Little Ruth Reddingford and the Wolf [Hardcover]

Hank Wesselman (Author), Raquel Abreu (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004 | Age Level: 3 and up

Children are sure to enjoy this lively rendition of an age-old classic. Little Ruth Reddingford loves visiting her grandmother. So when Grandma can't pick her up for their weekly picnic, Red takes matters into her own hands. While taking a shortcut through the woods to Grandma's condo, she is confronted by bullies. The ensuing adventure takes a surprising twist as Red discovers the power of her Native American heritage and makes an unusual new friend.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A student/practitioner of shamanism for over twenty years, HankÂ’s interest in spiritual traditions and ancient indigenous cultures led to this retelling of Little Red Ridinghood. A tribute to feminine power, HankÂ’s version expands the story to include the passing down of shamanic traditions from grandmother to granddaughter.

Hank is a professor of Anthropology living in Sacramento, California with his wife and two daughters. When not conducting seminars and workshops worldwide, he might be found exploring East AfricaÂ’s Great Rift Valley in search of answers to the mystery of human origins.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Illumination Arts Publishing Company (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551432862
• ISBN-13: 978-1551432861
• ASIN: 0974019003
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 11.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,725,630 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hank Wesselman PhD is an anthropologist currently working with an international research team in Ethiopia involved in the search for answers to the mystery of human origins. He is also a shaman in training, now in the 29th year of his apprenticeship. His books include the Spiritwalker Trilogy (Spiritwalker, Medicinemaker, and Visionseeker), the Journey to the Sacred Garden, Spirit Medicine, and Awakening to the Spirit World (with Sandra Ingerman.) His latest book is The Bowl of Light: Ancestral Wisdom from a Hawaiian Shaman. His website is www.sharedwisdom.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just another retelling of a classic story., March 1, 2005

By 

Huntress Reviews (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Ruth Reddingford and the Wolf (Hardcover)

Most young children will remember the story of Little Red Ridinghood, and how shivery and on edge they felt when the big bad wolf came along. I know I certainly do. Therefore, when I saw this updated version of the story, I knew it would be well understood by the children of today, because it relates Red's misadventures in the forest to the bullying issues of today's generation. As an added plus, this version blends in traditions from this Red's Native American heritage.

In Hank Wesselman's story, Red's parents must work on Saturdays and Red always gets to spend that time with her grandmother. Of course, the grandmother usually picks Red up in the car, but on this Saturday, the car won't start and Grandmother can't come. Because she was more than a little disappointed, Red decided to pack a goodie-bag and surprise her grandmother with a visit by taking the shortcut through the woods. The items she put in the bag included (among other things) granola bars and apples.

This story is interesting because the big bad wolf of the original story is replaced by two bullies (Spike and Butch) from Red's school who harass her, and the wolf seems to be a shadow guardian who is following along to protect Red whenever necessary. Spike and Butch are nervy bullies too, because they chase Red right on into Grandmother's house. Spike even shoved Red through the front door and right into the living room! That's when Grandmother really shows her stuff - complete with Hopi throwing sticks! (That part made me want to cheer!) Those two bullies were falling all over themselves and our magical white wolf even nipped old Spike right in the seat of his pants - adding insult to injury. Of course, Red also dialed 911 and everyone waited for the police to arrive.

The story doesn't end there. Oh no, there is much more to this tale with lessons to be learned, introductions to be made, and a Native American heritage to be claimed. You haven't seen the last of the white wolf either.

***** People who think this is just another retelling of a classic story are in for a major surprise when they read this book. As you turn each page, the illustrations are eye catching and colorful and they depict the story's action step-by-step, adding depth and enjoyment to the tale - leaving nothing to the imagination. So throw out any preconceived ideas about Little Red Ridinghood and get ready for great adventure in a modern day setting with believable people. *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson of Huntress Reviews.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Little Ruth Reddingford and the Wolf, August 14, 2008

By 

Iris Pena "PhoenixLight" (Menifee, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Little Ruth Reddingford and the Wolf (Hardcover)

My children and I really enjoyed this book. It was a new spiritual twist on the original story of "Little Red Ridding Hood" with a much more enjoyable ending. My children ask me to read it to them often before bed. It's great to bring out that Shaman in your child and to help them connect with their own animal spirit guides.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A new rendition of the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale, February 13, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Ruth Reddingford and the Wolf (Hardcover)

Little Ruth Reddingford And The Wolf is a new rendition of the classic Little Red Riding Hood tale. Young Ruth Reddingford loves visiting her grandmother more than anything. So when Grandma can't come for her weekly visit, Ruth packs a basket of goodies and sets out on her own. When bullies confront Ruth in the woods, she discovers the strength in her Native American heritage, and makes a striking new friend. Little Ruth Reddingford And The Wolf pays homage to the passing down of shamanic traiditions from grandmother to grandaughter, and reminds the reader that not all cultures regard the Wolf solely as a symbol of fear. The inviting full-color illustrations facilitate immersion in this uplifting and empowering tale.