Little Red Riding Hood
European Tale
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Retold by The Legendary Connection
TLC#00
Once upon a time, in a cozy village, there lived a cheerful girl known to all as Little Red Riding Hood. She earned this name because of the bright red cloak with a hood that her loving grandmother had sewn for her. One sunny morning, her mother called her into the kitchen. "Dear, your grandmother isn't feeling well. I've packed a basket with fresh bread, sweet butter, and herbal tea. Could you take it to her?"
"Of course, Mother," Little Red Riding Hood replied, her eyes shining. "I'll go right away."
"Remember," her mother cautioned, "stay on the path and don't talk to strangers."
"I promise," said the girl, hugging her mother before setting off.
The path to Grandmother's house wound through a vibrant forest. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, and wildflowers dotted the ground. As Little Red Riding Hood walked, she couldn't help but admire the beauty around her. Suddenly, a large wolf with a bushy tail and sharp ears stepped onto the path. "Good morning, Little Red Riding Hood," he said smoothly. "Where are you headed so early?"
"Good morning, Mr. Wolf," she replied politely. "I'm going to visit my grandmother and bring her this basket of goodies."
"How kind of you," the wolf grinned, showing his sharp teeth. "And where does your grandmother live?"
"Just beyond the forest, in the cottage near the three large oak trees," she answered. The wolf's eyes gleamed with a cunning plan. "What a lovely day for a walk. Enjoy your journey," he said, bowing before trotting away. Little Red Riding Hood continued her walk, occasionally stopping to pick colorful flowers for her grandmother. She didn't notice the wolf stealthily taking a shortcut to Grandmother's house.
The wolf arrived at the quaint cottage and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" came a weak voice from inside.
"It's Little Red Riding Hood, Grandmother," the wolf mimicked.
"Lift the latch and come in, dear," Grandmother said. The wolf entered, and with a swift move, he locked Grandmother in the closet. He then donned her nightgown and cap, and slipped into her bed, pulling the covers up to his chin. Not long after, Little Red Riding Hood knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" the wolf asked, trying to sound like Grandmother.
"It's me, Grandmother, Little Red Riding Hood. I've brought you some treats."
"Lift the latch and come in, dear," the wolf replied. She entered, placing the basket on the table. As she approached the bed, she noticed something seemed different about her grandmother.
"Grandmother, what big ears you have!" she exclaimed.
"All the better to hear you with, my dear," the wolf said.
"And Grandmother, what big eyes you have!"
"All the better to see you with, my dear."
"But Grandmother, what big teeth you have!"
"All the better to eat you with!" the wolf roared, leaping from the bed.
Just then, a woodsman who was passing by heard the commotion. He burst into the cottage, saw the wolf, and chased him out the door. The wolf, frightened, ran deep into the forest, never to be seen near the village again. Grandmother was freed from the closet, and she hugged Little Red Riding Hood tightly.
"Oh, Grandmother, I'm so sorry. I should have listened to Mother and not spoken to strangers."
"All is well now, dear," Grandmother said gently. "But remember, always be cautious and stay on the path."
Little Red Riding Hood nodded, learning a valuable lesson that day. From then on, she always heeded her mother's advice, understanding the importance of caution and the dangers of straying from the path. And so, they enjoyed the treats together, grateful for their safety and the brave woodsman who had come to their rescue.
Original Source: ---. “Dramatic Reader for Lower Grades.” Gutenberg.org, 2025, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/27764/pg27764-images.html#Page_7. Accessed 25 Feb. 2025.