Federico and the Wolf

March 15, 2020
A reboot of the classic tale of "Little Red Riding Hood" brings new flavors to an old favorite. Federico is given the job of riding his bike to the market for the ingredients on Abuelo's grocery list, but he soon becomes the object of a hungry wolf's attention. When the wolf (bloodlessly) takes Abuelo's place in an attempt to make Federico his lunch, Federico must use his wits and his grocery basket to save the day. While the Red Riding Hood story is a familiar one, the clean abcb rhymes in this retelling give the story a contemporary feel. Federico's sleeveless, red, hooded sweatshirt and cool shaved hairstyle also give the story an update. Chavarri's vibrant illustrations include plenty of colorful details for observant readers, such as a luchador mask-themed shopping bag and papel picado bunting at the market. The infusion of Spanish words on almost every page works perfectly with the settings and adds cultural specificity to Federico's journey to visit his abuelo. Main characters are depicted as a Latinx family with shades of light brown skin and straight black, brown, or white hair. A recipe for the "perfect pico de gallo" salsa--key to Federico's thwarting of the wolf--is included at the end of the story for a delicious way to extend the fun. Bright visuals and culinary elements will appeal to readers seeking a twist on the familiar. (glossary) (Picture book. 3-8)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from April 1, 2020

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

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2020
Grades K-2 Gomez and Chavarri offer a modern take on Little Red Riding Hood full of Mexican flavor in this picture book about a boy in a red hoodie running errands for his abuelo. In rhyming, bouncy quatrains featuring plenty of Spanish words, Gomez tells the tale of Federico, who rides his bike to the market to purchase produce so his grandfather can make the perfect pico de gallo at his shop. On his way, Rico meets the big bad wolf, and the classic plot points ensue. But Federico comes up with a clever (and spicy) solution using the ingredients in his bike basket. Chavarri's bright illustrations include a vibrant array of Mexican produce, flowers, decorations, and objects that are culturally representative, and her expressive, bold figures nicely emphasize the dramatic turns of the story. The endpapers, in a style recalling traditional Mexican ceramics decoration, are particularly eye-catching. In addition to a glossary defining the Spanish words used in the story, the back matter includes a recipe for pico de gallo. A lively, playful take on a classic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)