Friday, April 5, 2019

Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young

Synopsis: When their Mother goes to visit their Grandmother, sisters Shang, Tao, and Paotze are left to defend themselves when the Big Wolf comes knocking.

Review:  Young's translation of this folktale gives the story of Red-Riding Hood a lovely twist. No longer does the woodcutter (who isn't even in the story) save Red (or, in this case, three young sisters). No, it is their own cleverness and cooperation that saves the day. Young's translation is simple enough for young readers, but engaging enough for adults. There is no sense that the story is dumbed-down for kids.

But it is the illustrations that set this book apart. Young's style is similar to the soft watercolors of the Impressionist, and gives the story a dynamic and other-worldly tone, just perfect for a fairy tale. Soft, somber tones, watery brush-strokes, and swirling atmosphere set this book apart.

Recommend for young readers, particularly young girls.

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: The Caldecott Medal, 1990

ISBN: 0-399-21619-7
Year Published: 1989
Date Finished: 3-30-2019
Pages: 32

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