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The Little Red Elf

Text by Barbara Barbieri McGrath

Published by Charlesbridge - 2009

ISBN hardcover: 9781580892360  /  ISBN paperback: 9781580892377

32 pages - 3/7 years - 23,1 x 22,9 cm / 9,1 x 9 inches

 

Who will help the little red elf prepare for Christmas? This clever retelling of "The Little Red Hen" features a little red elf and her lazy friends: the hare, the penguin, and the reindeer. When the cheerful elf can't get help planting the pinecones or decorating the Christmas tree, she knows just how to reward her friends.

Reviews

The Horn Book:

"Bonnet's more-than-helpful illustrations give an extra-festive boost to McGrath's already spirited version of a familiar tale. Even at their cheekiest, the reindeer, penguin, and hare look friendly and cuddly. The little red elf's "most positive of attitudes" shines through in the text and art, but the pictures also hint that, like her predecessor, she's no chump. Speaking of whom, the little red hen herself makes a cameo appearance in the poetically just ending."

In the Know Mom:

" The story is solid and Bonnet’s illustrations are beyond perfect."

School Library Journal:

"This sweet version is simply told but includes plenty of funny asides (Well, I love being busy! the little red elf exclaims after yet another failed attempt to get help). The acrylic and ballpoint-pen illustrations are full of childlike humor, depicting cute North Pole characters who look like toys themselves. This is that rare beast an endearing holiday book without a hint of treacle." Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Kirkus Reviews:

"In a clever twist, the many presents for the lazy ones are all stuffed little-red-hen toys. Bonnet's illustrations are bright and cheerful, with a sweet elf and comical creatures as the non-helpers."

Publishers Weekly:

"Readers will giggle at the ne'er-do-well toys in Bonnet's sweetly amusing acrylic and pen illustrations (the reindeer floats Christmas ornaments in the tub)."

An Abundance of Books:

"This book is so stinkin' cute!! Bonnet's illustrations are just wonderful and really make this Christmas version of The Little Red Hen worth the read."

The Little Red Elf, written by Barbara Barbieri McGrath, illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet, published by Charlesbridge
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