Book review by Aarene Storms: Cloaked in Red

"Cloaked in Red" by Vivian Vande Velde

"It's hard to determine the theme of "Little Red Riding Hood," says the author. "Don't go into the woods? Don't talk to animals who are capable of talking back? If you're going to make fun of your grandmother's appearance, make sure it truly is your grandmother..."

In this slim volume, the exasperated author re-tells the story of the girl in the red hood eight new and different ways in an attempt to make sense of the old tale. The result: eight clever interpretations with fresh characters such as a werewolf-granny, a nearsighted woodsman, and an especially clever red cape.

Fairy tale enthusiasts will enjoy the cheeky narrations. Recommended for ages 12 to adult.

(Also recommended: The Rumplestiltskin Problem by this author: fractured retellings of "Rumplestiltskin")

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach Library