Tag Archives: fractured fairy tale

The Three Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath by Susan Verde

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Poor Wolf! Sometimes, he gets really angry and the only way he knows how to calm down is to huff and puff. Unfortunately, he often blows things down in the process and other animals become afraid of him, which makes him feel sad when he should feel some relief from his anger.

One day, he loses his huff and puff. So, he looks for help and comes upon a piggy yogi posing outside her straw house. She tried to help him through yoga. But, he becomes frustrated and they move on together to the second yogi’s wood house. That yogi suggests cooling breaths and it works for a moment, until the wolf remembers he had lost his huff and puff. Together, they head over to the third yogi’s brick house (yep, brick) and there the wolf learns the way to calmness.

This book, with its recognizable story line, is a nice introduction to yoga and the benefits of breathing to calm oneself. Text is simple and illustrations are clean and colorful. An author’s note at the end explains the yoga positions and breathing addressed in the story. Use this story to introduce other ways for students to calm their anger and frustration. It is also a great addition to a fractured fairy tale unit – the whole class can practice breathing and yoga! Recommended

This is the Path the Wolf Took by Laura Farina and illustrated by Elina Ellis

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Gabe is reading stories to his little sister and they begin somewhat familiarly. Red Riding Hood, The Three Pigs and other fairy tales flow from his book. But, then the stories always take a turn – to Sir Gabriel saving the day! While this is a totally satisfying way to end a story in Gabe’s mind, his sister has other ideas. She like the scary wolf and the ‘bad stuff’ that happens. But, Gabe doesn’t feel the same way.

Unfortunately, Gabe’s versions are a little boring and he realizes that there has to be some excitement and adventure in order to make the story work. Of course, everyone still lives “happily ever after”.

Fans of fractured fairy tales will enjoy this mix of familiar stories and young readers will delight in naming each as Gabe and his sister waltz through each tale. Cartoon like digital illustrations enhance the fun and Sir Gabriel, even though he is nervous, will still save the day! Additional purchase for those that want to refresh their fractured fairy tales.

The Little Red Fort

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This endearing version of the classic “Little Red Hen” centers on Ruby and her efforts to build a fort. She asks her brothers (Oscar Lee, Rodrigo and Jose) for help along the way and we know how that goes! Ruby perseveres, with a tiny bit of help from her dad, mom and grandma and makes a beautiful fort. And, as in the Red Hen’s case, the brothers want to play in the fort now. They feel guilty about their lack of initiative though, and proceed to paint the fort, plant flowers and build a mailbox. “Ruby was delighted” and invited them in to share freshly baked cookies at her fort-warming party.

This book employs a similar cadence and spare text of the original tale – “Not me,” said Oscar Lee. ‘I don’t think so,” said Rodrigo. “No way,” said Jose. But, this plucky little girl doesn’t let that stop her as she plans, measures, cuts and hammers her way to a lovely little fort. Her multi-generational family pitches in to encourage and give a little aid, when needed.

The illustrations are two page spreads with colorful depictions of Ruby and her family. The mixed-media presentation adds depth to the illustrations, which are simple and fun.

Pick up this book and add it to your read-aloud collection, because everyone will love to read about Ruby and the fort she wanted to build…and she did! Highly Recommended.