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.
This looks like a perfect book for my 4-year-old grandson. I think he even gets bullied by his 6-year-old brother (although I must admit, he knows how to hold his own!)
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It would be a very good sibling book, if there’s rivalry. I fell in love with the story with suggestions for parents. Great illustrations.
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Ohhh, there’s lots of rivalry! I’m off to get the book. :-0
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A lot of action in this tale. Hope you enjoy it!
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I love when classics get flipped on their heads! Great premise.
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Yes, so do I. It makes the story more relevant to children. This is such a good book!
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Glad to see a good wolf in story books! Thanks for sharing this one.
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He’s an adorable wolf with a lot of determination! Great illustrations!
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What a clever idea to demonstrate how bullying and teasing can affect someone. I like that the wolf is not the bad guy this time.
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Yes, I love this fractured fairy tale. And Big Red is a bully terrorizing Little Bitty. Great illustrations and story.
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Looks like another treasure for my counseling shelves that can go home with me when I retire! Thanks, Pat, for the lead on this keeper.
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It is a treasure. It is a wonderful resource for your counseling shelves.
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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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Yes, you will have to check it out. You will love her illustrations! So expressive and beautiful.
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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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I’m glad you loved the book too. It is a great twist on the traditional fairy tale. Magination Press always has great parent/teacher resources at the end of their books.
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How fun!
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It is a fun book story with great illustrations!
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What a fun flip on the classic fairy tale. This sounds like a great resource for talking about bullying.
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Yes, it is an excellent resource to talk about bullying with a child or a classroom. And, it’s fun!
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I love this new twist to a classic fairy tale. Can’t wait to read this – and so well timed for the start of school!
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Yes, I waited until the beginning of the school year to run my review. Thought it a perfect book for teachers/parents to use with kids. And, it’s fun!
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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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Yes, I liked the play on names – Mr. Know-it-Owl. It’s a book that kids can really relate to. I love how Magination Press includes a section for parents on tough topics.
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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, Patricia, for your kind words. And thank you, Leslie, for sharing your puppet story. It’s amazing, isn’t it, how powerful a puppet can be.
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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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I’m a fan of fractured fairy tales, and this looks like a good one! Thanks for sharing.
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Me too! Wish I had thought of this idea!
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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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Thank you Diane. This turned upside down tale of bullying is a perfect classroom book. Such lovely artwork!
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What a great twist on an old classic, Pat! You always do such complete reviews…thank you so much!
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Thank you so much for sharing my review on FB. I got a lot of views because of it. This is a great resource for teachers and parents. And, kids will have fun discussing the story.
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I’m so glad, Patricia…I love sharing great blog posts…your content is always the BEST!
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Fractured fairy tales are so much fun and versitle. This one sure has the rightstuff, message and characters. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the review!
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Thank Keila! I think Big Red os a perfect modern day tale that kids will resonate with. And, they will cheer for Little Bitty Wolf!
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Love twist on classics like this. I think kids will love the role reversal and solutions.
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Yes, I know kids will love the role reversal! Very original!
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Oh wow! This looks great. Thanks for sharing.
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I know you will enjoy this story. Great resource for parents and teachers.
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This looks like a different take on a classic story… what fun. And what a good way to open discussion on bullying.
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It’s a wonderful book for kids about bullying. Great classroom discussion book!
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