What do you think?
Rate this book
Red
Red is on her way through the woods to visit Grandmother when she meets the Big Bad Wolf. What are that Wolf and all of those woodland creatures up to?
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
603 people want to read
About the author
Jed Alexander
13 books22 followersJed Alexander is an author and illustrator who has done work for a variety of publications, including Cricket Magazine and SpongeBob Comics. He's the author of three critically acclaimed wordless picture books, Red, and Gold and Olive. His recent release is the Middle Grade Novel, The Black Market. He lives in Davis California with his wife and best friend in the world, Regina.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 1, 2018
You look at that cover and you probably think this story is about Little Red Riding Hood and That Wolf. You got your girl, carrying that basket of goodies, she's on her way to someone's house, probably, you're thinking, and then, that is an even larger wolf tail than you recall from your earliest memories of the fable. Reading teachers might ask a kid: How do you know this is a Red Riding Hood tale? And so it is, though it takes a turn, I won't say for better or worse, but you see other animals also proceeding through the wood, as well. . . also carrying packages. What do you think is going to happen?! That's the fun here, to subvert expectations.
This is a wordless book, maybe intended for younger readers, and it is pretty delightful. An alt fable, shall we say, with black and white drawings touched here and there with one color: Red. I guess that makes the title meta-fictional! (Like that movie Speed, which is only about going fast, and the threat of death if you slow down, so you never do?) Well, Red is of course the title character, too, so there's that. Way fun. Liked it a lot.
Red? Read.
This is a wordless book, maybe intended for younger readers, and it is pretty delightful. An alt fable, shall we say, with black and white drawings touched here and there with one color: Red. I guess that makes the title meta-fictional! (Like that movie Speed, which is only about going fast, and the threat of death if you slow down, so you never do?) Well, Red is of course the title character, too, so there's that. Way fun. Liked it a lot.
Red? Read.
December 10, 2022
Want a Little Red Riding Hood retelling -- without the violence and dark wood of the original? Look no further! In this delightful wordless picture book, Red is skipping through the wood with her basket on her arm. A big, bad(?) wolf interrupts her progress. Why is he trying to beat her to Grandma's house? She will find out when she gets there. A delightful companion to Gold.
August 2, 2020
The wolf is a little creepy. Red Riding Hood is creepier, with her cranky-old-man face.
Looks like a fun party, though not as attractive as The Tea Party in the Woods
I liked the minimal uses of color. Interesting compositions.
Looks like a fun party, though not as attractive as The Tea Party in the Woods
I liked the minimal uses of color. Interesting compositions.
August 23, 2019
That pesky wolf just keeps on bothering a little girl in a red hoodie in this familiar, yet surprising, wordless tale. This is a kinder, gentler version of the story. Woodsmen bearing axes need not apply.
July 13, 2019
Wonderful twist on a very old tale - the wolf really scared me - great art!
January 18, 2020
I'm not sure how this got on my list, I may have requested the wrong book from the library again? This book has no words, it's all illustrations, in pencil, I think, with only the color red added. I didn't care for it much. Red Riding Hood's face looks like Danny DeVito on a little girl's body.
March 31, 2018
I loved the dense, flowing lines and black and white color scheme of this wordless picture book. The wolf was adorable, especially the frame near the end where it wears a giant red bow. I want it for a pet.
July 3, 2018
I like wordless and I like the art and it goes so well with Wolf Wilder
June 18, 2019
This book was just what I wanted. Wordless, with black and white pictures that tell the story through the touches of red. Knowledge of the little red riding hood story is helpful. I really liked the red tint on the edges of the pages.
April 7, 2018
Just sayin'....this is not a story of Red Riding Hood.
The story begins with a very large wolf delivering a bag of what appear to be presents to an older woman who lives in a log cabin in the woods. Cut to a little girl wearing a red hoodie walking through the woods one day with a basket. (OK, so it looks like it from the start. I promise -- it deviates.) She is stopped by the giant wolf, who stalls and distracts her by carrying on a conversation. The girl does not notice all of the small woodland creatures peeking at her from trees, carrying packages with red ribbon, holding on to bunches of red and pink balloons, pink ribbon, and a pink and white decorated cake. When she opens the door of the cabin, there is a big "Surprise!" It is a birthday celebration for her. They party and go off happily on their merry way.
Alexander's debut wordless picture book is a hit. His mixed medium artwork uses only the color red to add zip to the black and white drawings of the forest.
There is an "old-time" bookmaker feel about this book. The spine is bound with fabric, while the front and back are a sturdy paper over board. The edges of the pages are painted red. Even the execution of the story feels retro in places.
I enjoy good wordless books. They are great to help build vocabulary. This one takes a couple of readings to get the full effect of the details, but is exceptional nonetheless.
For Toddlers-K.
The story begins with a very large wolf delivering a bag of what appear to be presents to an older woman who lives in a log cabin in the woods. Cut to a little girl wearing a red hoodie walking through the woods one day with a basket. (OK, so it looks like it from the start. I promise -- it deviates.) She is stopped by the giant wolf, who stalls and distracts her by carrying on a conversation. The girl does not notice all of the small woodland creatures peeking at her from trees, carrying packages with red ribbon, holding on to bunches of red and pink balloons, pink ribbon, and a pink and white decorated cake. When she opens the door of the cabin, there is a big "Surprise!" It is a birthday celebration for her. They party and go off happily on their merry way.
Alexander's debut wordless picture book is a hit. His mixed medium artwork uses only the color red to add zip to the black and white drawings of the forest.
There is an "old-time" bookmaker feel about this book. The spine is bound with fabric, while the front and back are a sturdy paper over board. The edges of the pages are painted red. Even the execution of the story feels retro in places.
I enjoy good wordless books. They are great to help build vocabulary. This one takes a couple of readings to get the full effect of the details, but is exceptional nonetheless.
For Toddlers-K.
October 16, 2018
I think most kids will be able to figure out where this wordless picture is heading.
May 8, 2018
Premise/plot: A little girl in a red hood and cape is walking in the woods. Could she be on the way to her Grandma's house? Perhaps. She is going somewhere that is for sure--basket in hand. She is not alone in the woods.
Red is a wordless picture book. The story is revealed solely through the black, white, and red illustrations.
My thoughts: I rarely love, love, love wordless picture books. I need words. I hate to admit it, but I do. It is a lot harder for me to "read" illustrations than to read words. Perhaps it should be the opposite in a logical world.
The illustrations. I didn't love them. I like the idea of loving vintage-inspired illustrations. I like the idea of loving the simplicity and boldness of the black, white, and red. I think I liked the backgrounds better than the illustrations of the people and the animals.
In this picture book, a little girl is on her way to her own surprise birthday party. The wolf in the woods is not an enemy, but a DISTRACTION. His goal seems to be to keep the girl from noticing all the other animals on the way to the party. The animals are carrying presents, party decorations, balloons, a CAKE. Will she be SURPRISED?
Text: 0 of 0
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 3 out of 5
Red is a wordless picture book. The story is revealed solely through the black, white, and red illustrations.
My thoughts: I rarely love, love, love wordless picture books. I need words. I hate to admit it, but I do. It is a lot harder for me to "read" illustrations than to read words. Perhaps it should be the opposite in a logical world.
The illustrations. I didn't love them. I like the idea of loving vintage-inspired illustrations. I like the idea of loving the simplicity and boldness of the black, white, and red. I think I liked the backgrounds better than the illustrations of the people and the animals.
In this picture book, a little girl is on her way to her own surprise birthday party. The wolf in the woods is not an enemy, but a DISTRACTION. His goal seems to be to keep the girl from noticing all the other animals on the way to the party. The animals are carrying presents, party decorations, balloons, a CAKE. Will she be SURPRISED?
Text: 0 of 0
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 3 out of 5
April 5, 2025
Cute and charming, I love how sly and smug this take on the big "bad" wolf looks.
May 12, 2018
No words, but beautifully illustrated, and a fun story.
July 23, 2020
“Red is on her way through the woods to visit Grandmother when she meets the Big Bad Wolf. What are that Wolf and all of those woodland creatures up to?”--jacket copy
In Jed Alexander’s wordless picture book, we see a little girl in a red hoodie headed into the woods with a basket on her arm. Woven among the trees is a long tail belonging to a ginormous wolf. Even without ever hearing the old story of Little Red Riding Hood, any onlooker would find themselves worried about the threat of a wolf in the wood. And then we turn the page.
On the left side, the wolf has turned its ginormous head into the path of the little red hoodie girl. To the right, a skunk with a gift tucked under its arm? Now, this could have the onlooker scratching their chin with intrigue, or have them starting to make a connection to what is actually going to happen. The response depends on where you started this book: with an attention to that cover image and the bird in the tree; before the title page; or after. Any of those sites are launch pads for intrigue.
Red is a fabulous book to play “let’s invent the dialog” game…but save that for the second time through. For the first read, just enjoy Red’s distraction as animals narrowly escape her notice: enjoy the rabbits balancing a large cake as they hurry out of Red’s path—Red looking over her shoulder at the birds. Her face has that pondering look. No worries though, she and the reader is in for a pleasant surprise: which is delightful even if you do guess the punchline.
The black and white illustrations with the red will initially translate into a classically sinister atmosphere. The arrival of the animals, party supplies, and soft pinks begin to reinterpret the scenes.
Of the many pictures that play with fairy tales, Red is a delightful addition; it certainly offers a different sort of journey and surprise ending.
In Jed Alexander’s wordless picture book, we see a little girl in a red hoodie headed into the woods with a basket on her arm. Woven among the trees is a long tail belonging to a ginormous wolf. Even without ever hearing the old story of Little Red Riding Hood, any onlooker would find themselves worried about the threat of a wolf in the wood. And then we turn the page.
On the left side, the wolf has turned its ginormous head into the path of the little red hoodie girl. To the right, a skunk with a gift tucked under its arm? Now, this could have the onlooker scratching their chin with intrigue, or have them starting to make a connection to what is actually going to happen. The response depends on where you started this book: with an attention to that cover image and the bird in the tree; before the title page; or after. Any of those sites are launch pads for intrigue.
Red is a fabulous book to play “let’s invent the dialog” game…but save that for the second time through. For the first read, just enjoy Red’s distraction as animals narrowly escape her notice: enjoy the rabbits balancing a large cake as they hurry out of Red’s path—Red looking over her shoulder at the birds. Her face has that pondering look. No worries though, she and the reader is in for a pleasant surprise: which is delightful even if you do guess the punchline.
The black and white illustrations with the red will initially translate into a classically sinister atmosphere. The arrival of the animals, party supplies, and soft pinks begin to reinterpret the scenes.
Of the many pictures that play with fairy tales, Red is a delightful addition; it certainly offers a different sort of journey and surprise ending.
September 19, 2018
A wordless picture book that features the characters from the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale.
Picture book, wordless
Cameron Kids, 2018
4 out of 5 stars
I am a huge fan of wordless pictures books. Artists who can tell complete stories using just illustrations and no words absolutely amaze me. Jed Alexander's illustrations of the animals and scenery in the story are very detailed and expressive. I also love how the illustrations are black and white, except for certain details that are colored red...of course.
I think very young children will really delight in the story as it unfolds before them. They will get to notice details and make predictions that the main character, Red Riding Hood, is not aware of.
This book has a lot going for it with the incredible illustrations, but kids older than preschool age are not going to be wowed. I gave it 4 stars for the illustrations; it would be less based on the plot alone.
SPOILER ALERT........do not read any further if you don't want to know how the story ends.
I love that modern picture book authors do not underestimate the depth of thinking that children are able to accomplish. One of the examples I usually give is that children can understand stories that aren't about cute forest animals throwing a surprise party for a bunny. So lo and behold what happens in this story? Yep. Red misses all the clues that the animals are throwing her a surprise party. I actually groaned and chuckled because it hit my one of my biggest pet peeves.
Picture book, wordless
Cameron Kids, 2018
4 out of 5 stars
I am a huge fan of wordless pictures books. Artists who can tell complete stories using just illustrations and no words absolutely amaze me. Jed Alexander's illustrations of the animals and scenery in the story are very detailed and expressive. I also love how the illustrations are black and white, except for certain details that are colored red...of course.
I think very young children will really delight in the story as it unfolds before them. They will get to notice details and make predictions that the main character, Red Riding Hood, is not aware of.
This book has a lot going for it with the incredible illustrations, but kids older than preschool age are not going to be wowed. I gave it 4 stars for the illustrations; it would be less based on the plot alone.
SPOILER ALERT........do not read any further if you don't want to know how the story ends.
I love that modern picture book authors do not underestimate the depth of thinking that children are able to accomplish. One of the examples I usually give is that children can understand stories that aren't about cute forest animals throwing a surprise party for a bunny. So lo and behold what happens in this story? Yep. Red misses all the clues that the animals are throwing her a surprise party. I actually groaned and chuckled because it hit my one of my biggest pet peeves.
February 13, 2019
Another wordless book – so you know there is a good chance I’m going to love it. And I do. Red is really a fractured fairy tale without words. Jed Alexander chose to portray the wolf as a good guy in this picture book. Red is on her way to her granny’s house – no surprise there. But what happens along the way is a surprise.
Once again with a wordless book I can see so many ways to use the book in the classroom. The most obvious way is to compare it to the traditional Little Red Riding Hood tale. Another would be to have students each write the story of the pictures on one page and then combine the stories into one. But then I have mentioned that one before, but I think that it is a really good activity to do with wordless books.
I will be including Red in my Mock Caldecott unit later this fall. I think Red is probably near the top of my favorites list of new picture books this year. It will be interesting to see if my students feel the same.
You can find more about Jed Alexander on his web site – including some Red downloads you could use with your students.
I want to thank Cameron + Company for the review copy of Red in exchange for this honest review. The book will now be placed in my school library for my students to enjoy.
Once again with a wordless book I can see so many ways to use the book in the classroom. The most obvious way is to compare it to the traditional Little Red Riding Hood tale. Another would be to have students each write the story of the pictures on one page and then combine the stories into one. But then I have mentioned that one before, but I think that it is a really good activity to do with wordless books.
I will be including Red in my Mock Caldecott unit later this fall. I think Red is probably near the top of my favorites list of new picture books this year. It will be interesting to see if my students feel the same.
You can find more about Jed Alexander on his web site – including some Red downloads you could use with your students.
I want to thank Cameron + Company for the review copy of Red in exchange for this honest review. The book will now be placed in my school library for my students to enjoy.
August 24, 2018
A wordless riff on the traditional Little Red Riding Hood tale, this picture book offers an initial title page that will show immediately that it’s a different sort of story. With a huge wolf holding wrapping paper in his mouth and Grandma waiting for him arrive, the tale then moves to a very little Red Riding Hood being stopped by the large wolf on her way in the woods. Other animals appear with presents, ribbons and even a cake. The wolf delays Red until the other animals and Grandma are ready and they surprise her with a birthday party! The day ends with Red riding off on the wolf merrily.
The illustrations use pops of red and pink to show the elements of the party and Red’s cloak. Otherwise they are filled with black and white ink drawings featuring a grinning rather devious wolf, rabbits and badgers, and one determined little girl.
A winning new take on a traditional story. Appropriate for ages 2-5.
The illustrations use pops of red and pink to show the elements of the party and Red’s cloak. Otherwise they are filled with black and white ink drawings featuring a grinning rather devious wolf, rabbits and badgers, and one determined little girl.
A winning new take on a traditional story. Appropriate for ages 2-5.
May 15, 2018
This book has wonderful art that feels timeless. I love the whimsical, playful style, with flowing line work. The story is all told through posture and facial expressions which leaves room for children to contribute their own feelings to the plot. Early on, there is my favorite image of Red walking in the forest while an ominous wolf tail weaves between the trees, the tail running the length of both pages of the horizontal book. I had the musical motif of Peter and the Wolf pop into my head. The animals are drawn with a curious bit of playfulness but mixed with a surprisingly accurate anatomy. The use of the color red is minimal and just right. Especially its use on the edges of the pages, an effect I'd never thought possible! This book that feels like a classic: a mix of olde tyme Germanic woodcuts mixed with the playfulness of Sesame Street.
August 19, 2018
Little Red Riding Hood is on her way to her grandmother's house when she encounters a wolf. The wolf seems to be trying to stall Red, but why?
This is a clever and cute twist on the original Red Riding Hood tale. This is a book where prior knowledge actually makes the ending more surprising. Let's just say, this isn't the story you think it is . A delightfully fresh twist on an old classic. Recommended for kids comparing/contrasting different fairy tale versions, for language arts classes talking about how prior knowledge impacts your present reading, animal lovers, and fans of surprises.
This is a clever and cute twist on the original Red Riding Hood tale. This is a book where prior knowledge actually makes the ending more surprising. Let's just say, this isn't the story you think it is . A delightfully fresh twist on an old classic. Recommended for kids comparing/contrasting different fairy tale versions, for language arts classes talking about how prior knowledge impacts your present reading, animal lovers, and fans of surprises.
October 26, 2018
You think you know this story. You think you know who the villain is. But this cunning and tongue-in-cheek picture book has a surprise in store for you and the perambulating child in the title.
The illustrations are largely black and gray with startling blots of color, especially from little Red herself. The story starts in the end papers as we see the girl in the foreground and an impossibly long tail. Danger therefore looms even before the sly lupine appears…but who are those other animals and why are they carrying party favors?
The ending is unanticipated; the pictures are attractive in their lines and clever use of color. This is a cute landscape book with a sweet twist on the usual story. Try it on your kid. It’s worth a giggle or two.
The illustrations are largely black and gray with startling blots of color, especially from little Red herself. The story starts in the end papers as we see the girl in the foreground and an impossibly long tail. Danger therefore looms even before the sly lupine appears…but who are those other animals and why are they carrying party favors?
The ending is unanticipated; the pictures are attractive in their lines and clever use of color. This is a cute landscape book with a sweet twist on the usual story. Try it on your kid. It’s worth a giggle or two.
October 3, 2018
Another wordless children's book to add to the read pile. This was rather adorable remake of "Little Red Riding Hood," and I really loved Alexander's art style. The attention to detail of the backgrounds was reminiscent of The Big Snow for me, and it presents quite a different ending than what has been presented in the traditional fairy tale.
That being said, I did wish there were more pages. This story felt decidedly short even for a picture book, but I suppose that makes sense given the differences from the original.
Recommended for kids and parents who enjoy fairy tales and for pre-teens and teens for writing prompts.
That being said, I did wish there were more pages. This story felt decidedly short even for a picture book, but I suppose that makes sense given the differences from the original.
Recommended for kids and parents who enjoy fairy tales and for pre-teens and teens for writing prompts.
May 15, 2018
Things are not always what is expected when there's a new telling of an old story. Jed Alexander's wordless story makes this statement so, so true. Surprises await as each page is turned. That wolf is very big, but is its expression frightening or does it mean something else? There's much to see and examine and turning back pages to check on what we thought we knew was a good thing to do! I read this with my six-year-old granddaughter, who does know the old tale. She loved this one. Especially wonderful are the beautiful trees in this forest that sometimes had a few things behind them.
May 22, 2018
As I've written before on GR, I am not a fan of the Red Riding Hood story. I don't like wolves portrayed as supernaturally evil villains, and I dislike the squicky undertones of the fairy tale. I'm glad that others are now playing with this moldy oldie and reshaping it into something different.
This story boasts appealing illustrations that brings to mind 1940s-era animation. The story is cute and funny rather than menacing.
This story boasts appealing illustrations that brings to mind 1940s-era animation. The story is cute and funny rather than menacing.
June 29, 2018
Enjoy a wordless picture book with your child today to help practice sentence structure in a fun, creative way. Red by Jed Alexander would be a perfect introduction to storytelling for children. The familiaar story of Red Riding Hood gets a twist in this book illustrated only in red, white and black. It is perfect for kids 3 - 7. Parents will have fun retelling it in their own way too. Don't forget to do the voices!
July 17, 2018
This wordless picture book is deceptively simple. The threat of a HUGE wolf, the expectation this creature will do the thing wolves in stories do... and then a delightful reversal that’s been hinted at all along. It makes me wish I could illustrate and not just write picture books! A perfect addition to the Little Red Riding Hood corpus.
July 3, 2018
This is an awesome wordless story book with the most amazing illustrations. They’re gorgeously detailed black and white with hint of red. This is also not your average Little Red Riding Hood story. It’s a great little book. Plus I love the red dyed edges on the pages!
August 20, 2018
Red encounters Wolf on the way to her grandmother's house. Look for picture clues to gather what is actually happening in this fractured fairy-tale. Hint- it is much sweeter than people being gobbled up by a big bad wolf.
December 7, 2018
This wordless picture book transforms the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Instead of trying to trap her in the woods to hurt her or her grandmother, the wolf is delaying Red Riding Hood so the other animals can set up for a surprise party.
December 1, 2024
A cute, wordless picture book. It takes the Red Riding Hood story and makes it into one that is violence-free and good for little readers. The wolf seems like he might be up to no good, but he is just providing cover for the other party-goers and slowing her down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews