Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf by Jeanie Franz Ransom

Big Red 61GdGSYfgnL__SX398_BO1,204,203,200_Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf: A Story About Bullying

Jeanie Franz Ransom, Author

Jennifer Zivoin, Illustrator

Magination Press, Fiction, Feb. 15, 2016

Suitable for Ages: 3-6

Themes: Animals, Wolves, Bullying, Fairy Tale, Courage

Opening: “There was only one path that led from where Little Bitty Wolf lived to where he went to school at Pine Cone Elementary. And that was a problem.”

Synopsis: Little Bitty Wolf has a big problem. He used to love to walk to school until Big Red Riding Hood moves into the neighborhood. Big Red is mean and she loves to tease and terrorize Little Bitty.  She hides behind trees and scares Little Bitty, trips him, pulls his tail and snatches his lunch basket. He tries to ignore her. He stands up to her and tells her to stop, but nothing works. What will he do? Little Bitty talks to his parents and to the school counselor, Mr. Know-It-Owl. He tries something totally unexpected to get Big Red to stop!

Why I like this book:

Jennifer Zivoin has penned a charming twist on the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood. The author turns the story topsy-turvy and Little Bitty Wolf is the target of taunting and bullying by a larger-than-life mean girl, Big Red.  Children will identify with the relentless teasing in this very original fairy tale. Little Bitty Wolf is an adorable  character with heart and determination. Kids will cheer for this little wolf as he attempts to reason and outsmart Big Red in order to get her to stop.  Jennifer Zivoin’s illustrations are richly textured, beautiful, lively and powerful!  The expressions on the faces of Big Red and Little Bitty are priceless. I like the teamwork between the author and illustrator.

Resources:  This is a perfect topic for the beginning of the school year and a way to engage students in a discussion about how they treat each other!  Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf is an excellent resource for teaching children good emotional techniques and to stand up for what is right. The book includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers about how to spot the common signs that indicate their child is the victim of bullying, witnesses bullying or is the perpetrator of bullying.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.  

About Patricia Tiltonhttps://childrensbooksheal.wordpress.comI want "Children's Books Heal" to be a resource for parents, grandparents, teachers and school counselors. My goal is to share books on a wide range of topics that have a healing impact on children who are facing challenges in their lives. If you are looking for good books on grief, autism, visual and hearing impairments, special needs, diversity, bullying, military families and social justice issues, you've come to the right place. I also share books that encourage art, imagination and creativity. I am always searching for those special gems to share with you. If you have a suggestion, please let me know.

44 thoughts on “Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf by Jeanie Franz Ransom”

  6. Oh, how fun to see a book illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin! She’s in my Indiana SCBWI chapter (and I just bought her old HP printer from her this summer since she has switched to digital painting…LOL!). Gotta check this one out!

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  7. I reviewed this book earlier this year. I enjoyed the twist on the classic story, and I thought the parent resources at the back of the book were very helpful.

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  11. I love the name, Mr. Know-It-Owl. I’m definitely checking out this book. I’ve taught my daughter not to look hurt or upset if anyone teases her because if a bully sees he can hurt you, he or she will continue. I’m curious what techniques Little Bitty Wolf uses. Thanks for a great post!

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    • When I worked as K-2 counselor, I had a puppet I named “Mr. Know-It-Owl” that “helped” me with classroom guidance lessons. The students loved him, and I’ll admit, I did, too, even though I’d never been a puppet fan before! When I wrote this book, I knew I wanted to have Mr. Know-It-Owl as the counselor. Thought I’d share this little “fun fact,” and hope you find the book to be helpful!

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      • Jeanie,
        Thank you for visiting and sharing that fun fact about how you named the owl Mr. Know-It-Owl in your story. Excellent story and as you can see readers were captivated by your story of Big Red and Little Bitty Wolf.
        Patricia

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      • Dear Jeanie Ransom, I’m smiling that you had a puppet to help you as a counselor. When I was quite young, my grandmother sent me puppets from Germany which I kept over the years. Since my daughter was three, I have brought out certain puppets that she feels comfortable telling her troubles to. It’s a plus that I studied psychology in college, but I am continually amazed that the puppets help her open up about issues she feels uncomfortable telling me about.

        I have your book on order at my library, and I’m looking forward to reading it.

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      • Thank you, Jeanie, for visiting my website. I’m glad you enjoyed my review of your book! As you see by the comments, readers really love your book! It is such a great classroom book for the beginning of the school year!
        Best,
        Patricia

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  13. A beautiful looking book with a great resource. Love that they switched it around so wolf is not bad. This will be great in schools and in libraries everywhere. Nice choice Pat, as always.

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