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Graphic Spin
Red Riding Hood: The Graphic Novel
One morning, young Ruby sets out to visit her grandma's house. She wears a Red Riding Hood to protect her from the forest's evil creatures. But will it? A hungry, old wolf has some evil plans of his own.
40 pages, Library Binding
First published August 1, 2008
About the author
Martin Powell
208 books23 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. This entry is for Martin ^ Powell.
Martin Powell is the author of hundreds of science fiction, mystery, and horror stories. He has worked in the comic book industry since 1986, writing for Marvel, DC, Malibu, Caliber, Moonstone, and Disney, among others, and has been nominated for the coveted Eisner Award. Martin also writes children’s books, and frequently contributes prose for many short story anthologies. He resides in Saint Paul, MN.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. This entry is for Martin ^ Powell.
Martin Powell is the author of hundreds of science fiction, mystery, and horror stories. He has worked in the comic book industry since 1986, writing for Marvel, DC, Malibu, Caliber, Moonstone, and Disney, among others, and has been nominated for the coveted Eisner Award. Martin also writes children’s books, and frequently contributes prose for many short story anthologies. He resides in Saint Paul, MN.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 9, 2010
This graphic novel tells the story Little Red Riding Hood or Ruby, as she's referred to in the book. However, the dark and mysterious tone is explicity set upon opening the first page. The setting of this version is in Transylvania with gothic gargoyles and a dark mood. The book has a very "Nightmare before Christmas" feel to it.
While the story is familiar to most, the graphic novel format will likely appeal to reluctant readers. The word bubble text and comic-like illustrations will entertain the struggling reader. The story does not seem carefully constructed, and may lose the audience. Specifically, some story elements, such as the plot, or sequence, may leave some readers confused or left with unanswered questions.
While the main character, Ruby, seems to lack a sense of self, and is a bit dense, she redeems herself in the end by using self-defense against the Big Bad Wolf. My second graders loved this version, it was unique, unpredictable, and humorous in some aspects. However, as an educator, I particularly enjoyed this book for the educational features it provided. The back of the book had a glossary with some of the unusual or interesting vocabulary, it also had an 'About the book' section, which explained the history behind folktales, and it had an extension section, where the author provided writing and literacy extensions. It's an excellent addition to add to compare/contrast instruction!
While the story is familiar to most, the graphic novel format will likely appeal to reluctant readers. The word bubble text and comic-like illustrations will entertain the struggling reader. The story does not seem carefully constructed, and may lose the audience. Specifically, some story elements, such as the plot, or sequence, may leave some readers confused or left with unanswered questions.
While the main character, Ruby, seems to lack a sense of self, and is a bit dense, she redeems herself in the end by using self-defense against the Big Bad Wolf. My second graders loved this version, it was unique, unpredictable, and humorous in some aspects. However, as an educator, I particularly enjoyed this book for the educational features it provided. The back of the book had a glossary with some of the unusual or interesting vocabulary, it also had an 'About the book' section, which explained the history behind folktales, and it had an extension section, where the author provided writing and literacy extensions. It's an excellent addition to add to compare/contrast instruction!
February 1, 2012
In this graphic novel of Red Riding Hood, the tale becomes very dark and scary early on in the book. Ruby, the name given to Red Riding Hood, is going to visit her grandma with her new cape. As the story unfolds, the illustrations become darker and scarier. The layout of the story is in graphic novel format which will appeal to older readers. The ending of the story is different from other versions because Ruby fights back against the wolf and is not saved by the huntsman. Also Grandma is not rescued but you do see her spirit alive and well in her house at the end of the story. The idea of spirits and ghosts takes this version to a whole new level of understanding, appealing to the 4-5th grade reader.
February 5, 2010
Title: Red Riding Hood: The Graphic Novel
Author: Retold by Martin Powell
Illustrator: Victor Rivas
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Year originally published: 2009
Translator (if applicable):None
Approximate Interest Level/Reading Level: Ages 8-13
Format (picture book, audio book, book read online, chapter book/novel, graphic novel): Graphic Novel
Rating system: *****
Brief summary: Ruby, Red Riding Hood goes out to visit her grandma’s house. She wears a red cape made by her grandma from cloth given to her by a fortuneteller. Grandma uses the cloth because Ruby is the dearest thing to her. The hood is supposed to protect her. She meets the wolf in the forest and since he is not a person she speaks to him. She is tricked into finding a four-leaf clover for her sick granny. In the meantime the wolf eats granny. A different ending for sure when Ruby confronts the wolf. I truly think kids will enjoy reading this book. I found it entertaining, myself. The graphic format lent itself well to the tale. Hurrah for its author. I’ll look for other tales retold by him in graphic format.
Author: Retold by Martin Powell
Illustrator: Victor Rivas
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Year originally published: 2009
Translator (if applicable):None
Approximate Interest Level/Reading Level: Ages 8-13
Format (picture book, audio book, book read online, chapter book/novel, graphic novel): Graphic Novel
Rating system: *****
Brief summary: Ruby, Red Riding Hood goes out to visit her grandma’s house. She wears a red cape made by her grandma from cloth given to her by a fortuneteller. Grandma uses the cloth because Ruby is the dearest thing to her. The hood is supposed to protect her. She meets the wolf in the forest and since he is not a person she speaks to him. She is tricked into finding a four-leaf clover for her sick granny. In the meantime the wolf eats granny. A different ending for sure when Ruby confronts the wolf. I truly think kids will enjoy reading this book. I found it entertaining, myself. The graphic format lent itself well to the tale. Hurrah for its author. I’ll look for other tales retold by him in graphic format.
January 27, 2013
In this graphic novel, the illustrations, character thoughts and dialogue, bring a new meaning to this famous tale. The author even provides a brief episode on how the riding hood came to exist. In this story, the main character goes by the name of Ruby. Ruby is a young, naive girl that is on her way to Grandmother's house when she is distracted by the Wolf. However, when Ruby encounters the Wolf again, she isn't as "foolish as you think". Great choice in dialogue and detailed illustrations makes this text a very interactive read for most ages.
February 12, 2026
Little Red Riding Hood in creepy-ish version with stunning illutrations that perfectly match the book's vibe! Wolf was very scary, by the way!
It seemed that the series is connected to other fairy tales somehow. Looking forward to reading the other titles!
It seemed that the series is connected to other fairy tales somehow. Looking forward to reading the other titles!
February 2, 2019
I loved the artwork!
December 13, 2019
This book offers a somewhat unique take on the classic tale.
January 17, 2021
The art is intriguing and lovely, but the story is waaaaaay oversimplified.
May 31, 2021
Me encanta! ( leído en Gallego)
April 3, 2023
Une petite bd qui se lit très rapidement, avec un style graphique qui lui donne sa particularité. Quelques petits changements par rapport au conte original qui collent bien.
February 8, 2010
A new version in a new form, this graphic novel, illustrated by Victor Rivas, presents a powerful Little Red Riding Hood named Ruby who is self-sufficient and able to defend herself against the tricky wolf. With apparent self-defense training -either in kick boxing or kung fu- Ruby catches the wolf off-balance and then dispenses him speedily with a fireplace ax. Grandma and the wolf's other helpless victims are released but they are no longer in human form- they are friendly spirits who continue to occupy Granny's house in the woods, and keep Ruby company when she visits.
I believe this is a version that will be enjoyed by modern children. More importantly, it does not perpetuate female helplessness as do the traditional versions. Because of the graphic form, this may appeal to older audiences than the traditional versions as well. I suspect third graders and up will enjoy the dark illustrations and the novel conclusion.
I believe this is a version that will be enjoyed by modern children. More importantly, it does not perpetuate female helplessness as do the traditional versions. Because of the graphic form, this may appeal to older audiences than the traditional versions as well. I suspect third graders and up will enjoy the dark illustrations and the novel conclusion.
October 31, 2013
Genre: Traditional Literature
Awards: None
Grade Level: 5-6
How to Use in classroom:
This book is a fractured folktale of the original "Little Red Riding Hood". In this book her name is Ruby. I would use this book in my classroom because it offers a traditional tale that has been passed down for generations and generations and gives it a dark twist. It also tells this story in a comic-strip form, making it more enjoyable for the students and easier for them to follow along. The back of this book also contained a glossary that had vocabulary from within the story that may not be familiar amongst the students. The "About the Book" section in this book gave some history to folktales. This book would also be great for comparing and contrasting this version, with the original version of the story.
Awards: None
Grade Level: 5-6
How to Use in classroom:
This book is a fractured folktale of the original "Little Red Riding Hood". In this book her name is Ruby. I would use this book in my classroom because it offers a traditional tale that has been passed down for generations and generations and gives it a dark twist. It also tells this story in a comic-strip form, making it more enjoyable for the students and easier for them to follow along. The back of this book also contained a glossary that had vocabulary from within the story that may not be familiar amongst the students. The "About the Book" section in this book gave some history to folktales. This book would also be great for comparing and contrasting this version, with the original version of the story.
November 3, 2014
This graphic novel version of little red riding hood is fun, dark, and different. It is set in Transylvania and the grandmother is warned by a fortuneteller that something dark will befall her family and she is given a red cloak to protect what she loves most she picks her granddaughter Ruby. As the story goes ruby meets the big bad wolf and at the end the wolf eats her grandmother and Ruby kills the wolf and releases the ghost of all the people that the wolf has eaten even her grandmother. I enjoyed the darkness of the illustrations.
Recommended age 9-13
Reading Level 4th-5th grade
Recommended age 9-13
Reading Level 4th-5th grade
February 20, 2016
Qui ne connaît pas cette histoire du Petit Chaperon Rouge ?
Avec un titre pareil qui sentait bon les vampires, j’ai été un peu déçue de suivre une histoire qui se rapproche finalement beaucoup de l’originale.
L’auteur ne tente pas trop de nouveautés si ce n’est dans la conclusion que j’ai, pour le coup, trouvé excellente.
Adieu figure masculine du chasseur venu aider la jeune fille en détresse, un peu de girl power, ça fait du bien !
Le graphisme est très beau, j’ai aimé ces dessins gothiques et cette forêt tortueuse.
C’est de ce côté là que vient la vraie originalité de cet album.
Avec un titre pareil qui sentait bon les vampires, j’ai été un peu déçue de suivre une histoire qui se rapproche finalement beaucoup de l’originale.
L’auteur ne tente pas trop de nouveautés si ce n’est dans la conclusion que j’ai, pour le coup, trouvé excellente.
Adieu figure masculine du chasseur venu aider la jeune fille en détresse, un peu de girl power, ça fait du bien !
Le graphisme est très beau, j’ai aimé ces dessins gothiques et cette forêt tortueuse.
C’est de ce côté là que vient la vraie originalité de cet album.
October 26, 2013
I taught summer school this year and our theme was Fairy Tales. One of the things I did was bring in about 75 different fairy tale books. We compared and contrasted a variety of Cinderella stories. We discussed all the different ways there are to tell a story. We talked about story elements and plot lines... so much. Another thing I did was introduce kids to graphic novels. This book was one of the ones I used for it. I liked it. Several of my students absolutely loved it.
October 1, 2016
Another take on the classic story. I loved the way the wolf was drawn. There were about two panels that didn't quite match up to the text exactly the way I would expect them to (like a character saying they're sad but having a big smile on their face). There is also a page or two at the end about the history of the classic tale.
August 10, 2020
I really liked the illustrations in this graphic novel. The story was also entertaining with the twist in the beginning about the story of the cape. I liked how the author crafted a new version which could’ve been expanded a bit. I really wish the comic was bigger and focused on that beginning more ( or anything really because it was sooo good!)
February 8, 2013
Another spin on a classic. with no huntsman and a magic cape that protects Ruby during the day from danger, this story has some changes from the original. I thought the ending was especially strange.
Has a glossary at the back and some background on the origins of Red Riding Hood.
Has a glossary at the back and some background on the origins of Red Riding Hood.
April 17, 2009
Loved the spin on this tale of Red Riding Hood...
May 30, 2011
The art was good but otherwise it wasn't any different from every other Little Red Riding Hood tale. I liked the beginning (the origins of the red hood) and ending (escape) though.
August 28, 2011
I love how a lot of questions are answered in this version.
August 28, 2011
Great illustrations and a wonderful spin on the classic tale!
April 11, 2013
Nicely retold. Love the illustrations! This is a Stone Arch Books book and the publisher includes nice extras after the story...discusstion questions, writing prompts, and internet sites.
July 20, 2013
Reviewed on HereBeFiction: http://shar.es/kqe2L
August 14, 2013
Creepy, with fun new details and a fabulous ending.
October 18, 2013
Not great art, not great adaptation. Not bad.
October 8, 2016
Intrigued my interest in the old classic stories as it was a graphic novel. I never got my "Teach Graphic Novels" off the ground, but it was a seed of an idea.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews