The Little Red Fort
In 1918, the classic tale of The Little Red Hen was printed in book form. A hundred years later, The Little Red Fort presents a beautiful modern spin on the tale. In this version, Ruby makes up her mind to design and build her own fort. Despite a lack of help from her three brothers, she pairs up with supportive family members who allow her creativity and independence to flourish. With repetitive text, readers watch as Ruby’s idea becomes a reality. The initial response of Ruby’s brothers might be a bit predictable, but by the end of the story their response brings a new perspective that satisfies readers of all ages. The book also includes an author’s note and fort construction tips for readers to try on their own.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
There is so much for children to notice, talk about, and enjoy in this updated version of The Little Red Hen. To the readers’ and listeners’ delight, this version retains the original’s use of catchy (in this case also rhyming) phrases. Surely by the third time they have heard the story read dramatically, children will join in and chant: “Not me, said Oscar Lee. I don’t think so, said Rodrigo. No way, said José.” Active listening and emphasizing rhyme becomes pure fun! The reader can also help children focus their eyes on print by pointing to certain words while reading. For example, the repeated phrase, “And she did,” is printed in a large font—point to each word while reading it loudly, and children will join the read-aloud. Partway through the story, try just pointing to the words to encourage the children to do the reading.
Some other ways to extend this story are—noting the details in the pictures, for example some children might notice that the Fort doesn’t become red until after the brothers decide to give a hand; rereading and comparing it to the original Little Red Hen; gathering project scraps and inviting the children to construct their own creations… while practicing helping one another if requested.
Before looking through this book with families, point out that it is a retelling of a popular folk story—one that was passed down orally rather than in books. Remind families that telling stories is one way families teach children literacy skills (listening, remembering, talking). If there is time, try retelling The Little Red Hen as a group activity. But with or without such an introduction, this vividly illustrated book provides many opportunities for parents and children to have meaningful conversations, and a great chance for parents to be the listeners. There are plenty of illustrated details parents can ask children to interpret, e.g., based on the picture on the first page, “What has Ruby been planning as she plays in the bathroom?” Children might also enjoy figuring out what some of the sayings in the story mean, e.g., “What is a ‘mind full of ideas’” or a look that would ‘melt popsicles?’” Ask children: Can you make your face look like that?
Because of the twists in this new telling of The Little Red Hen, families will be introduced to examples of building supportive family relationships: three generations of a family working together on a project, females succeeding in non-traditional jobs, cooperation among siblings, and as suggested at the end of the book, inviting children to engage in creative play by building their own forts.