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Carmine: A Little More Red
And, as Carmine takes off on her bicycle with Rufus, that is just what she intends to do. But Carmine is a dreamy painter, always in search of capturing just the right hue in her drawings, and this drawing—the one she begins in a lovely forest clearing just off the path to Granny’s—must be her best yet.
Here is a new, lively retelling of a timeless tale with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end.
Here is a new, lively retelling of a timeless tale with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2005
4 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Sweet
153 books190 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Melissa Sweet grew up in a suburban neighborhood that had lots of kids, kick-the-can games on summer nights, and Percy's candy store right nearby.
Later she received her Associate’s Degree from Endicott Junior College in Beverly, Massachusetts, and studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute.
Sweet began began illustrating children's books in 1986 and has illustrated more than 60 books. Her work can also be seen in magazines, on posters, children's toys and food packaging.
Sweet’s signature style of whimsical watercolors is often enhanced by collage art when she finds objects and details that are appropriate to the story.
Sweet lives with her husband and step-daughter in a small coastal Maine village near a working harbor. Above her drafting table there’s a quote from the poet Mary Oliver: “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
Sweet says "That’s good, because I often find myself taking walks, gardening, biking, but I’m taking it all in and it somehow shows up in my books.
Melissa Sweet grew up in a suburban neighborhood that had lots of kids, kick-the-can games on summer nights, and Percy's candy store right nearby.
Later she received her Associate’s Degree from Endicott Junior College in Beverly, Massachusetts, and studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute.
Sweet began began illustrating children's books in 1986 and has illustrated more than 60 books. Her work can also be seen in magazines, on posters, children's toys and food packaging.
Sweet’s signature style of whimsical watercolors is often enhanced by collage art when she finds objects and details that are appropriate to the story.
Sweet lives with her husband and step-daughter in a small coastal Maine village near a working harbor. Above her drafting table there’s a quote from the poet Mary Oliver: “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
Sweet says "That’s good, because I often find myself taking walks, gardening, biking, but I’m taking it all in and it somehow shows up in my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 30, 2011
Granny isn't sick -- she's just making a nice pot of alphabet soup. What could be more natural than to ring a favorite grandchild and invite her over? Our artistically-inclined, red-loving protagonist hops on her bike, taking her painting supplies and faithful dog, and off into the woods she goes. "Don't dilly-dally," her mother reminds her, but she can't resist pausing to sketch a scenic spot. And then, a little farther off, she spies some poppies crying out to by painted... While she is dawdling and doodling, the wolf spots her and rushes ahead to... Wolf and girl never interact, which is a bit odd, but she's such a dim bulb I can't blame him for not wanting to chat her up.
In terms of the art, I didn't care for the general style but did like the inclusion of details, especially the references to other fairy tales. My favorite bit was how the woodsman was absent that day, showing the three little pigs how to build a treehouse.
What I really didn't get was why Sweet choose to make the book alphabet-themed but then failed to select words that weren't relevant to, well, anything, really. They're not red-themed (as the title, decorative endpapers, and first page led me to expect), not fairy-tale themed, and not even always the key words in the passages. And points off for misuse of the term "surreal". But the blurb says this is her first book, and it had potential, so I'd be willing to check out her next effort.
In terms of the art, I didn't care for the general style but did like the inclusion of details, especially the references to other fairy tales. My favorite bit was how the woodsman was absent that day, showing the three little pigs how to build a treehouse.
What I really didn't get was why Sweet choose to make the book alphabet-themed but then failed to select words that weren't relevant to, well, anything, really. They're not red-themed (as the title, decorative endpapers, and first page led me to expect), not fairy-tale themed, and not even always the key words in the passages. And points off for misuse of the term "surreal". But the blurb says this is her first book, and it had potential, so I'd be willing to check out her next effort.
October 19, 2015
This creative take on the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” is set up in an ABC book format. But don’t be mistaken, it’s no baby book. Melissa Sweet has chosen to highlight some wonderful words as she tells the story of Carmine dilly-dallying on her way to grandma’s house. The reader is sure to expand their vocabulary with words like exquisite, indeed, lurking, reckoned, and surreal.
