Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf A story about bullying

PreS-Gr 1-This reimagined "Little Red Riding Hood" uses a role reversal to address the topic of bullying. While taking the path through the woods to school, Little Bitty Wolf comes across a big, bad girl: Big Red. Each day, while Big Red teases, taunts, and terrorizes Little Bitty, the little wolf tries his hardest not to whine or to whimper. Little Bitty asks his parents what to do, but nothing helps his situation. After his teacher recognizes something is upsetting Little Bitty, she sends him to Mr. Know-It-Owl, the school counselor. Know-It-Owl's advice is to try something "unexpected." Little Bitty Wolf decides to simply smile at Big Red the next time she taunts him. The guidance helps, and Little Bitty finds himself feeling "a whole lot better" by the end of the story. While this seemingly simple solution may not be as painless and positive in reality as it is in this tale, the story line does provide children with a constructive and encouraging tool against bullying. The text's nonintimidating, gentle tone, paired with playful, bright, and inviting illustrations, is certain to inspire a more in-depth discussion in the classroom or during one-on-one sharing about bullying. Included at the end of the book is a note to parents and caregivers from a school psychologist, filled with information on how to handle situations when a child may be a victim, perpetrator, or witness to bullying. VERDICT Caregivers and educators will appreciate the constructive message that this fractured fairy tale has to offer on the subject of bullying.-Brianne Colombo, Pequannock Township Public Library, NJ © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.