Betsy Red Hoodie: A Charming Tale About a Shepherd, Her Wolf, and Grandma's Cupcakes for Children

Betsy #2

by Gail Carson Levine, Scott Nash (Illustrator)

Betsy is finally old enough to take cupcakes to Grandma all by herself—with the company of her faithful sheep, of course. And although wolves aren’t good for grandmas, Betsy lets her best friend, Zimmo, come along too. But will Zimmo’s wolfish instincts make Grandma the tasty treat instead? In her second picture book starring the feisty young shepherd Betsy, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine teams up once again with Scott Nash to put a hilarious twist on an old favorite. This reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood is sure to delight readers from little lambs to cupcake-loving grandmas.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Animals, Childrens, Wolves, Fiction, Humor

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2010

About the author

Just letting you all know: I'm only going to review books I love. There's enough negative criticism without me piling on. A book is too hard to write.

Gail Carson Levine grew up in New York City and began writing seriously in 1987. Her first book for children, Ella Enchanted, was a 1998 Newbery Honor Book. Levine's other books include Fairest; Dave at Night, an ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults; The Wish; The Two Princesses of Bamarre; and the six Princess Tales books. She is also the author of the nonfiction book Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly and the picture book Betsy Who Cried Wolf, illustrated by Scott Nash. Gail, her husband, David, and their Airedale, Baxter, live in a 1790 farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley of New York State.

Reviews

[Ch13_megan Carlisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Betsy Red Hoodie" is a humorous take on the classic tale. It is written by Gail Carson Levine and illustrated by Scott Nash. The story involves Betsy, a young shepherd who is taking cupcakes to her grandma. She meets up with the towns other shepherd, a wolf named Zimmo. He wants to join her on the trip but she is nervous because of a long ago incident of a wolf eating a grandma. She trust Zimmo enough to bring him along but as the trip continues, she begins to doubt his motives. Can she trust the wolf and will she and her band of chatty sheep make it to grandmas safely?

Levine crafts a unique story that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The highlight of the story is the sheep that Betsy brings along for the journey. Their antics are what keep the story going, from their conversations about grandmas (" The moral is:wolves are good for grandmas")to their stubborn refusal to move in the rain, these sheep are funny. The illustrations are detailed and bright, making use of speech bubbles, especially for the sheep. This book is recommended for grades K-3 and would serve as an excellent read aloud and lesson in traditional literature variants.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my 365 Kids Book challenge. You can see all the books on their own shelf.

And since it is October, I am also embracing books which are at all remotely Halloweeny: in this case a fairy tale retelling and about wolves and possible grandma murder.

I have the house to myself which is good because I have many reviews to catch up on. It’s only been a week since I read Betsy Red Hoodie and already my notes seem random and senseless. This red hood is worn by a trusted shepherd whose best friend happens to be a wolf. The adults are all prejudiced and wrong. There is a great deal of visual silliness with the flock along the way to grandma’s.

Library copy

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day Betsy’s mom says she’s old enough to take some cupcakes to her grandma by herself. Yes! But Betsy’s also a shepherd, so she needs to take her sheep with her. When she opens the pen to let them out, Zimmo, Bray Valley’s other shepherd, who also happens to be a wolf, pops out of the house and begs to go with her. Betsy says no, that grandmas and wolves don’t mix – long ago a wolf had eaten a grandma, after all. But Zimmo begs, and Betsy does need help with all the sheep, so…they set off on the long trip together.
All along the way people warn Betsy that wolves eat grandmas, and Betsy always defends Zimmo. But when they reach the woods and Zimmo runs off and won’t come back, even when Betsy blows her wolf whistle, Betsy begins to second guess her decision to bring him. What if he’s trying to reach grandma’s house first so he can eat her?!

[Sandybear76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betsy and her friend the wolf are shepherds and they are walking to visit Betsy's grandma with the sheep. Betsy starts thinking about the bad wolf in the old story after her friend wolf disappears. Is her friend wolf really after her grandma. Betsy tries to hurry along to Grandma's house but the sheep are having some problems keeping up and out of trouble.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this but it was so chaotic and illogical (even for a children’s book). The only reason I’m giving it 3 stars is the cute illustrations and something resembling a partial lesson about discrimination, I guess?

[Annette Aas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy Red Hoodie, written by Gail Carson Levine, is a unique version of Little Red Riding Hood. Betsy and her friend, Zimmo a wolf, are shepherds of Bray Valley. One day Betsy's mom asks her to take cupcakes to grandma's house. Betsy takes the sheep with her to grandma's house, but she warns her friend Zimmo to stay home because "wolves aren't good for grandmas". Zimmo begs Betsy to let him come along, and she thinks about how Zimmo has never hurt a person or a sheep. So, she allows him to come along, but a farmer and a hunter along the way warn Betsy that the wolf might eat her grandma. Halfway through the journey, Zimmo runs ahead to grandma's house and leaves Betsy to care for the sheep by herself. She ponders all the ways Zimmo has helped her with the sheep over the years, but she also begins to question her grandma's safety. When she finally arrives at her grandma's house, there is a surprise birthday party for Betsy. Betsy's grandma, her mom, the farmers of Bray Valley, Zimmo, and Zimmo's grandma are there to celebrate. I loved this book! It has a great sense of humor along the way with the sheep saying funny comments in speech bubbles. It also left me wondering if Betsy could trust Zimmo or not. What a suspenseful book about friendship and trust. This would be a great read aloud for lower elementary students. Using a venn diagram to compare and contrast this story to another version of Little Red Riding Hood would be a great class activity.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute spin on Little Red Riding Hood. Little Red Riding Hood is a shepherd, and so is the wolf! They go to visit Grandma with the sheep, but the wolf races ahead. Is he the bad guy after all? Fun ending.

[Ruth Lanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betsy Red Hoodie by Gail Carson Levine, illustrated by Scott Nash is a more modern, humorous, different variant of Little Red Riding Hood.

Betsy is finally old enough to take cupcakes to Grandma all by herself, with the company of her faithful sheep, of course. And although wolves aren’t good for grandmas, Betsy lets her best friend, Zimmo, a shepherd who's a wolf, come along too. But will Zimmo’s wolfish instincts make Grandma the tasty treat instead? (Goodreads summary)

Word bubbles are used for the dialog of the sheep who conduct a running comical commentary on the action in the story, including comments on both endpapers. There are also a few word bubbles for other characters.

The comic-like illustrations by Scott Nash have a retro feel, both illustrating and expanding the tale. This modern take on Little Red Riding Hood features a feisty shepherd with a red hoodie sweatshirt, a modern mom, Farmer Woolsey driving a yellow classic convertible, and ten joking, punster, hat-wearing sheep. There are plenty of details to study. I laughed at sheep wearing backpacks! My favorite pictures include Betsy's mom in her kitchen, Zimmo begging to go to Grandma's, and the sliding sheep on Slippenfall Hill.

This version will likely please some and irritate others. I enjoyed its quirkiness and the nonstop puns and comments of the sheep. Others may find that the constant remarks of the sheep make it difficult to read aloud, or interrupt the flow of the story. It is probably best enjoyed one on one, so that the comments and detailed illustrations can be shared at ones own pace. Kids who enjoy comics will likely enjoy this version. Those familiar with the classic tale will likely enjoy the changes to the story, which makes this fun to compare to other versions.

For ages 3 to 7, folktales, Little Red Riding Hood variant, animals, sheep, wolves, grandparents, friendship, birthdays, and fans of Gail Carson Levine and Scott Nash.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first thing that really stood out to me about this book was the rich, imaginative illustrations done by Scott Nash. There's a lot going on in the pictures, sort of a story within a story that makes it easier for kids who can't yet read to have a lot of fun just looking through the book at the artwork, figuring out all that's happening in the background. Scott Nash achieves this effect as well as any other illustrator of picture books in recent memory, and in my opinion it is probably the most attractive aspect of Betsy Red Hoodie.

Basically, the book follows the adventure of a girl named Betsy (who dresses a lot like the fabled Red Riding Hood) and her friend Zimmo, who happens to be a wolf, as they travel to deliver cupcakes to Betsy's grandmother. Complicating the journey is the fact that Betsy has also been asked to take the family's herd of sheep along for the walk, and despite the fact that Zimmo is her friend, Betsy knows from the history of fairy tales that wolves and sheep don't go well together, especially when grandmothers are added to the mix; therefore, she's not totally comfortable with having Zimmo join them for the trip. Betsy will learn, though, that creatures don't always succumb to stereotypical temptations, and that the bond of friendship is an important one, indeed.

I like the unusual way that so much of the story is told in speech balloons, with the sheep providing witty commentary about the goings-on. There are a number of funny lines that pop up at unexpected moments in Betsy Red Hoodie, which adds to the book's charm. I would rate it at one and a half stars, with the scales tipped toward rounding up instead of down primarily because of Scott Nash's exceptional artwork.

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute retelling of Red Riding Hood.

[Todd Strader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently I read 20 picture book depictions of Little Red Riding Hood in preparing to write my own version. Of the twenty, several stood out to me as outstanding for one reason or another. This was one of those. In fact, I believe this one to be my favorite of favorites and it is all because of the sheep.

In BETSY RED HOODIE, Gail Carson Levine's rendition of Little Red Riding Hood, we find that both Betsy and the wolf are sheep shepherds and friends.  They take a journey to Grandmother's house because Grandmother is not feeling well just as in the traditional rendition. However, in the case of Betsy, she brings her sheep along to give them an outing. The moral of the story is not about wandering from the path as in traditional tellings but more about trusting the nature of someone you know verses allowing others to influence your opinion of them. Betsy knows the wolf to be good but a little suggestion on the part of others couple with suspicious circumstances has her doubting.

"Zimmo!" Betsy yelled. Was he trying to get to Grandma's first?
Did he really want to eat Grandma? Was the hunter right?

So this new moral is refreshing and poignant but what really makes this book great are the... sheep. Through the whole story they provide hilarious commentary.

"One shepherd down" ... "Shoo shepherd!" ... "What shoe?"

[Sean Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a strange alternate version of Little Red Riding Hood. In it, she is a shepherd and so is the wolf. People keep telling her to be cautious of the wolf but she insist that this wolf is a good one. She is on her way to her grandmas house just like in the original version and the wolf follows her there. As more and more people warn her about the wolf, she begins to second guess herself and starts to worry that the wolf will eat her grandma when they get there. She panics when the wolf runs ahead, leaving her behind with the sheep. Will the wolf eat her grandma just like in the original?
This was an interesting take on the original, but I did not really care for it. One thing I did not like was the use of wording in the book. There were times where I did not know what the sentence was referring to and confused as to what character was talking. And some of the illustrations did not make sense. One picture is on a page and nothing is even referenced about it. This book could have been a little better, but I did not care for it too much. Little kids may like it, so keep it as an option.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 maybe - I don't know what to say here - it's different! It's Little Red Riding Hood with a twist. My daughter is really into LRRH - she even plays the role here and makes different games around her. So any child liking Little Red that much will probably enjoy this story.
As for other kids, I'm not sure. Little Red, the wolf, grandma, etc. all play a fairly huge part in the story. I myself would only recommend it to lovers of Little Red Riding Hood.
The ending is awesome and not even what I was expecting. The ending was the best part of the book. I kind of with the sheep would have shut up but I guess I can see why the author went that route. Once or twice they raised a small chuckle.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was... an odd book. Cute, overall, but really kind of weird. The first half is a strange version of little red riding hood where Betsy is a shepherd, and the wolf is the other shepherd. The sheep go on a trip to grandma's and the wolf comes along. While everyone tells her the wolf will hurt grandma, Betsy maintains that he won't and the sheep have all manner of comments to make along the way. It has a cute moral about things not being as they seem and just because someone else did something doesn't mean everyone else will be like that person (ie, just cause the wolf once ate a grandma, doesn't mean this wolf will do the same).

It's weird. But if you like weird twists on classic tales (like The TRUE Story of the Three Little Pigs) then you might like this.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Betsy, with her red hoodie, is old enough to take the trip to Grandma's by herself through the woods. Her friend Zimmo the wolf (from Betsy Who Cried Wolf) accompanies her but then disappears. Hunters have warned Betsy that the wolf is up to no good and she suspects the worst. Her sheep (from Betsy Who Cried Wolf) also accompany her on her trip through the woods but they slow her down a lot. Finally she makes it to Grandma's house, where there is a good surprise waiting for her. The sheep in this story ruined it for me. They had no place being there. I would have been happier if Zimmo had run away and Betsy simply had to find the way on her own. He still would have time to surprise her at the end.

[Erika Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a spin off of Little Red Riding Hood. Betsy is supposed to be taking cupcakes to her grandmother. Because she is the shepherd, she must take her sheep with her. Although she is leery about it, she allows the other shepherd, the wolf, to come along. Throughout her journey she begins to doubt her decision to allow the wolf to come. When the wolf runs ahead, Betsy is worried for her grandmother's safety. Eventually Betsy gets to her grandmother's house where she finds her family, friends and the wolf throwing a surprise birthday party. You could use this book to compare and contrast with the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood. Students could make a chart listing similarities and differences between the two.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The snarky sheep dialogue is the best part about this twist on the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood. The illustrations are quite humorous as well and we really enjoyed reading this unusual tale together.

I see that this is the second book by this author featuring Betsy. We want to read Betsy Who Cried Wolf, too.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing that drew me into this book was the quality of illustration done by Scott Nash. I am a fan of anything Little Red Riding Hood. The detail in depictions of the sheep and animals make an especially beautiful read. The pictures blend old fairy tales elements with modern day retro images. Little Red is wearing a hoodie sweatshirt, Farmer Woolsey is driving a very styling yellow classic convertible and Betsy's mom owns a hip bakery complete with cupcakes

view the full review at http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/2...

[carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Betsy is finally old enough to take cupcakes to Grandma all by herself—with the company of her faithful sheep, of course. And although wolves aren’t good for grandmas, Betsy lets her best friend, Zimmo, come along too. But will Zimmo’s wolfish instincts make Grandma the tasty treat instead?" - review from Amazon.com

In this retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, the sheep make jokes, Red wears a hoodie, and the wolf helps herd the sheep. Told with some comic-style pages, younger kids will get a kick out of the humor and illustrations.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last week, parents started noticing the wonderful artwork created by Scott Nashfor the 2013 Summer Reading Program's theme: Dig into Reading! We like it too but didn't know a lot about this illustrator who created such memorable artwork. Since then my colleague Lori made an Author Spotlight about him and I started to look at other titles he illustrated and this one was a hoot! If you like twisted fairly tales, be sure and read this one!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Betsy Who Cried Wolf, however it is a retold version of Little Red Riding Hood. This story is just as cute as the first one. Children love it, especially if you read the sheep's speech bubbles (it is particularly effective if you read them with a sheep-like voice with plenty of "baa's"). The pictures are fun and exciting and detailed enough where there is plenty to look at and keep your attention, however they do not take away from the story. I loved this book!

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

CUTE! I Love Love Love the sheep! There's alot of one liners that are quite clever, though I dont know that it's really a young childrens book because of the way things are written, not that its too mature it's just that well okay example:
"The sheep refused to move in the rain.
Betsy pushed the sheep. She shoved the sheep. She pulled the wool over their eyes..."
Because I am able to catch the cleverly hidden jokes LOVE IT!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute short children's story. Betsy, the sheep herder, is sent to her Grandma's house with cupcakes. Zimmo the wolf, also a sheep herder, wants to go with her. So Betsy, Zimmo, and their sheep head to Grandma's house. All the way people stop and warn Betsy that Zimmo will eat her grandma but she ignores them. What happens when, as they get closer to grandma's house, Zimmo runs off ahead of them? Well you have to read the story to find out.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing follow-up to Betsy Who Cried Wolf. Despite being the same author/illustrator team, the illustration style has changed though the layout is the same as the original book; I find that odd. The surprise party for Betsy seems like a way to wrap up the story, rather than the natural (or even rightfully surprising) climax.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay concept, poorly delivered. Betsy is friends with a non-people/sheep eating wolf. They journey to grandma's house and Betsy's trust in the wolf is tested (perhaps unnecessarily?). Redeeming factor of book is the side comic going on through the illustrations.

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Similar story to Little Red Riding Hood with a spin on it. Sheep and wolves are talking, and there are plenty of fun word bubbles. This book is a bit hard to follow, yet easier to comprehend if you know the Little Red Riding Hood story already.

[Ms. B · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like unusual versions of fairy tales, this may be the book for you. Red Riding Hood is Betsy the shepherd. The wolf is a shepherd, too. The hunter and grandma are in the story, as are a herd of sheep and a few other additional surprise characters.

[Clare Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very cute. I teach kindergarten and I think my students will really enjoy this story. I especially liked the sheep's speech bubbles. I also read it to my 18 month old but it was a little too long for her. I would say it is perfect for 3-8 year olds.

[Chanda2426 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute concept, although some of the jokes sailed over my head. My kids, ages 9, 7 and 4, enjoyed the story and especially the illustrations, which were amazing! The book read a little bumpy and the storyline was a bit shaky, but overall it was a solid effort.