appropriate or better fielded with an audience in their early teens is up for anyone to debate. Personally I was more intrigued with the hype surrounding the books than the actuality of the title itself.
Narration is from the author, and like the stories he presents, there’s just something not quite ‘appropriate’ for children here. While Sesame Street works on multiple levels for adults and children, much of it carefully presented, it almost felt as if both the book and the narration were TRYING to work on two or more levels, and neither quite hit the mark. It may be something you’ll enjoy – but I would be cautious about grabbing this collection for your child.
I received an audiobook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration: 3 Story: 3
Combining two titles, the first we’ll talk about today is Queen Red Riding Hood’s Guide to Royalty. While I was expecting a bit of twisted humor and a unique take on the tales that are familiar, Colfer adds some strange tweaks and twists to the story, and perhaps takes a bit too political a stance on the relationship (cross-species *gasp*) between Froggy and Red. Now – I have zero issue with presenting a relationship as a done deal, and even showing relationships or elements that are out of the ‘mainstream’ to perhaps start to present differences to children. But I do draw the line at proselytizing a point with overplaying its importance. Not so thinly veiled references to the similarities between the ‘cross species’ relationship and the fight for LGBT equality did, for me, cross the boundary of effectiveness. Show me the relationship, have Red share her philosophy on life (be yourself – and let them talk) and even show that they rise above the chatter. But please don’t turn a title into a manifesto for one issue – and that is what this book boiled down to for me. Not to mention that Red was more than a touch self-centered and brash- and difficult to engage with.
The second in this collection is The Mother Goose Diaries – and this was the romp and amusement I expected as we traversed some 500 odd years of historical events and moments – all tinged with humor and some rather unique perspectives. Mother Goose is sharing her moments and events – in a rather uneven retelling – from fairly well flushed out to rather rushed in the latter moments. There’s a certain humor that Colfer carries through the stories – but whether or not it is child appropriate or better fielded with an audience in their early teens is up for anyone to debate. Personally I was more intrigued with the hype surrounding the books than the actuality of the title itself.
Narration is from the author, and like the stories he presents, there’s just something not quite ‘appropriate’ for children here. While Sesame Street works on multiple levels for adults and children, much of it carefully presented, it almost felt as if both the book and the narration were TRYING to work on two or more levels, and neither quite hit the mark. It may be something you’ll enjoy – but I would be cautious about grabbing this collection for your child.
I received an audiobook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
March 8, 2016
I wanted to love these, but I couldn't quite bring myself to do it. I could see a really great 11th grade English project coming out of comparing and contrasting Queen Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royalty and The Prince by Machiavelli. I though that the Mother Goose Diaries was a fun romp through the last 500 hundred years of history and may be a great springboard for some 6th grade history projects until it got to the bitter end and Colfer gets into the LGBT part. While I personally have no issue with this I could never use this in school because I can just see parents getting all kinds of upset over it. It really is just a small mention and probably will go over most kids heads. However, if you are that parent be forewarned. While these books certainly have their tie in with the series they are not nearly as delightful as the novels. I liked, but did not love them.
November 26, 2015
I love The Land of Stories series so I was excited when these two short stories came out. Maybe it was expecting to much because I was kind of disappointed.
I love Mother Goose. She's hilarious. She's fearless. I didn't mind her story to much.
Red Riding Hood annoys me. I didn't realize how much until I had to read a whole story based just on her. Why did he have to make her be so selfish and an airhead.
Despite my dislike for these books I will still continue you to read the Land of Stories series.
I love Mother Goose. She's hilarious. She's fearless. I didn't mind her story to much.
Red Riding Hood annoys me. I didn't realize how much until I had to read a whole story based just on her. Why did he have to make her be so selfish and an airhead.
Despite my dislike for these books I will still continue you to read the Land of Stories series.
August 9, 2017
Mother Goose Diaries-4.5 Stars
Mother Goose is my favorite character in the series,so it was super fun to see what her life was like before the series. The funniest part is Mother Goose being the cause of a lot of historical events. I obviously loved this,as with all of Chris's books
Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royalty-4 Stars
Red is such a hilarious character I knew I would love this. We get to see Red's (odd,but entertaining) perspective on things. Now,if only Chris did one of these for Merlin.......
Mother Goose is my favorite character in the series,so it was super fun to see what her life was like before the series. The funniest part is Mother Goose being the cause of a lot of historical events. I obviously loved this,as with all of Chris's books
Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royalty-4 Stars
Red is such a hilarious character I knew I would love this. We get to see Red's (odd,but entertaining) perspective on things. Now,if only Chris did one of these for Merlin.......
June 28, 2016
LOVED IT!!! First off, I think it's an amazing idea to write two short stories while fans are eagerly waiting for the release of book #5, The Author's Odyssey. I think Colfer chose the two most perfect characters to write the stories about, ESPECIALLY Red Riding Hood. I'll start with her.
Red's character is hilarious, beautiful, dramatic, high-maintenance (in a good way), and many other things that I think are portrayed perfectly in her Guide to Royalty. I read the whole book in 2 hours, unable to put it down. It was just the way I'd imagined it would be, and I was LITERALLY LOL! The guide was an all-around HUGE success and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.
Now onto The Mother Goose Diaries. Throughout the Land of Stories series, Mother Goose refers to her adventures that took place throughout her life. But, fans never really knew ALL of the stories; just little references here and there that are usually bypassed as the book goes on. That's exactly why I loved this diary: Mother Goose's untold stories are all told in this hilarious book. I think my favorite story of hers was when she pretended to be St. Margaret and tricked Joan of Arc; HILARIOUS. This book was a much-needed addition to the series, and was thoroughly enjoyed until the very last adventure.
Red's character is hilarious, beautiful, dramatic, high-maintenance (in a good way), and many other things that I think are portrayed perfectly in her Guide to Royalty. I read the whole book in 2 hours, unable to put it down. It was just the way I'd imagined it would be, and I was LITERALLY LOL! The guide was an all-around HUGE success and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.
Now onto The Mother Goose Diaries. Throughout the Land of Stories series, Mother Goose refers to her adventures that took place throughout her life. But, fans never really knew ALL of the stories; just little references here and there that are usually bypassed as the book goes on. That's exactly why I loved this diary: Mother Goose's untold stories are all told in this hilarious book. I think my favorite story of hers was when she pretended to be St. Margaret and tricked Joan of Arc; HILARIOUS. This book was a much-needed addition to the series, and was thoroughly enjoyed until the very last adventure.
Want to read
June 7, 2015I can't wait for these stories!
April 25, 2016
This is yet another case of, make all the money off the fans as you can. Nothing here that needs to be added to the series.
June 2, 2016
Great Books! I always love Chris Colfer's books! The land of stories is amazing! I can't wait for the next one to come out on July 12!
March 31, 2017
I love everything from this series. Chris Colfer is really talented.
October 26, 2018
Queen Red Riding Hood's Guide to Royality (4/5 stars)
Little red riding hood is a queen now, and she has a new haughty attitude to match. Quoting from Machiavelli's texts, she's going to share with you all the strategies of ruling a over a land, making her people happy, and engaging with the other royals. It was undisputedly hilarious. Making a otherwise obnoxious character likeable purely through humour is no easy feat. Although I doubt if this story is suited for children. Don't they say action speaks louder than words? There are some nice life lessons, but I feel kids will remember how characters act and not so much what they try to teach. Can you imagine obnoxious little twats running around copying the protagonists' attitude and tone of voice? You'd wish there would be more wolves in the world.
Mother Goose Diaries (3/5 stars)
This narrative pecks at the events and people of our world, from the time of the Black Plague in England to modern day pride parade. It's interesting at best, because each event is merely mentioned and no story to be told.
Little red riding hood is a queen now, and she has a new haughty attitude to match. Quoting from Machiavelli's texts, she's going to share with you all the strategies of ruling a over a land, making her people happy, and engaging with the other royals. It was undisputedly hilarious. Making a otherwise obnoxious character likeable purely through humour is no easy feat. Although I doubt if this story is suited for children. Don't they say action speaks louder than words? There are some nice life lessons, but I feel kids will remember how characters act and not so much what they try to teach. Can you imagine obnoxious little twats running around copying the protagonists' attitude and tone of voice? You'd wish there would be more wolves in the world.
Mother Goose Diaries (3/5 stars)
This narrative pecks at the events and people of our world, from the time of the Black Plague in England to modern day pride parade. It's interesting at best, because each event is merely mentioned and no story to be told.
November 19, 2025
I've only read The Mother Goose Diaries out of these two, so this will only be reviewing that book
I loved reading in the perspective of this character and felt that the historical references were super funny. But it was a bit confusing for me as I had read The Land Of Stories series and A Tale Of Magic series before this. And seeing that Mother Goose is seen as her younger self in the A Tale Of Magic series, some of the things she (the perspective of Mother Goose) says in The Mother Goose Diaries just doesn't line up with A Tale Of Magic.
But overall I do think this was a nice addition to the world of Chris Colfer.
I loved reading in the perspective of this character and felt that the historical references were super funny. But it was a bit confusing for me as I had read The Land Of Stories series and A Tale Of Magic series before this. And seeing that Mother Goose is seen as her younger self in the A Tale Of Magic series, some of the things she (the perspective of Mother Goose) says in The Mother Goose Diaries just doesn't line up with A Tale Of Magic.
But overall I do think this was a nice addition to the world of Chris Colfer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2018
These two books from the Land of Stories' saga are not as good as I expected from Chris. Red and Mother Goose are really interesting and funny characters in the main saga, but with a full story speaking only them wasn't so good. Actually it was quite boring.
I laughed and feel terrible in a lot of parts, but it wasn't continuous.
I loved the Land of Stories but these extra books maybe better not to read them at all
I laughed and feel terrible in a lot of parts, but it wasn't continuous.
I loved the Land of Stories but these extra books maybe better not to read them at all
June 2, 2024
I've gone down a Chris Colfer rabbit hole. This year I finished his Land Of Stories and A Tale of Magic series. So of course I picked up this quick read (or listen).
Red's guide was funny, because it was Red. Just not my favorite. I did like how she compared the people she rules over to pets.
I liked having Mother Goode tied up in history. I liked that Amelia Earhart is alive and is all and taking a much needed vacation.
Red's guide was funny, because it was Red. Just not my favorite. I did like how she compared the people she rules over to pets.
I liked having Mother Goode tied up in history. I liked that Amelia Earhart is alive and is all and taking a much needed vacation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2017
Very very funny! Loved Red's advice, and Mother Goose has some interesting views
March 18, 2018
Not my favorite addition to the series, but a nice quick read.
February 24, 2019
This is like behind the scenes of the land of stories.
November 24, 2019
I have read both of these and are amazing!
July 9, 2020
It was fun to hear my younger kids laugh in the backseat while listening to this. They enjoyed it more than me. 2.5 stars.
April 18, 2021
I love the series but I think I was a bit too old for these two books so they kinda missed the mark for me. I definitely think a younger audience would enjoy them though.
April 24, 2021
It was okay not the best not the worst
May 21, 2021
Interesting. I'm not sure if it's funny, rude, or weird.
January 29, 2022
I am a Chris Colfer superfan!
February 23, 2022
A very clever and cute retelling of fairy tales and historical events
April 30, 2022
Pretty fun stories. Again, not as good as the main series but something fun to bring back the good memories.
July 26, 2022
Hilarious!
September 13, 2022
This book is good for a laugh and just to be entertained. It doesn’t have any depth to it. Make sure you’ve read the Land of Stories books first so that you know the characters.
April 4, 2023
Loved it!
April 20, 2023
Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews