Federico and the Wolf

Gr 1-3—Gomez delivers a fresh and creative retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood." Federico has an important errand to run. He must ride his bike and deliver groceries to his grandfather's home in the woods. The grocery basket is filled with delicious herbs, onions, bread, pickles, and more. Then a cunning wolf appears out of nowhere with a plan of its own. The main character, a boy of Mexican heritage, wears a red hoodie revealing a Mohawk hairstyle and an amused expression. The text flows naturally in a rhyming structure that highlights vocabulary words in English and Spanish. The colorful illustrations use a combination of bright and soft palettes. The wolf is a young, energetic, and expressive antagonist who's likely to appeal to readers. This title has a more humorous tone than its original version, making it ideal for discussions on retellings. VERDICT A delightful picture book with animated illustrations that are sure to attract readers.—Kathia Ibacache, University of Colorado Boulder