Reviews: The Little Red Wolf (1)

My thanks to Oni Press for a review copy via NetGalley of ‘The Little Red Wolf’ written and illustrated by Amélie Fléchais. It was translated
from the French by Jeremy Melloul.

This illustrated book is an enchanting retelling of Charles Perrault’s classic tale Little Red Riding Hood, that turns the tale on its head with wolves as the victims of humans.

Once upon a time in the depths of a thick and mysterious forest there lived a family of wolves, including a wolf cub, who always dressed in red. Everyone called him Little Red Wolf.

One day his mother asks him to deliver a rabbit to his grandmother. She warns him to avoid the part of the forest where a hunter, who hates wolves, lives with his daughter. Red sets out but soon becomes distracted and strays from the trail. He realises that he is lost and is very afraid. Then he meets a nice little girl who offers to help him. Oh dear, little red wolf! She may seem nice but is she good?

This was such a sweet story. However, I will warn that some of its themes are quite dark and there is some macabre imagery, such as the dead bunny’s head sticking out of Red’s bindle as he travels through the forest. Well, he is a wolf. Still, parents might want to screen if purchasing for younger readers.

I found Amélie Fléchais’ artwork spectacular. Her use of colour was sublime with delicate details that reminded me of folk art. Each page was a delight.

I love wolves and so adored this tale that throws a different light on them. I also like bunnies so I felt a bit sad about that aspect of the story though wolves are wolves, even if dressed in embroidered capes.

Overall, ‘The Little Red Wolf’ was pure magic.