The story opens with Carmine (cleverly named a shade of red) painting a picture in her bedroom, thinking about how Granny taught her to read with alphabet soup, when her mother tells her that granny is on the phone. The next illustration shows Carmine’s side of the conversation, as granny invites her over for soup. In a speech bubble, Carmine states, “Uh-huh. I’ll be careful” and “Huh-uh. I won’t stop along the way.” Carmine’s mother even shouts to Carmine not to dilly dally, when Carmine rides away on her bicycle. As the reader would probably guess, Carmine does not go straight to Granny’s, she decides to stop and rest, but realizes that the light is exquisite that morning and she decides to paint a picture. While Carmine is painting, her dog, Rufus, notices an odd scent in the air, one he is certain is a wolf. Carmine is so involved in the painting she is making for Granny, she misses many signs that she should get on her way. Then, Rufus comes face to face with the wolf and a humorous conversation takes place. Wolf finds out they are on there way to Granny’s, and when he makes a surprise visit, Granny shouts “WOLF!” so loudly that Carmine is able to hear from the top of the hill. After entering the house, and looking at the clues in the kitchen, Carmine decides granny is missing. But wait! She hears a distant yodeling, and discovers Granny in the closet. The story ends happily when Carmine is able to give Granny the painting she painted along the way and promises never to dawdle again.
This happy ending version is a nice twist to an old favorite and even includes some other popular fairytales throughout. The three blind mice, and the three little pigs are cleverly referred to in this already funny book.
Reading the pictures is a must in this version. Some text is included in speech bubbles and parts of the story will be missed if the detailed pictures are not closely examined.
This book could be used in many ways in a 1st-5th grade classroom. The vocabulary lends itself to lessons related to context clues, and the illustrations would be a great match for a strategy lesson on making inferences. It would also be a great mentor text for an ABC book project.
The story opens with Carmine (cleverly named a shade of red) painting a picture in her bedroom, thinking about how Granny taught her to read with alphabet soup, when her mother tells her that granny is on the phone. The next illustration shows Carmine’s side of the conversation, as granny invites her over for soup. In a speech bubble, Carmine states, “Uh-huh. I’ll be careful” and “Huh-uh. I won’t stop along the way.” Carmine’s mother even shouts to Carmine not to dilly dally, when Carmine rides away on her bicycle. As the reader would probably guess, Carmine does not go straight to Granny’s, she decides to stop and rest, but realizes that the light is exquisite that morning and she decides to paint a picture. While Carmine is painting, her dog, Rufus, notices an odd scent in the air, one he is certain is a wolf. Carmine is so involved in the painting she is making for Granny, she misses many signs that she should get on her way. Then, Rufus comes face to face with the wolf and a humorous conversation takes place. Wolf finds out they are on there way to Granny’s, and when he makes a surprise visit, Granny shouts “WOLF!” so loudly that Carmine is able to hear from the top of the hill. After entering the house, and looking at the clues in the kitchen, Carmine decides granny is missing. But wait! She hears a distant yodeling, and discovers Granny in the closet. The story ends happily when Carmine is able to give Granny the painting she painted along the way and promises never to dawdle again.
This happy ending version is a nice twist to an old favorite and even includes some other popular fairytales throughout. The three blind mice, and the three little pigs are cleverly referred to in this already funny book.
Reading the pictures is a must in this version. Some text is included in speech bubbles and parts of the story will be missed if the detailed pictures are not closely examined.
This book could be used in many ways in a 1st-5th grade classroom. The vocabulary lends itself to lessons related to context clues, and the illustrations would be a great match for a strategy lesson on making inferences. It would also be a great mentor text for an ABC book project.
October 23, 2022
In this Red Riding Hood retelling, Carmine is a painter who wants to paint the best possible picture for Granny. Granny makes alphabet soup, which Carmine loves and it's how she learned to read. So Granny invites Carmine over for alphabet soup, but warns her about a wolf she heard the previous night. Carmine's mother warns her not to dally, but Carmine is known for it.
She decides she has to paint the perfect picture for Granny along the way.
But there's a hungry wolf about, and Carmine's dog Rufus knows something's up. The wolf finds out they're going to Granny's for alphabet soup, but this isn't your typical Red Riding Hood story...
One thing that's unique about this book is that it's an abecedarian storybook. I've never read an alphabet book where the words are incorporated into the story before, and I liked this with the tie in to the alphabet soup. Also, Melissa Sweet's details and story within a story in the artwork never fails to impress.
