As we progress from coins to culture, we're also going to take a look at some fairy tales over the next few weeks. There's so much that can be learned about different cultures from comparing the many versions of Little Red Riding Hood, for instance.
Fairy tales can be scary for young children, though. That's why I love Petite Rouge: A Cajun Riding Hood, by Mike Artell. It's a very different, mild, and funny version of this classic tale. Not only does it make a fantastic read aloud (just listen to the Just One More Book podcast about it), but you'll also learn a little bit about what it means to be "Cajun" along the way...
Before you read this book aloud to your child, be sure to read the brief history and the glossary first. The glossary will tell you the pronunciations and definitions for some French words that are used in the book.
You'll also want to read the rest of the book before you share it with your child, because then it's more likely that you'll be able to capture the flow of the rhyming text, as well as the Cajun accent, in an enthusiastic way that will delight your child.
If you're not usually too keen on reading aloud using different voices, this book will make it easy for you. I hope you enjoy it! After you read it, you might want to ask your child to compare it to the original version either verbally or with a Venn Diagram. It might even spark some creative writing. Your child might want to write his or her own version!
You can find another very unique version of Little Red Riding Hood in the book, Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China, by Ed Young. This more serious version is dedicated to "all the wolves of the world for lending their good name as a tangible symbol for our darkness."
As you probably know, animals are an important part of Chinese culture, and these words do reflect the somewhat dark feel of this book. As this book may scare younger children, you might want to wait until your child reaches the age of 7 or 8 before you introduce it.
Lon Po Po is, however, a beautifully written and illustrated story, and presents a very unique interpretation of the popular version. It's certainly nothing like Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood! Readers will be able to find many similarities and differences between these very different versions of Little Red Riding Hood.
Lon Po Po also can be used as a teaching tool for children who are just starting to stay home alone, as you never know who might knock on the door while you're gone...
I will be discussing more fairy tales over the next few weeks, but if you are a home schooling parent, here are some other lesson ideas which might be of interest you in the meantime.
What's your favorite version of Little Red Riding Hood?
