Author(s): James Marshall

Childrens

Who but James Marshall could transform the classic fairytale of Red Riding Hood into a wickedly funny spoof? "Granny isn't feeling up to snuff today," says Red Riding Hood's mum, so Red Riding is on her way to the other side of the woods with a tasty custard pie in tow - that will cheer Granny right up. But, suddenly, an irresistibly charming wolf appears (wearing a delightful straw hat) and insists that (the very trusting) Red Riding Hood be escorted to her granny's. Can you guess what happens next? "I'm wicked. So wicked," says the Wolf and not only does he gobble up poor old Granny...but Red Riding Hood too! "Tasty. So tasty," he says, patting his full belly. After-dinner mints and a siesta follow BUT, of course, the trusty hunter comes to the rescue in the end (phew!). Granny's sole complaint, as an avid bibliophile, is: "It was so dark in there I couldn't read a word. James Marshall's distinctive line, perfectly balanced tone and deadpan expressions make this a thoroughly modern and thoroughly charming fairytale retelling for all the family! In 2007, the American Library Association posthumously honored James Marshall with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for a "substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children". Marshall's title, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1989. Of his work, The New York Times said: "The miracle of Mr Marshall's work is that so often his stories are as profound as they are simple."