This would be a fun story in conjunction with the traditional story, and I imagine young readers would find this one sillier than the original. I could see this going over well in a first or second grade classroom, and definitely good for children who get scared easily and may not appreciate the gore (or even implied gore in some versions) of the original.
She decides she has to paint the perfect picture for Granny along the way.
"It may seem farfetched to think that any painting can be improved by adding a little more red, but Carmine believes it to be true."Carmine wants to paint the perfect poppy for Granny.
But there's a hungry wolf about, and Carmine's dog Rufus knows something's up. The wolf finds out they're going to Granny's for alphabet soup, but this isn't your typical Red Riding Hood story...
One thing that's unique about this book is that it's an abecedarian storybook. I've never read an alphabet book where the words are incorporated into the story before, and I liked this with the tie in to the alphabet soup. Also, Melissa Sweet's details and story within a story in the artwork never fails to impress.
This would be a fun story in conjunction with the traditional story, and I imagine young readers would find this one sillier than the original. I could see this going over well in a first or second grade classroom, and definitely good for children who get scared easily and may not appreciate the gore (or even implied gore in some versions) of the original.
April 15, 2017
Part retelling of Little Red Riding Hood;
part alphabet book,
part vocabulary book,
100% infused with Melissa Sweet's magic.
part alphabet book,
part vocabulary book,
100% infused with Melissa Sweet's magic.
December 29, 2021
I love the illustrations in this book and I'm partial to abecedaires and folk tales. So much to love.
December 30, 2022
I enjoy the look of Melissa Sweet's artwork, and this story has a Little Red Riding Hood story-line that brings us along using an alphabet's worth of vocabulary words. "Dilly-dally," "knoll," "lurking," and "pluck," as well as "voila," "yodel," and others not specifically highlighted but part of the narration (e.g., "berserk" and "yap"). Fun and cute and no grandmas nor little girls get eaten, and no wolves are slaughtered.
October 12, 2009
Carmine, a girl that loves red, is filled with imagination and demonstrates this through her beautiful portraits she paints for her grandmother. On one particular trip to her grandmother's house, against her mother's advice to ride straight through the forest without stopping, Carmine stops to paint the beautiful landscape around her. A wolf that has been heard and sighted in the area sees Carmine and her dog. We are whisked by her adventure to see what happens between Carmine and the wolf.
As I read this book, I was impressed by the vocabulary used throughout the story. Written as an alphabet book, you would think that the language would be less advanced than it really is. The words capture every part of the story! She even writes a Haiku during her trip to Granny's house! She uses words like "lurking", "exquisite", "mimic", and "surreal". The illustrations are also vivid and colorful! I thought this book would be perfect for young readers that are familiar with Little Red Riding Hood. I love the way it presents itself as a alphabet book, but is at a 3rd grade reading level when alphabet books aren't as common. The story is somewhat whimsical and you can feel the exploratory personality of little Carmine.
As I read this book, I was impressed by the vocabulary used throughout the story. Written as an alphabet book, you would think that the language would be less advanced than it really is. The words capture every part of the story! She even writes a Haiku during her trip to Granny's house! She uses words like "lurking", "exquisite", "mimic", and "surreal". The illustrations are also vivid and colorful! I thought this book would be perfect for young readers that are familiar with Little Red Riding Hood. I love the way it presents itself as a alphabet book, but is at a 3rd grade reading level when alphabet books aren't as common. The story is somewhat whimsical and you can feel the exploratory personality of little Carmine.
January 28, 2012
Before taking the Robert F. Sibert Award for Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade, Melissa Sweet created this little alphabet book, her debut picture book.
A delightful retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Carmine is a little girl invited to her grandmother's house for some alphabet soup. On the way, she encounters a wolf. And a number of sight words that will be fun for younger readers while at the same time helping to develop a rich vocabulary.
Sprinkled into the story and the illustrations, readers will find three blind mice, Little Boy Blue, and some pigs looking to by some siding for a three house they have just built.
The style beloved in Balloons Over Broadway is seen here within this earlier work. Panels carrying the story are embedded within the larger image on the page, and little asides from Sweet add to the charm of this book.
A delightful retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, Carmine is a little girl invited to her grandmother's house for some alphabet soup. On the way, she encounters a wolf. And a number of sight words that will be fun for younger readers while at the same time helping to develop a rich vocabulary.
Sprinkled into the story and the illustrations, readers will find three blind mice, Little Boy Blue, and some pigs looking to by some siding for a three house they have just built.
The style beloved in Balloons Over Broadway is seen here within this earlier work. Panels carrying the story are embedded within the larger image on the page, and little asides from Sweet add to the charm of this book.
September 7, 2012
One of my new favorite alphabet books that is nestled within a classic-Little Red Riding Hood. Readers get a special treat when they enjoy this Caldecott-worthy picture book: a classic w/a twist that carries with it the genre of being an ABC book that truly has a fun, adventuresome character. My daughter brought this home from library at school & we ordered one for my (ahem, her) personal library right away.
May 19, 2013
A fun twist on the Little Red Riding Hood story, with the added addition of an alphabet book. Great vocabulary and interesting format would be great to use with upper elementary students.
March 5, 2018
Summary: Carmine's granny teaches her how to read by making Alphabet soup and whenever she makes a bowl of soup, Carmine is invited over for lunch; however Granny informs Carmine that she heard a wolf and to look out for danger on the way through the forest to her house, especially because Carmine "dilly-dallies." Despite her granny's warnings, Carmine stopped along her bike ride on the way to Granny's to rest and paint. The wolf spies on Carmine and Rufus, her dog, and heads over to Granny's house. The wolf then pillages Granny's kitchen and steals all the bones Granny uses to make her famous soup, but he does no harm to Granny. Carmine then promises Granny to never dilly-dally again and then she speeds home not stopping once.
Theme: The major theme of the story is listening because had Carmine not stopped to paint when she was told to come straight to Granny's there wouldn't have been a conflict with the wolf since it wouldn't have known where Carmine was going. After the conflict is resolved, Carmine does listen and doesn't stop when going home, which leads to a stress-free bike ride back.
Star Rating: Three stars.
Personal Response: I liked the book, but I thought it was unrealistic how Granny was simply locked in a closet, unharmed, and the only thing taken was the bones used to make Alphabet Soup. None of the other ingredients were taken back by the wolf for its pups either which didn't make sense to me either.
My Recommendation: I would definitely recommend the book to children in pre-k through first or maybe second grade who are just learning how to read because the book highlights are particular word in the text and uses it in a sentence simple enough to word the meaning of that word can be grasped by a beginning reader.
Theme: The major theme of the story is listening because had Carmine not stopped to paint when she was told to come straight to Granny's there wouldn't have been a conflict with the wolf since it wouldn't have known where Carmine was going. After the conflict is resolved, Carmine does listen and doesn't stop when going home, which leads to a stress-free bike ride back.
Star Rating: Three stars.
Personal Response: I liked the book, but I thought it was unrealistic how Granny was simply locked in a closet, unharmed, and the only thing taken was the bones used to make Alphabet Soup. None of the other ingredients were taken back by the wolf for its pups either which didn't make sense to me either.
My Recommendation: I would definitely recommend the book to children in pre-k through first or maybe second grade who are just learning how to read because the book highlights are particular word in the text and uses it in a sentence simple enough to word the meaning of that word can be grasped by a beginning reader.
May 31, 2018
There were things I liked about this Little Red Riding Hood story, and things I didn't. I liked the characterization of LRRH, or Carmine. She's an artist. I liked her pet dog Rufus. I liked most of the illustrations. I liked the idea of having keywords for each page, based on the alphabet and the alphabet soup Carmine's grandmother makes. But...the keywords didn't always work. Sometimes the page would give enough context clues so a child could figure out what the word meant, sometimes not. Sometimes the word was barely used. And the wolf looked more like a fox, maybe. Definitely not like a wolf. Oddly, Marian was completely ambivalent to the book. Usually she at least tries to grab it, but she completely ignored it while I read it to her.
January 25, 2023
Carmine A Little More Red by Melissa Sweet was awarded the "Best illustrated children's book" award from the New York Times. This story is a spin-off of little red riding hood. A girl named Carmine was headed to her granny's house to eat her famous alphabet soup when trouble occurs. Granny taught Carmine how to read by using this soup. My favorite part of this story is how each page has a vocabulary word. Some examples include exquisite, haiku, lurking, mimic, omen, and surreal. This book had a fun twist on the original red riding hood and I would recommend it to any student.
October 2, 2017
This is certainly not your ordinary alphabet book. First, there are no upper and lower case examples of the letters. Second, it's a story. Third, the vocabulary choices are both unusual and delightful. Fourth, there are cultural nods to well known artists, performers, and even nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters if you look for them within the illustrations. The illustrations themselves are akin to visiting the author/illustrator's studio. Such a delight!
December 28, 2017
Sweet, Melissa Carmine: A Little More Red. Houghton, 2005. PICTURE BOOK.
This abecedarian (alphabetically arranged) version updates the Red Riding Hood story in an art format that mimics the art journal of a precocious child. Vocabulary words are highlighted, defined, and used in sentences that advance the plot. In a nonviolent twist at the end, Sweet manages to make this a satisfying individual read for any age.
EL - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Beverly Stout, Elementary Library Specialist
This abecedarian (alphabetically arranged) version updates the Red Riding Hood story in an art format that mimics the art journal of a precocious child. Vocabulary words are highlighted, defined, and used in sentences that advance the plot. In a nonviolent twist at the end, Sweet manages to make this a satisfying individual read for any age.
EL - ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Beverly Stout, Elementary Library Specialist
February 27, 2019
This is a wonderful and different way to tell the story of Red Riding Hood; in this story her name is Carmine. Using the alphabet, the scenes highlight each alphabet letter; examples: for A -- A is for Granny's Alphabet soup; for B -- Beware of dangers along the way; for L -- L is for the wolves' art of Lurking. Great illustrations.
August 20, 2020
I love Melissa Sweet's art, but I felt this book was just distracting with the alphabet and all the big words shoved into it and plot points that didn't quite feel intrinsic to the story. It made for a bumpy ride. I bought this because I collect fractured fairy tales, but this one didn't work so much for me.
August 25, 2020
Really enjoyed this book that was part remixed fairy-tale, part alphabet book, and part vocab lesson. I normally don't like books that are structured alphabetically, but Sweet works the alphabet in effortlessly with funny and quirky sentences like, "Some people dilly-dally once in a while, but Carmine made a habit of it"
Sweet's illustration is magnificent as always
Sweet's illustration is magnificent as always
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November 9, 2020Author: Melissa Sweet
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Publisher:HMH Books for Young Readers; 3rd Print edition (May 2, 2005)
Intended Audience:Preschool - 3
Summary/Good Vocabulary Use: Carmine is a little girl who embarks on a journey to visit her grandmother. This book is excellent for vocabulary enhancement because every single page introduces readers to new vocabulary words.
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Publisher:HMH Books for Young Readers; 3rd Print edition (May 2, 2005)
Intended Audience:Preschool - 3
Summary/Good Vocabulary Use: Carmine is a little girl who embarks on a journey to visit her grandmother. This book is excellent for vocabulary enhancement because every single page introduces readers to new vocabulary words.
March 3, 2021
I loved this version. It's structure is also that of an alphabet book which is something I haven't seen before. I liked how easy it was for the author to use the different words to tell the story!!! There were several differences between this and the original, but mostly in that it was made modern and that the wolf doesn't eat the grandma, just steals bones from her.
February 6, 2023
Sweet presents a trip through the alphabet, and a pretty decent parody of Little Red Riding Hood to boot. Everyone turns out to be a winner in the end. (Even the wolf, so Yay!)
December 14, 2017
This was a cute twist on an alphabet book and the story of little red riding hood. I am a huge Melissa sweet fan and this one did not disappoint.
February 7, 2018
This book takes a clever spin off of the traditional Red Riding Hood story. It's an alphabet book that tells the story of how Carmine gets distracted on the way to her granny's house.
March 15, 2018
The illustrations in this book are amazing. Great take on a classic fairly tale, and I love the 'alphabet soup' theme. I'm a sucker for any book where a child is encouraged in her artistic pursuits!
February 2, 2019
Love Melissa Sweet so much.
April 20, 2019
Adorable!
October 23, 2019
So cute! The second graders that I read this book to loved it.
June 30, 2020
A fun take on Little Red Riding Hood. The story is told with a clever alphabet theme. Great illustrations. Includes recipe for alphabet soup at the end.
May 11, 2023
An alphabet book mashed with a fairytale, it’s about as good as could have been expected.
July 28, 2023
Uses the alphabet to walk through little red riding hood’s story. Lots of interest on each page.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews