What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Red and the Crocodile
Meet Zara! She's a smart, friendly, and curious girl who loves to visit her Auntie. This is a FRACTURED version of a famous tale. This retelling of Little Red Riding Hood takes the reader to the Louisiana swamps where we meet a new character in Cory the Crocodile. Will Little Red follow her mother's rules? Will Cory the Croc succeed? Find out what happens when they meet on a journey.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 19, 2020
10 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 26, 2019
This isn't really what I was expecting. This is a retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" set in Louisiana with a crocodile instead of a wolf. It leaves out the characteristic aspects of the story ("What big teeth you have, Grandmother!") and instead relies on people's familiarity with the original tale to get the somewhat preachy point across. (The message is literally spelled out in the last paragraph. Subtle, it isn't.)
I have a few problems with this. First, there's the writing. It's confusing in places, with dangling participles and unclear pronoun use. Also, there's way too much of it. At times, this is almost like a novel. Pages of text alternate with illustrations, and some of those text pages are full pages. (Others are not, which makes the book seem somewhat uneven.) Second, and perhaps more importantly, there are no crocodiles in Louisiana. Oops!
I was hoping for some twists. After all, this is billed as a "fractured fairytale". I expected a little more than the story simply changing the grandmother to an aunt, the wolf to a crocodile, and the woodcutter/hunter to a park ranger. Everything else is pretty much the same. The Louisiana setting could have been interesting, but it was underused (especially in the illustrations); the potential for a real sense of place wasn't realized. And, you know... there are no crocodiles in Louisiana. (This character could've been changed to an alligator easily and it would've made more sense. He just would've had to have been named something other than Cory to keep up with alliteration.)
Overall, this was a disappointment. I like seeing new twists on fairy tales... but they have to be done well. Changing up the characters a little bit wasn't enough to make me love this.
Thank you to NetGalley and True Beginnings Publishing for providing a digital ARC.
I have a few problems with this. First, there's the writing. It's confusing in places, with dangling participles and unclear pronoun use. Also, there's way too much of it. At times, this is almost like a novel. Pages of text alternate with illustrations, and some of those text pages are full pages. (Others are not, which makes the book seem somewhat uneven.) Second, and perhaps more importantly, there are no crocodiles in Louisiana. Oops!
I was hoping for some twists. After all, this is billed as a "fractured fairytale". I expected a little more than the story simply changing the grandmother to an aunt, the wolf to a crocodile, and the woodcutter/hunter to a park ranger. Everything else is pretty much the same. The Louisiana setting could have been interesting, but it was underused (especially in the illustrations); the potential for a real sense of place wasn't realized. And, you know... there are no crocodiles in Louisiana. (This character could've been changed to an alligator easily and it would've made more sense. He just would've had to have been named something other than Cory to keep up with alliteration.)
Overall, this was a disappointment. I like seeing new twists on fairy tales... but they have to be done well. Changing up the characters a little bit wasn't enough to make me love this.
Thank you to NetGalley and True Beginnings Publishing for providing a digital ARC.
November 25, 2019
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
Little Red is excited to visit her aunt over spring break -- too excited to follow her mother’s directions. Not following directions is fun and doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone. What’s the worst that could happen?
While the premise of moving Little Red Riding Hood to a Louisiana swamp sounds fun, I feel like this version doesn’t bring anything new to the story. I also feel that Johnson throws the moral of the story in at the end without any of the craftsmanship of the original tale. The illustrations are pretty cute, but my overall feeling for the book is mediocre at best.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Little Red is excited to visit her aunt over spring break -- too excited to follow her mother’s directions. Not following directions is fun and doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone. What’s the worst that could happen?
While the premise of moving Little Red Riding Hood to a Louisiana swamp sounds fun, I feel like this version doesn’t bring anything new to the story. I also feel that Johnson throws the moral of the story in at the end without any of the craftsmanship of the original tale. The illustrations are pretty cute, but my overall feeling for the book is mediocre at best.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
December 4, 2021
Adorable Book
Such a cute book with a great lesson! Never talk to strangers! This book is beautifully illustrated. I love how only Red has color. Being from Louisiana I enjoyed the swamp pictures at the end and the Louisiana facts. Great read for kids!
Such a cute book with a great lesson! Never talk to strangers! This book is beautifully illustrated. I love how only Red has color. Being from Louisiana I enjoyed the swamp pictures at the end and the Louisiana facts. Great read for kids!
November 29, 2019
5 Gold Stars for Little Red and the Crocodile
Little Red and the Crocodile by Suzane Johnson is a fractured fairy tale sensation! There are so many wonderful lessons for children in this book. Zara or Little Red as she is nicknamed is off to visit her Aunt Moshee in the swamps of Louisiana. Her mother warns her not to talk to strangers, go straight to her destination, and not to stop and play her friends on the way. She also reminds Little Red to use her manners and say, “please and thank you.” Little Red sets off on her adventure to Aunt Moshee’s house feeling confident as she is now old enough to walk alone.
Like most children, Little Red prances along the way enjoying the sunny day, beautiful flowers at the market, and the fresh Irises Mr. Leon gifts her. Little Red continues toward Aunt Moshee’s house through the swamps imagining all sorts of lions, tigers, and bears in her head. Suddenly she hears a noise in the bushes and a moment later a crocodile steps out and introduces himself as Cory the Crocodile. He coyly puts her at ease with his swamp tales and Little Red tells him she’s going to Aunt Moshee’s house. They pick fruits from the trees and then part separate ways.
Cory hurries to Aunt Moshee’s house since it’s almost lunchtime. When Cory reaches her house, he swallows up Aunt Moshee in one big gulp! Inside of Cory, Aunt Moshee hopes that Randy the Ranger will stop by to rescue her. Soon, Little Red arrives and is met with the same fate as Aunt Moshe. I will let you surmise the exciting ending when Randy the Ranger stops by Aunt Moshee’s house. I love the way the book is illustrated in black and white contrasted by Little Red’s bright red coat. As a teacher and grandmother, I am constantly directing children to follow safety rules and use their manners much like their parents. Congrats, Suzane Johnson, Little Red and the Crocodile is a darling read and deserves 5 gold stars!
Little Red and the Crocodile by Suzane Johnson is a fractured fairy tale sensation! There are so many wonderful lessons for children in this book. Zara or Little Red as she is nicknamed is off to visit her Aunt Moshee in the swamps of Louisiana. Her mother warns her not to talk to strangers, go straight to her destination, and not to stop and play her friends on the way. She also reminds Little Red to use her manners and say, “please and thank you.” Little Red sets off on her adventure to Aunt Moshee’s house feeling confident as she is now old enough to walk alone.
Like most children, Little Red prances along the way enjoying the sunny day, beautiful flowers at the market, and the fresh Irises Mr. Leon gifts her. Little Red continues toward Aunt Moshee’s house through the swamps imagining all sorts of lions, tigers, and bears in her head. Suddenly she hears a noise in the bushes and a moment later a crocodile steps out and introduces himself as Cory the Crocodile. He coyly puts her at ease with his swamp tales and Little Red tells him she’s going to Aunt Moshee’s house. They pick fruits from the trees and then part separate ways.
Cory hurries to Aunt Moshee’s house since it’s almost lunchtime. When Cory reaches her house, he swallows up Aunt Moshee in one big gulp! Inside of Cory, Aunt Moshee hopes that Randy the Ranger will stop by to rescue her. Soon, Little Red arrives and is met with the same fate as Aunt Moshe. I will let you surmise the exciting ending when Randy the Ranger stops by Aunt Moshee’s house. I love the way the book is illustrated in black and white contrasted by Little Red’s bright red coat. As a teacher and grandmother, I am constantly directing children to follow safety rules and use their manners much like their parents. Congrats, Suzane Johnson, Little Red and the Crocodile is a darling read and deserves 5 gold stars!
January 8, 2020
Thank you to the author for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
As you can probably tell from the above description, this children’s book is a twist on Little Red Riding Hood. Instead of Red, there’s a sweet little girl named Zara. She is supposed to bring her goodies to her aunt Moshee. Her mother warns her to go straight there, without getting distracted or talking to strangers. Of course, she doesn’t listen. If she had, there wouldn’t be a story. Instead, Zara befriends a sneaky (and hungry) crocodile.
I read this to my toddler, seeing as it’s intended for kids. He enjoyed the twist on the classic fairy tale, as did I. It was charming, and the fact that the crocodile doesn’t get cut open in this version is a win in my book.
It is a bit longer than I would expect a young child to sit still for. I’d recommend this one for ages 4 through 6ish. It’s a good tool to use when talking to your kids about stranger danger. The lesson was taught in a fun way.
I do wish there were more illustrations because they were so incredibly cute. However, this was a great book overall, and one that I think most kids would enjoy.
Have you read this to your little ones? What did they think?
As you can probably tell from the above description, this children’s book is a twist on Little Red Riding Hood. Instead of Red, there’s a sweet little girl named Zara. She is supposed to bring her goodies to her aunt Moshee. Her mother warns her to go straight there, without getting distracted or talking to strangers. Of course, she doesn’t listen. If she had, there wouldn’t be a story. Instead, Zara befriends a sneaky (and hungry) crocodile.
I read this to my toddler, seeing as it’s intended for kids. He enjoyed the twist on the classic fairy tale, as did I. It was charming, and the fact that the crocodile doesn’t get cut open in this version is a win in my book.
It is a bit longer than I would expect a young child to sit still for. I’d recommend this one for ages 4 through 6ish. It’s a good tool to use when talking to your kids about stranger danger. The lesson was taught in a fun way.
I do wish there were more illustrations because they were so incredibly cute. However, this was a great book overall, and one that I think most kids would enjoy.
Have you read this to your little ones? What did they think?
January 16, 2020
This is a created version of the famous tale Little Red Riding Hood with black and white illustration by Ayessa contrasted by Little Red’s bright red coat. The author, Suzan Johnson takes the readers to the Louisiana swamps where the story takes place.
The story begins when Zara, the Little Red, embarks on her adventure to Aunt Moshee’s house feeling confident to follow her mother’s advice and walk alone to Auntie. Little Red distracted along the way enjoying the sunny day, beautiful flowers at the market, and the fresh Irises Mr. Leon gifts her. Little Red continues toward Aunt Moshee’s house through the swamps imagining all sorts of furious animals in her head. When she hears a noise in the bushes, a crocodile steps out and introduces himself as a friendly Cory the Crocodile. Since we know the original story, Cory, the crocodile hurries to Aunt Moshee’s house and swallows her up in one big gulp.
BUT, I will let you read the end of the story to find out the twist of this creative version of an old times tale.
The story begins when Zara, the Little Red, embarks on her adventure to Aunt Moshee’s house feeling confident to follow her mother’s advice and walk alone to Auntie. Little Red distracted along the way enjoying the sunny day, beautiful flowers at the market, and the fresh Irises Mr. Leon gifts her. Little Red continues toward Aunt Moshee’s house through the swamps imagining all sorts of furious animals in her head. When she hears a noise in the bushes, a crocodile steps out and introduces himself as a friendly Cory the Crocodile. Since we know the original story, Cory, the crocodile hurries to Aunt Moshee’s house and swallows her up in one big gulp.
BUT, I will let you read the end of the story to find out the twist of this creative version of an old times tale.
December 7, 2019
Zorra is an independent and friendly child who loves spending time with her aunt. She goes off on a trip to visit her aunt with strict instructions to go straight there. But she forgot and trouble came in the form of a crocodile.
This is a delightful updated version of Little Red Riding Hood with a great message for children. The illustrations are well done and I especially enjoyed the use of red in a black and white picture. The crocodile is not scary looking. The story is exciting and interesting. It is age appropriate and the messages are great, listen to your parents, not all strangers are nice so you have to be careful, and don’t give out personal information to those you don’t know. I like this version of the tale and believe children will too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a delightful updated version of Little Red Riding Hood with a great message for children. The illustrations are well done and I especially enjoyed the use of red in a black and white picture. The crocodile is not scary looking. The story is exciting and interesting. It is age appropriate and the messages are great, listen to your parents, not all strangers are nice so you have to be careful, and don’t give out personal information to those you don’t know. I like this version of the tale and believe children will too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2021
I am totally a sucker for taking fairytales and shifting them.
Red Riding Hood in Louisiana and a Crocodile??? Count me in!
My 8 and 10 year-olds sat and read this on a rainy afternoon at our cabin in the northern woods. Both laughed and enjoyed it.
It would be an excellent story for children younger than mine as they read through it almost too quickly. That might also be my mom desire for some longer peace. ;)
Life lessons abound in it.
The only thing I might have wished is the text spacing being a little further apart between lines as my youngest paused when moving to the next line down. He hasn't used finger placing on text for awhile, and that he needed it told me that the text format caused him a pause.
(Identical review under my author account)
Red Riding Hood in Louisiana and a Crocodile??? Count me in!
My 8 and 10 year-olds sat and read this on a rainy afternoon at our cabin in the northern woods. Both laughed and enjoyed it.
It would be an excellent story for children younger than mine as they read through it almost too quickly. That might also be my mom desire for some longer peace. ;)
Life lessons abound in it.
The only thing I might have wished is the text spacing being a little further apart between lines as my youngest paused when moving to the next line down. He hasn't used finger placing on text for awhile, and that he needed it told me that the text format caused him a pause.
(Identical review under my author account)
January 6, 2020
Little Red And The Crocodile is a fractured fairy tale, that would be a great read aloud for a group or as part of a unit on Fractured Fairy Tales. The story was engaging and creative. Zara was an imaginative version of Little Red Riding Hood. She made a fun relatable character for kids. My Sons 7 and 4 wanted more color in the illustrations, but I understand that it is the style the author wanted so it opened up a discussion about the types of illustrations The loved to compare the story to the original. I would highly recommend this book to educators and families.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from , this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from , this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2019
A fun & unique fairy-tale adventure that kids will love
This is a really cute story for kids that will teach them a valuable lesson about the importance of kindness, obedience and following your heart. With adorable illustrations, this fun adventure will bring about excitement, and is educational at the same time. At the end of the book there are fun facts and illustrations (along with website links) about the state of Louisiana, which is where the story takes place. Highly recommended!
This is a really cute story for kids that will teach them a valuable lesson about the importance of kindness, obedience and following your heart. With adorable illustrations, this fun adventure will bring about excitement, and is educational at the same time. At the end of the book there are fun facts and illustrations (along with website links) about the state of Louisiana, which is where the story takes place. Highly recommended!
December 10, 2020
Vibrant illustrations and a story relevant in the modern times
This book has some of the best illustrations I have ever seen.
It is a modern version of the old classic. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but know that this is a cute story that the little ones would love to read.
There’s a short list of lessons learned at the end, which tie back to the story pretty nicely. The pictures of the swaps of Louisiana almost make me want to travel there. Loved reading this extremely visually appealing book.
This book has some of the best illustrations I have ever seen.
It is a modern version of the old classic. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but know that this is a cute story that the little ones would love to read.
There’s a short list of lessons learned at the end, which tie back to the story pretty nicely. The pictures of the swaps of Louisiana almost make me want to travel there. Loved reading this extremely visually appealing book.
December 9, 2022
Little Red Fairytale
Little Red is an interesting folktale story. We get introduced to Little Red which is Little Red Riding hood, Aunt Moshee, Cory the Crocodile, and Ranger Randy. I found it interesting how this book is compiled with images mostly in black and white. Little Red's clothing is in colour throughout the book. The author has included photos of Louisiana and a poem towards the end. I was intrigued by the cover art by the style the artist used which Japanese artist use.
Little Red is an interesting folktale story. We get introduced to Little Red which is Little Red Riding hood, Aunt Moshee, Cory the Crocodile, and Ranger Randy. I found it interesting how this book is compiled with images mostly in black and white. Little Red's clothing is in colour throughout the book. The author has included photos of Louisiana and a poem towards the end. I was intrigued by the cover art by the style the artist used which Japanese artist use.
December 17, 2019
I love fractured fairytales and this one is one of the best. With Zara as Little Red Riding Hood and a crocodile in the wolf's place, what could be better? Zara is a great kid and while she does not follow her mother's rules, kids are under constant threat. This book is a timely example and teaches a wonderful message. Beautifully illustrated as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2020
What a cute book! I absolutely LOVED the illustrations. They were so reminiscent of anime! What a cool take on that in my opinion. The story was fun and close enough to the childhood fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood but with its own spin. I loved the facts about the state of Louisiana and swamps at the end of the book as well as the acrostic poem suggestion. That was a great addition to keep the conversation going! Great job!
September 5, 2020
A Refreshing New Take On A Classic
This is a brilliant adaptation of the story of Little Red Riding Hood made famous by author Charles Perrault. This adaption makes the story relevant to Gulf Coast region of the United states. The wolf villain is replaced by an equally deceptive and voracious crocodile.
The art work is stunning and the message is important, be careful what information you share with strangers.
I enjoyed this update of a story that has been told to may children over several centuries. Children will love this book
This is a brilliant adaptation of the story of Little Red Riding Hood made famous by author Charles Perrault. This adaption makes the story relevant to Gulf Coast region of the United states. The wolf villain is replaced by an equally deceptive and voracious crocodile.
The art work is stunning and the message is important, be careful what information you share with strangers.
I enjoyed this update of a story that has been told to may children over several centuries. Children will love this book
September 20, 2020
Such a wonderful book!
A wonderful book! My daughter already asking for this to be read to her again tomorrow :). This is not just a wonderful story, it teaches children about kindness and being a good person. The art work is beautiful and the spin on the old fairy tale is classic. This is a wonderful version of the Little Red Riding Hood Classic! My kids enjoyed it and I did too. Enjoy:)
A wonderful book! My daughter already asking for this to be read to her again tomorrow :). This is not just a wonderful story, it teaches children about kindness and being a good person. The art work is beautiful and the spin on the old fairy tale is classic. This is a wonderful version of the Little Red Riding Hood Classic! My kids enjoyed it and I did too. Enjoy:)
December 26, 2019
Different from normal retellings of Red Riding Hood, this book gives a new prespective to the tale.
I enjoyed this book as much as my 6 year old did. In fact we had a great time thinking up different choices that both Red and the Cory had and how each would effect them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book as much as my 6 year old did. In fact we had a great time thinking up different choices that both Red and the Cory had and how each would effect them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2020
Never trust strangers
Children are vulnerable in potentially risky situations. Predators are present in physical appearance and by internet. So it’s important for parents to be clear defining who should children trust. The story is a Louisiana version of the red Ridinghood where the Ranger is the authority for help.
Children are vulnerable in potentially risky situations. Predators are present in physical appearance and by internet. So it’s important for parents to be clear defining who should children trust. The story is a Louisiana version of the red Ridinghood where the Ranger is the authority for help.
July 8, 2022
Cute
Familiar with this author's Aiden the Soccer Star series so I decided to give this fractured fairy tale a try. Funny little twist and more aligned with a child's imagination while it teaches valuable lessons about talking with strangers, perfect manners, and looking out for others.
Fun story.
Familiar with this author's Aiden the Soccer Star series so I decided to give this fractured fairy tale a try. Funny little twist and more aligned with a child's imagination while it teaches valuable lessons about talking with strangers, perfect manners, and looking out for others.
Fun story.
October 6, 2022
quick read for youngsters
This was a cute take on Little Red Riding Hood full of even cuter illustrations throughout. I felt the pictures of the swamps that Little Red passed by on her journey were a nice touch. As was the activity at the end of the book. I would recommend this for younger readers.
This was a cute take on Little Red Riding Hood full of even cuter illustrations throughout. I felt the pictures of the swamps that Little Red passed by on her journey were a nice touch. As was the activity at the end of the book. I would recommend this for younger readers.
November 19, 2022
A Unique Spin on Little Red Riding Hood
In this version of the classic tale, you have Zhara as Red. And the Croc in place of the wolf, which is fitting for the Louisiana setting. The colorsplashed images were just right for the story. And the stranger danger moral lesson from the Ranger made for a nice finish.
In this version of the classic tale, you have Zhara as Red. And the Croc in place of the wolf, which is fitting for the Louisiana setting. The colorsplashed images were just right for the story. And the stranger danger moral lesson from the Ranger made for a nice finish.
January 1, 2023
Great Lessons For Little Ones!!!
Zara was on a trip to her Aunt Moshee's house. Although her mother told her no short cuts, her curiosity got the best of her. This author did an amazing job detailing what can happen when you don't listen to your parents. I recommend this book for all little ones and for parents to share with their children for a great learning experience.
Zara was on a trip to her Aunt Moshee's house. Although her mother told her no short cuts, her curiosity got the best of her. This author did an amazing job detailing what can happen when you don't listen to your parents. I recommend this book for all little ones and for parents to share with their children for a great learning experience.
January 2, 2023
Classic type story with a happy ending
This story is a twist on the traditional Red Riding Hood story. Has a good message of not talking to strangers. There are a few graphics but not very many. This is more of a short story with a few illustrations to match the story. The story is about right for the age it is intended for.
This story is a twist on the traditional Red Riding Hood story. Has a good message of not talking to strangers. There are a few graphics but not very many. This is more of a short story with a few illustrations to match the story. The story is about right for the age it is intended for.
December 13, 2019
I really Loved how you adapted this story. It is still Little Red, just a more realistic "bad guy" to an audience that has bayous.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2020
Great twist to a traditional fairy tale
This book is well written to keep children engaged. The story also helps children use their imagination. It can be used with a compare and contrast lesson along with the traditional version of Little Red Riding Hood.
This book is well written to keep children engaged. The story also helps children use their imagination. It can be used with a compare and contrast lesson along with the traditional version of Little Red Riding Hood.
March 12, 2020
This is a twist on red riding hood. This time she will meet a crocodile and follows them to see how the tale will end. Great read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2020
Loved this book!
This wonderful spin on the classic Little Red Riding Hood is a must read. I loved this fascinating story as a child and have a huge amount of collectibles. All children will fall in love with these new characters.
This wonderful spin on the classic Little Red Riding Hood is a must read. I loved this fascinating story as a child and have a huge amount of collectibles. All children will fall in love with these new characters.
May 2, 2020
Nice read!
Little red and crocodile is cute, fun, and filled with quirky illustrations that are very colorful. A classic story with an important message for all. Remarkable writing and characters of Suzan Johnson. I enjoyed a lot.
Little red and crocodile is cute, fun, and filled with quirky illustrations that are very colorful. A classic story with an important message for all. Remarkable writing and characters of Suzan Johnson. I enjoyed a lot.
October 20, 2020
Cute Story
This Louisiana take on Little Red Riding Hood combines a few good lessons along with some information on Louisiana marshlands.
The illustrations are simple but fun and guide the reader through the story. Overall it’s a sweet story.
This Louisiana take on Little Red Riding Hood combines a few good lessons along with some information on Louisiana marshlands.
The illustrations are simple but fun and guide the reader through the story. Overall it’s a sweet story.
January 12, 2021
Cute Fairytale
I liked the twist on Little Red Riding Hood. The setting takes place in the Louisiana swamps and we get a different feel of a classic story. The message is clear by the end of the tale and Zara grows up and learns right from wrong.
I liked the twist on Little Red Riding Hood. The setting takes place in the Louisiana swamps and we get a different feel of a classic story. The message is clear by the end of the tale and Zara grows up and learns right from wrong.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews