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LITTLE RED RUTHIE: A Hanukkah Tale
It was a chilly winter in the northern woods, but Ruthie did not mind. Dressed in her favorite puffy red coat, she was going to spend Hanukkah with her grandmother, who lived on the other side of the forest. Ruthie was bringing sour cream and applesauce to go along with the yummy latkes. She carefully packed her basket and kissed her mother good-bye. Snow began to fall. Soon Ruthie was lost in a thicket, and she was not alone. Someone was hiding behind the tree, and when he jumped out, Ruthie found herself face to face with a wolf. Ruthie will have to convince the wolf that eating latkes will be tastier than eating her!
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First published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 14, 2018
A Hanukkah take on Little Red Riding Hood. In this version, the wolf is not feed a granny or Red, he is feed Latkes until he is so stuffed he couldn't eat another thing and little Ruthie is very smart and cunning. She's a quick one.
The niece enjoyed the smarts of Ruthie and she gave this 3 stars. The nephew thought the wolf was funny and he gave him 3 stars too.
Cute.
The niece enjoyed the smarts of Ruthie and she gave this 3 stars. The nephew thought the wolf was funny and he gave him 3 stars too.
Cute.
July 17, 2018
Ok I only almost died laughing. The writing is simple but enticing. “Ruthie’s heart raced. Her tummy flip-flopped.” The illustrations adorable with great movement and an understated color palate. The twists and turns absolutely hysterical. I especially loved the details of a traditional Jewish holiday so seamlessly incorporated into the story. A great read for my little ones and a great model for other authors who love new takes on traditional tales.
August 23, 2020
I love how this book brings out how important that it is to be able to read!
December 19, 2025
3.5 🌟 what a wonderful inclusion of a Latke recipe at the end so you can make them yourself. The artwork was fun and playful and the story is a slight spin on Red Riding Hood.
December 6, 2018
The story is like the fairytale of little red riding hood but this book has a twist. I would recommend this book to children in first grade, learning about different seasons and different people, who to trust and who to listen too.
December 6, 2018
This was the sweetest Fairy Tale adaptation. I absolutely loved it, and I can't wait to try the recipe in the back!
January 4, 2018
A Chanukah story and a fairy tale? Sign me up!
I picked this up at they synagogue I teach at when they were doing a book fair to support the preschool (along with several other non-Jewish fairytale adaptations for later…)
As a teaching book about Chanukah, there’s not a lot to recommend it. The Chanukah story of the Maccabees is only alluded to. The oil miracle gets a page or so of text. The focus here is on latkes. And who doesn’t like latkes? It’s definitely a fun read among the many available Chanukah books even if it isn’t one I would pull to teach.
As a Little Red Riding Hood story, I really enjoyed it. I’ve definitely seen versions of LRRH that follow a somewhat similar plot variation before, but this one works really well, particularly as a Chanukah story.
Little Red Ruthie is on her way to Bubbe’s house when she encounters the wolf. He beats her to grandmother’s house and discovers that Bubbe is out. There’s a great moment where he enjoys dressing up in her clothes.
As with many a Modern Red, Ruthie has to outsmart him. She treats the wolf as a guest and offers to make him latkes. Bubbe had conveniently left the ingredients out and Ruthie is very proud to remember the recipe. I loved this little detail – it’s great to encourage the passing down of traditional family recipes in a day when most of us just ask the internet how to make something. There’s a recipe in the back for whoever needs one!
The wolf of course ends up in a food coma, just as anyone does who eats too many latkes. Needing fresh air (and no more latkes) he runs off when Bubbe arrives.
The illustrations here are fun, especially the early pages, for example the wolf’s admiring of himself. Unfortunately once it gets into the latke making and eating, they aren’t quite as exciting, though perfectly serviceable. Some of this may be because I was looking at a paperback version of the book. Gloss would have helped the digital images. The palette overall involves a lot of red. Ruthie, rather than a hood, wears a red puffy jacket and a hat. It’s a cute and relatable character design.
There was, however, one element in the setting that really bothered me. There is a Chanukiah on the hutch (What Grandma doesn’t have a hutch?) BUT there is an incredibly awkward Magen David (Star of David) with a bright red, awful, Christmas like ribbon attached hanging by the door. Who hangs a weird looking Chanukah ornament at all? And why by the door? Yes, the overall book palette is based on red, but who decorates for Chanukah that way? Commercially available Chanukah products have clearly decided that Chanukah = Jewish holiday = Blue with gold, silver and/or white. (They’ve also pushed to spellings of Chanukah I dislike.) I found it a weirdly distracting detail, particularly since the way the doorway is drawn, it’s basically all white space with this strangely sized star.
More at: https://variegatedpixieyarns.wordpres...
I picked this up at they synagogue I teach at when they were doing a book fair to support the preschool (along with several other non-Jewish fairytale adaptations for later…)
As a teaching book about Chanukah, there’s not a lot to recommend it. The Chanukah story of the Maccabees is only alluded to. The oil miracle gets a page or so of text. The focus here is on latkes. And who doesn’t like latkes? It’s definitely a fun read among the many available Chanukah books even if it isn’t one I would pull to teach.
