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Little Red Writing
Acclaimed writer Joan Holub and Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet team up in this hilarious and exuberant retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, in which a brave, little red pencil finds her way through the many perils of writing a story, faces a ravenous pencil sharpener (the Wolf 3000)... and saves the day.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2013
23 people are currently reading
1596 people want to read
About the author
Joan Holub
297 books1,236 followersNY Times bestselling children's book author:
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!
GODDESS GIRLS series + HEROES IN TRAINING series (w Suzanne Williams); THIS LITTLE TRAILBLAZER a Girl Power Primer; ZERO THE HERO; I AM THE SHARK. Lucky to be doing what I love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
August 12, 2016
I'm going to wax a little less enthusiastic than some of the other reviewers. And the basic reason is that this book, with all it's great features, isn't all that intrinsically exciting.
The colors and all the visual aspects of the book are outstanding. It's VERY visually appealing.
LITTLE RED WRITING though is too focused on education, and so the story proceeds haltingly. To give you an example, at one point Little Red squeezes a bottle, and "Too many glue words came out. So that is how she found herself writing a sentence that would not end but just kept going and going and running on and on although it had no purpose yet it would not get out of her story or say anything important so she was glad when a helpful word arrived--"
Hilarious to me as an adult. Not so funny to a 3rd Grader.
So you might be wondering 'Why 3-Stars?'
Quite simply this is an good book to use in a classroom or homeschooling or any educational environment in which you want to add some glamor and fun to lessons on the part of speech. There's enough humor in this book to carry the day. And I'd highly recommend it to that end. I just don't think it would be a book I'd hand to a child and expect them to ooh and ahhh about.
The colors and all the visual aspects of the book are outstanding. It's VERY visually appealing.
LITTLE RED WRITING though is too focused on education, and so the story proceeds haltingly. To give you an example, at one point Little Red squeezes a bottle, and "Too many glue words came out. So that is how she found herself writing a sentence that would not end but just kept going and going and running on and on although it had no purpose yet it would not get out of her story or say anything important so she was glad when a helpful word arrived--"
Hilarious to me as an adult. Not so funny to a 3rd Grader.
So you might be wondering 'Why 3-Stars?'
Quite simply this is an good book to use in a classroom or homeschooling or any educational environment in which you want to add some glamor and fun to lessons on the part of speech. There's enough humor in this book to carry the day. And I'd highly recommend it to that end. I just don't think it would be a book I'd hand to a child and expect them to ooh and ahhh about.
November 9, 2013
I get the point here (sorry,couldn't resist), but I just don't think this is as good as it is getting hyped to be. Too much going on--it's like trying to read a book written and illustrated by someone with severe ADHD.
Glad that teachers think it has classroom potential, but just not my thing. But then I don't like writing with pencils--they remind me of math class......
Glad that teachers think it has classroom potential, but just not my thing. But then I don't like writing with pencils--they remind me of math class......
July 10, 2013
Hi, my name is LITTLE RED WRITING. I am a picture book published by Chronicle Books in October 2013. Melissa Sweet illustrated me. Joan Holub wrote me.
July 21, 2014
I was not expecting this book to be much more than the usual run-of-the-mill picture book, but it surprised me. Oh, what a delightful surprise it was.
The book is, essentially, about writing, words, and the mechanics of a story — and any book that has the disclaimer "This book does not condone the use of explosives for any purpose other than the purely fictional" on its copyright page* and uses the words 'tenebrous,' 'sylvan,' and 'verdant' is sure to be a frolic. There are numerous clever plays on parts of speech and how they are used, such as the page pointing out the need for active, vivid verbs, the spread that weaves into the artwork two dozen adjectives in the "deep, dark, descriptive forest," the witty inclusion of conjunction glue that only speaks in run-on sentences, and (one of my favorites) the strange sound that Little Red describes as requiring "all capitals and rather large punctuation."
Drolly written, vibrantly illustrated, and whimsically heuristic, this charming book is ideal for any writer or lover of words who has ever once been a child or for any child who may become a lover of words.
(Have I not yet convinced you to run out and read this book? Three more things, then: a fairytale retelling, dynamite, and pencil puns.)
* Yes, I read the copyright page. Gems like that are one of the reasons why.
The book is, essentially, about writing, words, and the mechanics of a story — and any book that has the disclaimer "This book does not condone the use of explosives for any purpose other than the purely fictional" on its copyright page* and uses the words 'tenebrous,' 'sylvan,' and 'verdant' is sure to be a frolic. There are numerous clever plays on parts of speech and how they are used, such as the page pointing out the need for active, vivid verbs, the spread that weaves into the artwork two dozen adjectives in the "deep, dark, descriptive forest," the witty inclusion of conjunction glue that only speaks in run-on sentences, and (one of my favorites) the strange sound that Little Red describes as requiring "all capitals and rather large punctuation."
Drolly written, vibrantly illustrated, and whimsically heuristic, this charming book is ideal for any writer or lover of words who has ever once been a child or for any child who may become a lover of words.
(Have I not yet convinced you to run out and read this book? Three more things, then: a fairytale retelling, dynamite, and pencil puns.)
* Yes, I read the copyright page. Gems like that are one of the reasons why.
October 5, 2016
Over-rated. Just too much going on, too hard to see everything that was going on, all of which was indicated to be as important as everything else. Talk about not "sticking to the story path!" And it's always been one of my pet peeves when teachers tell kids that stories have to follow a certain path, anyway. If Ms. 2 decrees a story has a particular set of 4 stages, why do Shakespeare's plays have 5 acts? And since when is Ms spelled with a period, as if it's an abbreviation??
Sorry, it's not a horrible book, and more power to ppl who like it, but it's making me angry to even think about all the ways it could be better. I can't bring myself to give it more than one star.
Sorry, it's not a horrible book, and more power to ppl who like it, but it's making me angry to even think about all the ways it could be better. I can't bring myself to give it more than one star.
October 1, 2013
A clever update of Little Red Riding Hood filled with wordplay, grammar tips, and a pro-writing message. Destined to be a classroom classic.
October 30, 2013
Little Red Writing is a clever and whimsical picture book by the prolific author Joan Holub and the very talented illustrator, Melissa Sweet. In a parody of "Little Red Riding Hood", this story introduces us to a classroom of adorable pencils who are tasked by their teacher (Ms. 2, lol) to write a story - any story. Little Red sets off, determined to write an "exciting" story and soon finds herself learning first hand about the importance of different parts of speech such as nouns, adjectives, adverbs, punctuation, and other important rules of writing. In essence, hidden within the pages of this book are basic lessons for the budding writer!
There are so many great things about this book, I don't even know where to begin! I love the parody of "Little Red Writing Hood" and in particular, the Big, Bad Wolf. The scenes where it begins to dawn on Little Red that she is not sitting before the school principal after all and the revelation of who has taken the principal's place is absolutely hysterical! The book is full of amusing details, some of which only adults (or at least older children) may understand (e.g., "The Adventures of the Write Brothers" with airplanes on their heads); but, I have to say that if I have to read the same book over and over to my children, I don't mind doing it with this one. I catch new things every time I read it - it's very clever.
The way the book is illustrated is absolutely innovative. Melissa Sweet has done an incredible job of creating detailed, colourful, and interesting pictures to accompany the text. The two-page spread depicting "adjectives" is astonishing. There are adjectives (e.g., flowery, gnarled, dark, mossy, etc.) scattered throughout the two pages in a way that is almost an "I Spy" exercise. My kids and I had so much fun spotting the words and, in some cases, needed a dictionary to decipher the meaning (e.g., What does bosky mean? Well, I know now!). The book also uses a mixture of comic-strip type illustrations whereby the characters speak using speech bubbles. My kids just loved it!
I do also want to comment on the physical characteristics of the book. The book itself has a very sturdy book cover (i.e., will have increased longevity), includes a dust jacket, and features thick, tear-resistant pages. Overall, it is a solid, well-manufactured book. I just had to share my appreciation for the "feel" of the book - the difference from a standard picture book paperback is quite noticeable.
My Bottom Line:
Little Red Writing is an absolutely delightful and whimsical picture book which features incredibly detailed illustrations, a hysterically funny story, and basic writing lessons for the budding author. My kids and I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend this book to teachers, librarians, and parents of children aged 4 years and older.
* This book was provided by us free-of-charge by the author in exchange for our honest opinion. All opinions expressed are our own. *
There are so many great things about this book, I don't even know where to begin! I love the parody of "Little Red Writing Hood" and in particular, the Big, Bad Wolf. The scenes where it begins to dawn on Little Red that she is not sitting before the school principal after all and the revelation of who has taken the principal's place is absolutely hysterical! The book is full of amusing details, some of which only adults (or at least older children) may understand (e.g., "The Adventures of the Write Brothers" with airplanes on their heads); but, I have to say that if I have to read the same book over and over to my children, I don't mind doing it with this one. I catch new things every time I read it - it's very clever.
The way the book is illustrated is absolutely innovative. Melissa Sweet has done an incredible job of creating detailed, colourful, and interesting pictures to accompany the text. The two-page spread depicting "adjectives" is astonishing. There are adjectives (e.g., flowery, gnarled, dark, mossy, etc.) scattered throughout the two pages in a way that is almost an "I Spy" exercise. My kids and I had so much fun spotting the words and, in some cases, needed a dictionary to decipher the meaning (e.g., What does bosky mean? Well, I know now!). The book also uses a mixture of comic-strip type illustrations whereby the characters speak using speech bubbles. My kids just loved it!
I do also want to comment on the physical characteristics of the book. The book itself has a very sturdy book cover (i.e., will have increased longevity), includes a dust jacket, and features thick, tear-resistant pages. Overall, it is a solid, well-manufactured book. I just had to share my appreciation for the "feel" of the book - the difference from a standard picture book paperback is quite noticeable.
My Bottom Line:
Little Red Writing is an absolutely delightful and whimsical picture book which features incredibly detailed illustrations, a hysterically funny story, and basic writing lessons for the budding author. My kids and I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend this book to teachers, librarians, and parents of children aged 4 years and older.
* This book was provided by us free-of-charge by the author in exchange for our honest opinion. All opinions expressed are our own. *
October 3, 2013
This is a fresh version of Little Red Riding Hood. Here Little Red is a pencil and her assignment in school is to write a story, even though it can be quite dangerous. Her teacher gives her a basket of words to use in case of an emergency, but also warns her to stick to her basic story so that she doesn’t get lost. Little Red starts writing but soon tries to add more excitement to her story. Before she knows it, she has bounced right off of the page and into a forest. It’s a forest full of description, but that’s also something that can bog down a story. Little Red has to use a word from her basket to get free. More perils follow with sentences that run on, abandoned punctuation, and a growling voice and twirly tail that lead right to the principal’s office. It is up to Little Red to both be a hero and finish her story.
Holub has written a very engaging new version of Little Red Riding Hood. She successfully ties in tips on writing, not allowing them to force her to leave the basic story path. Her writing is entirely engaging, the format of the story writing works well and she weaves the classic elements of the tale into this one so that it is different but still recognizable.
Sweet’s illustrations are done in her signature combination of cut paper and drawings. Her bright colors add much to the liveliness of the book. She uses the cut paper to good effect throughout, allowing them to set aside important parts of the book as well as using fonts of various styles to really make the book stand out.
A great pick for writing units, this is one of the best changed-up Red Riding Hoods that I’ve seen. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Holub has written a very engaging new version of Little Red Riding Hood. She successfully ties in tips on writing, not allowing them to force her to leave the basic story path. Her writing is entirely engaging, the format of the story writing works well and she weaves the classic elements of the tale into this one so that it is different but still recognizable.
Sweet’s illustrations are done in her signature combination of cut paper and drawings. Her bright colors add much to the liveliness of the book. She uses the cut paper to good effect throughout, allowing them to set aside important parts of the book as well as using fonts of various styles to really make the book stand out.
A great pick for writing units, this is one of the best changed-up Red Riding Hoods that I’ve seen. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
September 26, 2014
This is a "picture book" done graphic novel-style, about a red pencil who struggles with the details of how to write a story. Included are lessons on verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and conjunctions.
I picked up this book thinking it was a picture book because of its large format, and therefore was a bit disoriented when I realized that the subject matter was better suited to 3rd and 4th graders. But would an 8- or 9-year-old want to read a book that looks like it was made for a preschooler? On the other hand, would a kindergartner have any idea what adjectives and adverbs are? The book was intended to teach grammar lessons, but there is a bit of a disconnect because of the way the story is told. Ages 6-9.
I picked up this book thinking it was a picture book because of its large format, and therefore was a bit disoriented when I realized that the subject matter was better suited to 3rd and 4th graders. But would an 8- or 9-year-old want to read a book that looks like it was made for a preschooler? On the other hand, would a kindergartner have any idea what adjectives and adverbs are? The book was intended to teach grammar lessons, but there is a bit of a disconnect because of the way the story is told. Ages 6-9.
August 10, 2014
I thought the premise of this book was cute, but as I continued to read on, I was a little bored with it. The concept of Little Red Riding (Writing) being a pencil and creating her our story does seem like a page turner, but I quickly became bored with the idea.
The book seemed a little all over the place in the beginning and then the story settled in towards the end. I think that children will be a little antsy with this one becomes it is about the writing process. This is a cool book for an adult to let loose and read this book for creative inspiration. It's a good "how-to" book to craft a story. Just didn't really jump off the page for me.
The book seemed a little all over the place in the beginning and then the story settled in towards the end. I think that children will be a little antsy with this one becomes it is about the writing process. This is a cool book for an adult to let loose and read this book for creative inspiration. It's a good "how-to" book to craft a story. Just didn't really jump off the page for me.
July 28, 2015
This was a little difficult to read because of the layout of the words with the illustrations and because I kept getting distracted by the punny illustrations (the sewing club sewing pencil skirts?? HA!). Even though it parodies the story of Little Red Riding Hood, there wasn't much plot to it. Instead, the charm is in how Holub uses the different parts of speech in the story and the illustrations that match. I'm going to see if I can use it for teaching about word choice.
January 3, 2016
Disclaimer: I won a signed copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, but that fact does not influence the true review below.
I had read good things about Little Red Writing, so I was excited to hear that I had won the giveaway. When the book arrived, I opened the package with excitement. I didn't know what I would find - I was ready to enjoy it and then pass it along to a primary colleague, if need be. I am glad to say, Little Red will be finding a permanent place in my fifth grade classroom!
Little Red is a pencil who wants to write a story about bravery. (Other pencils in her class are writing other stories.) Their teacher, Ms. 2, reminds the students of the Story Path, and sends Red on her way. She learns about active verbs in the gym, adjectives in the shadowy, verdant, and dense forest, conjunctions, and adverbs. She also learns a thing or two about run on sentences when she I'd frightened by a big GRRRR!!! Seeing a tangly tail, she follows it to the principal's office. There she saves Principal Granny from the Wolf 3000 pencil sharpener, and makes it back to class in time to share her story.
Although the metaphor of the book isn't perfect, I enjoyed the story, and am excited about using the book during Writing Workshop with my fifth graders.
I had read good things about Little Red Writing, so I was excited to hear that I had won the giveaway. When the book arrived, I opened the package with excitement. I didn't know what I would find - I was ready to enjoy it and then pass it along to a primary colleague, if need be. I am glad to say, Little Red will be finding a permanent place in my fifth grade classroom!
Little Red is a pencil who wants to write a story about bravery. (Other pencils in her class are writing other stories.) Their teacher, Ms. 2, reminds the students of the Story Path, and sends Red on her way. She learns about active verbs in the gym, adjectives in the shadowy, verdant, and dense forest, conjunctions, and adverbs. She also learns a thing or two about run on sentences when she I'd frightened by a big GRRRR!!! Seeing a tangly tail, she follows it to the principal's office. There she saves Principal Granny from the Wolf 3000 pencil sharpener, and makes it back to class in time to share her story.
Although the metaphor of the book isn't perfect, I enjoyed the story, and am excited about using the book during Writing Workshop with my fifth graders.
August 16, 2013
Readers, young and old, will be hard pressed to keep a straight face while enjoying this humorous take-off on "Little Red Riding Hood." It features a teacher named Ms. 2 and her band of eager pencil writers, most notably Little Red. Armed with a basket of nouns, the red pencil begins to write a story. She ends up distracted by adjectives in "a deep, dark, descriptive forest" (unpaged)and then is overwhelmed by the conjunctions provided by Conjunction Glue, causing her to create quite a run-on sentence. Things go from bad to worse after she hears a growling noise that frightens her so much that she forgets every punctuation rule she already knew. Naturally, there's a showdown between Little Red and the wolf, in this case, a pencil sharpener. The watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations are a delight from start to finish--as is the text. I chortled when I read about how the principal's life "had been somewhat shortened by her experience" (unpaged) with the pencil sharpener. This book is perfect for sharing with other just for the pleasure of reading it, but it also serves as an excellent introduction to writing or as example of a clever fractured fairy tale.
August 14, 2013
What a CLEVER, CLEVER story!
Can be read purely for entertainment!
But can also be read to teach listening skills and/or help with writing skills.
For you see...
Once upon a time there was a pencil school....
and Ms. 2, the teacher assigned the students to write a story....
Little Red (the red pencil) wanted her story to be a journey through the school.
She had a basket of 15 red word to use, if needed.
So she began...
Read this fun story to find out what happens to Red when she finds herself in the deep, dark, descriptive forest... Or when she uses too many glue words... And when she abandons all rules of punctuation...
But when she decides "to tail a tail to the big bad wolf 3000 (the pencil sharpener)"...Can she save Principal Granny Pencil?
I giggled out loud during this very wonderful book!
I LOVED IT!
The pictures are adorable and add greatly to the story line!
Can be read purely for entertainment!
But can also be read to teach listening skills and/or help with writing skills.
For you see...
Once upon a time there was a pencil school....
and Ms. 2, the teacher assigned the students to write a story....
Little Red (the red pencil) wanted her story to be a journey through the school.
She had a basket of 15 red word to use, if needed.
So she began...
Read this fun story to find out what happens to Red when she finds herself in the deep, dark, descriptive forest... Or when she uses too many glue words... And when she abandons all rules of punctuation...
But when she decides "to tail a tail to the big bad wolf 3000 (the pencil sharpener)"...Can she save Principal Granny Pencil?
I giggled out loud during this very wonderful book!
I LOVED IT!
The pictures are adorable and add greatly to the story line!
January 16, 2014
A retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" that is also a helpful lesson in teaching kids how to write their own stories. Little Red is a pencil, trying to write a good adventure story. She gets bogged down in the "descriptive forest" and her organized story starts to get a little wild when she notices a strange growling creature, who eventually ends up impersonating "Principal Granny." Little Red will have to use her wits (and her words) to save the day.
Lots of interesting illustrative detail here, and surprisingly sophisticated and good advice on writing in general.
Lots of interesting illustrative detail here, and surprisingly sophisticated and good advice on writing in general.
October 29, 2013
In a beautifully illustrated fractured fairy tale, Little Red, a red pencil, explores the school. She learns to write along the way, finally facing down the Wolf3000 pencil sharpener to save Principal Granny. Super fun, sweet, and delightful. Recommended for students in grades 3 - 5 to introduce creative writing, editing, or the process of using different parts of speech.
November 19, 2017
Great story! It was very funny and punny. It is a story with pencil characters and a theme of Little Red Riding Hood. The big bad wolf was a pencil sharpener. It takes place at a pencil school and has lot fo fun dialogue and illustrations. Kids will love this one! A great book for teachers to use as a mentor text for fun way to begin a unit on writing. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5.
November 20, 2013
A bit of a fractured folktale, this book cleverly uses the story of Little Red Riding Hood to introduce and demonstrate parts of speech and the writing process. It's a funny and engaging read and could be used in a school-age story time. I highly recommend this book!
October 20, 2013
Love Sweet's illustrations. I appreciate the story but don't love it. Can see it being great for mini lessons to do with writing but does the story stand on its own as just a great read? Not sure.
January 28, 2018
Cute way to teach kids about writing, types of words, etc.
October 27, 2021
Pencil school...with Mrs. 2. On the first page you know you're in for a treat...sly humor (sometimes too sly for Littles, but that's the fun!), illustrations you need to watch carefully, and a sharp heroine. Little Red.
The class is to write a story...and Little Red gets a basked (!) of words to help her out..."stick to your basic story path so you don't get lost!"
And of couse she does...she gets lost in adjectives and verbs. Then Conjunction glue shows up and helps...along with adverbs...she ends up in the principal's office, following her story...
This book is a great grammar lesson, a great mash-up of Little Red RIDING Hood, and great fun.
The sign on the principal's door (which he does not follow):
When in Doubt
See Something
Say Something
Help Others.
The class is to write a story...and Little Red gets a basked (!) of words to help her out..."stick to your basic story path so you don't get lost!"
And of couse she does...she gets lost in adjectives and verbs. Then Conjunction glue shows up and helps...along with adverbs...she ends up in the principal's office, following her story...
This book is a great grammar lesson, a great mash-up of Little Red RIDING Hood, and great fun.
The sign on the principal's door (which he does not follow):
When in Doubt
See Something
Say Something
Help Others.
May 9, 2013
Richie's Picks: LITTLE RED WRITING by Joan Holub and Melissa Sweet, ill. Chronicle, October 2013, 36p., ISBN: 978-0-8118-7869-2
"All of your comments and your cutting remarks
Are captured here in my quotation marks"
-- Elvis Costello, "Everyday I Write the Book"
"Little Red knocked on the door.
"'Come in,' said a growly voice.
"'Greetings, Little Pencil. Grrreat to see you,' said Principal Granny.
"Little Red was suspicious. 'I'd like to report hearing a growly voice. And you know what? It sounded kind of like yours,' said Little Red.
"'The better to be hearrrd on the school intercom,' said Principal Granny.
"I'd also like to report that I saw a long, tangly tail. I can't help noticing that you have a tangly tail, too,' said Little Red.
"'The better to get charged up for my school duties when batteries are rrrunning low,' said Principal Granny.
"'I'd also like to report I have just noticed what big sharp teeth you have,' said Little Red.
"'The better to chomp little pencils like you and grind them up,' growled Principal Granny who in reality was...the Wolf 3000™ the grumpiest, growliest, pencil sharpener ever made.
"Just as the Wolf 3000 began to chase Little Red, in walked Mr. Woodcutter the janitor.
"'Who made this mess?'
"'Help!' cried Little Red. 'I think the Wolf 3000 has sharpened Principal Granny to smithereens!'"
LITTLE RED WRITING, a tale about anthropomorphic pencils -- with Little Red's teacher being yellow Ms. 2 -- is a mind-blowingly hysterical picture book about the process of writing stories. The vehicle through which this tale teaches elementary and middle schoolers how to craft stories is the best take-off on the Little Red Riding Hood tale that I have ever in my life encountered.
At the beginning of the book, Ms. 2 has written on the board four steps to creating a story path:
1. Idea, characters, setting
2. Trouble
3. Even more trouble
4. Fix trouble
In Holub and Sweet's demonstration of this path through the ensuing wacky pencils-in-peril story, readers are introduced to strategies employed and parts of speech used in story creation including nouns, descriptive words, adjectives, conjunctive glue, adverbs, action words, run-on sentences, and onomatopoeia.
Illustrator Melissa Sweet who, lately, has been responsible for illustrating what seems to be one award-winning book after another, uses her distinctive and lively style here to bring this crazy bunch of pencils (and the electric pencil sharpener) to life. The result is a very funny picture book that, I guarantee you, lots of savvy teachers will be eagerly sharing with students as part of the process of teaching creative writing.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
"All of your comments and your cutting remarks
Are captured here in my quotation marks"
-- Elvis Costello, "Everyday I Write the Book"
"Little Red knocked on the door.
"'Come in,' said a growly voice.
"'Greetings, Little Pencil. Grrreat to see you,' said Principal Granny.
"Little Red was suspicious. 'I'd like to report hearing a growly voice. And you know what? It sounded kind of like yours,' said Little Red.
"'The better to be hearrrd on the school intercom,' said Principal Granny.
"I'd also like to report that I saw a long, tangly tail. I can't help noticing that you have a tangly tail, too,' said Little Red.
"'The better to get charged up for my school duties when batteries are rrrunning low,' said Principal Granny.
"'I'd also like to report I have just noticed what big sharp teeth you have,' said Little Red.
"'The better to chomp little pencils like you and grind them up,' growled Principal Granny who in reality was...the Wolf 3000™ the grumpiest, growliest, pencil sharpener ever made.
"Just as the Wolf 3000 began to chase Little Red, in walked Mr. Woodcutter the janitor.
"'Who made this mess?'
"'Help!' cried Little Red. 'I think the Wolf 3000 has sharpened Principal Granny to smithereens!'"
LITTLE RED WRITING, a tale about anthropomorphic pencils -- with Little Red's teacher being yellow Ms. 2 -- is a mind-blowingly hysterical picture book about the process of writing stories. The vehicle through which this tale teaches elementary and middle schoolers how to craft stories is the best take-off on the Little Red Riding Hood tale that I have ever in my life encountered.
At the beginning of the book, Ms. 2 has written on the board four steps to creating a story path:
1. Idea, characters, setting
2. Trouble
3. Even more trouble
4. Fix trouble
In Holub and Sweet's demonstration of this path through the ensuing wacky pencils-in-peril story, readers are introduced to strategies employed and parts of speech used in story creation including nouns, descriptive words, adjectives, conjunctive glue, adverbs, action words, run-on sentences, and onomatopoeia.
Illustrator Melissa Sweet who, lately, has been responsible for illustrating what seems to be one award-winning book after another, uses her distinctive and lively style here to bring this crazy bunch of pencils (and the electric pencil sharpener) to life. The result is a very funny picture book that, I guarantee you, lots of savvy teachers will be eagerly sharing with students as part of the process of teaching creative writing.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
January 4, 2015
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2830
I really think these wonderful woman created this book for just for teachers. It is a perfect, perfect, perfect book for a read aloud AND for a mentor text!
First, the book is a direct allusion to Red Riding Hood and is a great book to throw into the mix when looking at different versions of Red Riding Hood. I can just picture this book, with a version of the original story, Hoodwinked the movie, and Lon Po Po. Wow! What great discussions and activities you could do with this.
Second, this book is not just an awesome narrative and it includes a great lesson about writing a narrative. Red, our main character, is given the job to write a story and the book takes us through her journey of writing the story where she needs to include characters, setting, trouble, and fixing the trouble. A perfect opportunity to discuss narrative elements. Taking this even further, it would be so much fun to look at the ideas that each of the other pencils had for their stories and write the entire story. You would have to look at each pencil’s personality and think about how s/he would write the story.
Finally, the book also deals with some parts of speech and how to use them. First are verbs where Red looks for more interesting verbs. She then looks for adjectives to add description. Then learns the importance of conjunctions (but watch out! They can lead to run-on sentences). Finally came adverbs with a bit of punctuation and capitalization discussion. Each part of speech is discussed in a nonboring way and the introduction could be a jumping off point to a deeper discussion.
I really think these wonderful woman created this book for just for teachers. It is a perfect, perfect, perfect book for a read aloud AND for a mentor text!
First, the book is a direct allusion to Red Riding Hood and is a great book to throw into the mix when looking at different versions of Red Riding Hood. I can just picture this book, with a version of the original story, Hoodwinked the movie, and Lon Po Po. Wow! What great discussions and activities you could do with this.
Second, this book is not just an awesome narrative and it includes a great lesson about writing a narrative. Red, our main character, is given the job to write a story and the book takes us through her journey of writing the story where she needs to include characters, setting, trouble, and fixing the trouble. A perfect opportunity to discuss narrative elements. Taking this even further, it would be so much fun to look at the ideas that each of the other pencils had for their stories and write the entire story. You would have to look at each pencil’s personality and think about how s/he would write the story.
Finally, the book also deals with some parts of speech and how to use them. First are verbs where Red looks for more interesting verbs. She then looks for adjectives to add description. Then learns the importance of conjunctions (but watch out! They can lead to run-on sentences). Finally came adverbs with a bit of punctuation and capitalization discussion. Each part of speech is discussed in a nonboring way and the introduction could be a jumping off point to a deeper discussion.
March 26, 2014
When I picked up "Little Red Writing," the first thing that I could think of was the picture book, "The Day the Crayons Quit," by Drew Daywalt. In "Little Red Writing," a red pencil named, Little Red, has been told by her teacher that she must write a story. Throughout this picture book Little Red has the opportunity to learn about action words [verbs], describing words [adjectives], adverbs, nouns, run-on sentences, etc! She is not only learning how to write a well-developed story, but so is the reader! I loved the way Joan Holub [the author] was able to create a correlation between Little Red and the child reading this book, because both individuals learn how to properly write a correct sentence! This book would be perfect to read in a language arts or writing class, because there are so many examples of the figures of speech.
Melissa Sweet, the illustrator, did a wonderful job making the pictures look very child-like. I love how everything looks like it was actually drawn with a pencil! So many colors are used that intrigue the reader and keep them interested in the book!
I chose this book to win the 2014 Caldecott because this doesn't just serve as a picture book, but "Little Red Writing" acts as useful tool for young readers and writers!
Melissa Sweet, the illustrator, did a wonderful job making the pictures look very child-like. I love how everything looks like it was actually drawn with a pencil! So many colors are used that intrigue the reader and keep them interested in the book!
I chose this book to win the 2014 Caldecott because this doesn't just serve as a picture book, but "Little Red Writing" acts as useful tool for young readers and writers!
October 7, 2013
This is such a fun picture book! There is so much to see and read on every page. It doesn't follow the typical picture book format. I think kids will really love reading this, since it is so interactive with all the things to see on each page.
The story is a retelling of Red Riding Hood, from an all new perspective. Red herself is now a number 2 pencil going to school, and the wolf is an evil pencil sharpener that has captured Principal Granny! Red has a basket packed with words. She uses different words to help her along in her journey.
The story and the illustrations in the book are non-stop fun, while being quite educational about words and sentence structure. And the best part of all, is the overall message of bravery!
This is such a fun book, it's one that you and the little ones in your life won't want to miss.
book sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogpsot.com
The story is a retelling of Red Riding Hood, from an all new perspective. Red herself is now a number 2 pencil going to school, and the wolf is an evil pencil sharpener that has captured Principal Granny! Red has a basket packed with words. She uses different words to help her along in her journey.
The story and the illustrations in the book are non-stop fun, while being quite educational about words and sentence structure. And the best part of all, is the overall message of bravery!
This is such a fun book, it's one that you and the little ones in your life won't want to miss.
book sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogpsot.com
July 26, 2014
Holub, J. (2013). Little red writing. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
Little Red Writing is a pencil student who has been given an assignment to write a story, a basket of nouns, and told to stick to the story path. Little does she know as she navigates Pencilvania school that she will encounter a verb-filled gym, an adjective jungle path, and conjunction glue for a giant run-on sentence. The big bad wolf, Wolf 3000, is actually a giant pencil sharpener who sharpened Principal Granny to smithereens. Little Red uses all of her daily experiences to write a story.
This book would work well with grades 1-6 C-CAP Writing Unit “Launching Writer's Workshop” and Slice of Life writing. The main character uses her surrounding to write about a moment/day in her life. A great mentor text for the writing process for any grade. Online reading guide by Chronicle Books: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/...
SLJ Reviewed 2013
Little Red Writing is a pencil student who has been given an assignment to write a story, a basket of nouns, and told to stick to the story path. Little does she know as she navigates Pencilvania school that she will encounter a verb-filled gym, an adjective jungle path, and conjunction glue for a giant run-on sentence. The big bad wolf, Wolf 3000, is actually a giant pencil sharpener who sharpened Principal Granny to smithereens. Little Red uses all of her daily experiences to write a story.
This book would work well with grades 1-6 C-CAP Writing Unit “Launching Writer's Workshop” and Slice of Life writing. The main character uses her surrounding to write about a moment/day in her life. A great mentor text for the writing process for any grade. Online reading guide by Chronicle Books: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/...
SLJ Reviewed 2013
December 9, 2013
A retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale in which Red is a pencil and she is set with the task of writing an original story.
Red tackles some pretty big hurdles as she learns how to add just enough description and to avoid run-on sentences. When a growly noise frightens her she faces off against a Wolf 3000 pencil sharpener and emerges victorious!
The watercolor, pencil and collage artwork does a great job of reflecting the different shades of the story from the overwhelming feeling that too much description can cause to the excitement that adverbs add. The way the back and forth dialogue between Red and the Wolf 3000 reads is clever and so completely in line with this retelling, well done. Great for grades 2-4.
Red tackles some pretty big hurdles as she learns how to add just enough description and to avoid run-on sentences. When a growly noise frightens her she faces off against a Wolf 3000 pencil sharpener and emerges victorious!
The watercolor, pencil and collage artwork does a great job of reflecting the different shades of the story from the overwhelming feeling that too much description can cause to the excitement that adverbs add. The way the back and forth dialogue between Red and the Wolf 3000 reads is clever and so completely in line with this retelling, well done. Great for grades 2-4.
February 5, 2014
A creative re-telling of a popular fairy-tale, Holub’s Little Red Writing uses vivid pictures and an enticing story to teach children grammar. Ms. 2 asks her class to write a story, and Little Red Pencil decides to write about a brave journey. She adds exciting verbs, gets bogged down by adjectives, and gets saved by adverbs! When she hears a loud “GRRRRRRRRRRRRRG”, Little Red realizes that some things are not as they seem to be, turning her journey into a truly courageous tale! Using mixed-media art infused with words, Little Red Writing transforms a familiar tale into a tool for learning and teaching in the classroom. This is a story with a lot of potential for fun class-room activities. For ages 6-9.
June 28, 2014
Little Red Writing is a story about Little Red in Pencil School, where Ms. 2 her teacher instructs the class on how to write a story. The other pencils; birthday pencil, state pencil, and basketball pencil can’t wait to write their happy, nonfiction “Great State of Pencilvania,” and sports stories. Ambitious Little Red truly wants to write a dynamic adventure story about a brave and courageous character, who journeys through the school, fighting evil to “save the day.” This is a clever and gorgeously illustrated picture book, as well as a powerful instructional tool to teach kids about writing stories.
January 20, 2014
I am conflicted about this book. Although it is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, it was not a smooth flow for the younger students. I was reading to 1st and 2nd graders. They lost the story line in the illustrations and multitude of parts of speech references. It would be interesting to try it out on older students. Maybe even middle school English class. There were hilarious "play on words" throughout
the story but they needed a more savvy audience to understand them.
It obviously did not get our votes for Caldecott.
the story but they needed a more savvy audience to understand them.
It obviously did not get our votes for Caldecott.
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