Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong heroine leads the adventure in fairy tale revamp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
When RED's grandmother becomes ill, Red decides to go out into the Woods on her own to find the ingredients needed for a healing potion. Along the way, she learns of three different kinds of magic that could possibly save Granny's life, but to find them she'll have to survive the gnome caves, getting locked in an enchanted castle, and a golden-curled friend who will not stop talking -- not to mention the wolf, who always seems to be lurking nearby. But even if she can find the magical cures, are they really the best thing for Granny, and are Granny and Red willing to pay the price for using them?
Is It Any Good?
Liesl Shurtliff's third fractured fairy tale keeps up the humor and charm while taking a more mysterious, slightly darker turn from the silliness of Rump or the action of Jack. Red's journey involves coming to terms with the idea that everyone dies eventually, so be prepared to talk, especially with little kids, about your own family's experiences, how to make the most of the time we have with our loved ones, and how those we've lost stay with us.
Kids will find a lot to admire and relate to in Red, a smart, strong girl who learns not to let fear get in her way. Despite the darker themes, there are still plenty of laughs, excitement, and adventure to be had. It'll encourage kids to think about how fear gets in the way and what we can learn when we hear the other side of the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about a loved one dying. Many people are afraid of death, and everyone feels sad when they lose someone they love. How have you or your loved ones coped with loss?
Do you wish you could be more like Red? What do you like about her? If you were writing her story, would you make her different? How?
Have you read the author's other books about Rumpelstiltskin and Jack and the beanstalk? Which did you like best? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : April 12, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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