As a Little Red Riding Hood story, I really enjoyed it. I’ve definitely seen versions of LRRH that follow a somewhat similar plot variation before, but this one works really well, particularly as a Chanukah story.
Little Red Ruthie is on her way to Bubbe’s house when she encounters the wolf. He beats her to grandmother’s house and discovers that Bubbe is out. There’s a great moment where he enjoys dressing up in her clothes.
As with many a Modern Red, Ruthie has to outsmart him. She treats the wolf as a guest and offers to make him latkes. Bubbe had conveniently left the ingredients out and Ruthie is very proud to remember the recipe. I loved this little detail – it’s great to encourage the passing down of traditional family recipes in a day when most of us just ask the internet how to make something. There’s a recipe in the back for whoever needs one!
The wolf of course ends up in a food coma, just as anyone does who eats too many latkes. Needing fresh air (and no more latkes) he runs off when Bubbe arrives.
The illustrations here are fun, especially the early pages, for example the wolf’s admiring of himself. Unfortunately once it gets into the latke making and eating, they aren’t quite as exciting, though perfectly serviceable. Some of this may be because I was looking at a paperback version of the book. Gloss would have helped the digital images. The palette overall involves a lot of red. Ruthie, rather than a hood, wears a red puffy jacket and a hat. It’s a cute and relatable character design.
There was, however, one element in the setting that really bothered me. There is a Chanukiah on the hutch (What Grandma doesn’t have a hutch?) BUT there is an incredibly awkward Magen David (Star of David) with a bright red, awful, Christmas like ribbon attached hanging by the door. Who hangs a weird looking Chanukah ornament at all? And why by the door? Yes, the overall book palette is based on red, but who decorates for Chanukah that way? Commercially available Chanukah products have clearly decided that Chanukah = Jewish holiday = Blue with gold, silver and/or white. (They’ve also pushed to spellings of Chanukah I dislike.) I found it a weirdly distracting detail, particularly since the way the doorway is drawn, it’s basically all white space with this strangely sized star.
More at: https://variegatedpixieyarns.wordpres...
December 2, 2017
I'm not usually big on revised folk tales, unless they add something interesting to the story. In this case, the author did just that. Not only is this version of "Little Red" more than a brainless victim, she and her grandmother both display a personality. The wolf has a personality, too, which comes out in the strangest moments, but is actually quite funny.
All that plus a latke recipe and a simplified story of why a food fried in oil is part of the Hanukkah tradition...very good variation on the old tale.
All that plus a latke recipe and a simplified story of why a food fried in oil is part of the Hanukkah tradition...very good variation on the old tale.
November 20, 2018
Only reason this is a 4.5 is I want to know what the jelly doughnut is for at the end (is it a traditional Hanukkah treat or a special one for Ruthie's family)! Plus, would like to have seen a little more description about Hanukkah as it is very geared towards those of the faith. Which is fine, but would like to have seen a slightly broader audience for it. LOVE the illustrations.
Second read: I enjoyed it as much this time but still a 4.5
Second read: I enjoyed it as much this time but still a 4.5
October 19, 2017
I'm not a huge fan of the Little Red Riding Hood story, but this is a cute twist on the fairy tale that's more funny than scary. Red is transformed into a quick-thinking girl who fills the hungry wolf up with latkes before sending him on his way.
Vegan parents note: There is a latke recipe in the back which contains eggs, but egg substitutes are pretty easy to find--and there are lots of yummy egg-free latke recipes on the net.
Vegan parents note: There is a latke recipe in the back which contains eggs, but egg substitutes are pretty easy to find--and there are lots of yummy egg-free latke recipes on the net.
December 12, 2017
Loved the illustrations. Really related to this one and how clever Ruthie was and loved how the wolf couldn't read so it made sense for him to just go on in (and be bored and try on the clothes while he waited! haha). Loved how the violence wasn't necessary in this one and the Hanukkah story is woven throughout (though would have like the explanation of the bravery of the Maccabees a bit sooner).
September 26, 2017
"Ruthie is brave. I like her coat. Her grandma is nice too. I want to make latkes with my mommy."
- V, age 4
[We read this book five times before returning it to the library at my preschooler's request. It is a nice version of the fairytale. And the recipe for latkes is provided at the end of the book.]
- V, age 4
[We read this book five times before returning it to the library at my preschooler's request. It is a nice version of the fairytale. And the recipe for latkes is provided at the end of the book.]
October 3, 2017
Very cute illustrations accompany this fun Little Red Riding Hood rewritten as a Hanukkah Tale.
November 16, 2017
Super cute version of Little Red Riding Hood with a Hanukkah twist. (And let's face it, we've all felt like the wolf at the end after eating too many latkes!)
January 20, 2018
Great illustrations and a wonderful chance to explain the holiday to an emerging reader. Clever!
December 10, 2020
My 3 year old daughter is very into fairy tales right now, especially Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf; being the first night of Hanukkah tonight (though we don't celebrate, but nevertheless), it seemed appropriate to share this story of Ruthie, who saves herself from the fate of being eaten by the BBW by cooking him delicious latkes.
This is a fun take on the classic fairy tale and includes a recipe for latkes at the end. It very briefly tells the story of Hanukkah. The artwork is gorgeous, with a limited, striking color palette. We both liked this one a lot; in fact, I read it once and she asked me to read it all over again.
This is a fun take on the classic fairy tale and includes a recipe for latkes at the end. It very briefly tells the story of Hanukkah. The artwork is gorgeous, with a limited, striking color palette. We both liked this one a lot; in fact, I read it once and she asked me to read it all over again.
December 17, 2021
I know including picture books in my reading challenges feels like a cheat, but this was just too cute not to include on my "read" list!
It's such an adorable twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale. I thought the transition of Bubbe leaving a note to the reveal that the Wolf can't read was hilarious, and I love the twist of Ruthie recognizing the Wolf, even in her Bubbe's clothing (and because she COULD read the note!).
Like I think I've said before on another adorable Hanukkah picture book, wish I had stories like these when I was little.
It's such an adorable twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale. I thought the transition of Bubbe leaving a note to the reveal that the Wolf can't read was hilarious, and I love the twist of Ruthie recognizing the Wolf, even in her Bubbe's clothing (and because she COULD read the note!).
Like I think I've said before on another adorable Hanukkah picture book, wish I had stories like these when I was little.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2018
I like how this story incorporates the history of Hanukkah, but I felt that it had a very anticlimactic ending. The Grandma walks in and is terrified, then is suddenly fine and whisks the wolf outside giving him a treat. To me, reading it aloud, it just didn't feel right. But, the pictures are wonderful and my students loved that it mirrored the traditional Little Red Riding Hood for most of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
ONE OF MY GRANDCHILDREN'S FAVORITE BOOKS
Our family celebrates Christmas, but Little Red Ruthie is a favorite holiday read. We make the latkes from the recipe at the end of the story. We cheer Little Red Ruthie on during her peril-filled journey to her grandmother's. This creative retelling of Red Riding Hood with a Hanukkah twist and an independent heroine who resolves her own problems is a sheer delight!
Our family celebrates Christmas, but Little Red Ruthie is a favorite holiday read. We make the latkes from the recipe at the end of the story. We cheer Little Red Ruthie on during her peril-filled journey to her grandmother's. This creative retelling of Red Riding Hood with a Hanukkah twist and an independent heroine who resolves her own problems is a sheer delight!
February 27, 2020
I really how in one book, it's the other way around. But I loved how they drew the pictures (whoever drew the pictures) and how he colored the pictures in, and how he revised it while he was writing his book, and I wonder how the original one went. I still like the other version; the other versions are good.
March 1, 2021
A twisted fractured fairy tale, involving a dim-witted, illiterate hungry wolf, and a little girl in red with a basket on her way to her Bubbe Basha's house to make potato Latkes for Hanukkah. What would could possible happen? Not what you might expect in this humorous holiday tale. Look for a delicious recipe at the end of the tale.
December 9, 2023
Author Gloria Koster has rewritten Little Red into a Jewish girl on the way to celebrate Hanukkah with her Grandmother. Ruthie is the wiley one in this story and it is fun to see her outwit the wolf. This modern version is not only a fun Hanukkah story it is also a great girl power story. Ruthie doesn't need anyone else to save her.
December 22, 2018
A take-off on the Red Riding Hood tale, from the point of view of Ruthie, who is going to her Bubbe's house to eat latkes and celebrate Hanukkah. How will she turn the tables and outsmart the wolf?
The recipe for latkes at the end of the book may have something to do with it.
The recipe for latkes at the end of the book may have something to do with it.
December 4, 2019
A delightful Little Red Riding Hood retelling with a very capable heroine. I enjoyed this as an introduction to Hanukkah for my preschooler (we are not Jewish). Also now I really want latkes... or sufganiyot.
December 17, 2019
This was a wonderful retelling of Little Red Riding Hood full of Hanukkah references! Little Red Ruthie uses her wits to outsmart a wolf, and then fills him so full of delicious latkes, that he doesn't have enough room left to eat her or Granny! Really cute with light humor throughout.
October 26, 2021
Very cute book with nice illustrations. I like how the original tale of Little Red Hiding Hood has been turned into a nice Hanukkah story. I quite enjoyed the story. There's even a recipe for some latkes at the end of the story!
January 31, 2022
Retelling of Red Riding Hood, with a Hanukkah image (latkes, menorah) thrown in here and there. Assumes reader knows quite a bit about why Jewish people chooses to remember this day. Missed opportunity.
December 24, 2022
A sweet enough book about being smart and brave, and honoring the traditions and history of Hanukkah. A little corny, a little shoe-horned; not as fun to read as The Latke Who Wouldn't Stop Screaming. But a nice bit of representation, of which there is far too little.
January 5, 2024
I thought the combination of the story lines in the beginning were a bit forced—non fiction holiday info and fairytale, BUT! I did enjoy the twists the story took. How brave Ruthie was. Did not enjoy the illustrations even though they were colorful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2019
The illustrations are great and entertaining. The spirit of the story itself is good, but the writing is disappointing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews