The Little Red Hen

by John Escott

When the Little Red Hen finds some grain in the farmyard, she sets out to turn that grain into bread. First, she plants the grain. Then, she harvests the wheat. Then she bakes the bread. It's hard work, and throughout her project, she can't get any of the other animals to help out--until it's time to eat the bread, that is. And by then it's too late!

This classic story of the Little Red Hen is retold using humorous illustrations that depict an enterprising, but long-suffering hen. Both children and parents will enjoy the familiar story and charming illustrations.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

John Escott started by writing children's books and comic scripts, but now writes and adapts books for students of all ages. He especially enjoys writing crime and mystery thrillers, and is a member of the British Crime Writers Association.

With Oxford University Press John has published London for the Oxford Bookworms Factfile series; Agatha Christie, Woman of Mystery, Star Reporter, Girl on a Motorbike, The Fly and Other Horror Stories, and The Scarlet Letter for the Oxford Bookworms Library series; The Magician, Time for a Robbery, Star for a day, Tomorrow's Girl, and The Man with Three NAMEs for the Hotshot Puzzles series; and A Pretty Face for the Dominoes series.

Reviews

[Karim Elmenshawy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I will just have to eat this bread by myself"Doesn't she deserve the same?

[Cara Frazee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade: Preschool-K
Traditional Literature

Great story about working hard and the consequences of not helping others. This is a fun rendition of the story.

[Beatriz Gonzalez]

I read this story on Pbskids.org/lions/stories. It came from a show called Between the Lions and they had their own version of The Little Red Hen. I actually remember watching this show and I liked how they always read books to the audience.

I liked this book because it was almost like a mini movie. As the story was being read by the narrator, with the words on top, the illustrations came to life showing a little clip demonstrating what was being read. The clip showed exactly what was being read and with more details. I like this type of interactive book because it is more fun aside from reading a book. I think children would all love this type of reading, because not only does it include words but the illustrations are actually acting out the story as well.

[JD · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun version of an old classic, my 3-year-old seemed to really enjoy this story and asked to have it reread to her several times. Escott presents the story that we all know, with the addition of those people that helped the hen (the miller and baker). Good artwork, easy words for a young child, pleasant read for both of us.