Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon

Ages 4 to 8

Award-winning author Ying Compestine reimagines the classic fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" from a Chinese perspective

By now, you have probably heard the old folk tale about a girl in a red cape.

The truth is that the story took place here in China, there wasn’t a woodsman, and I, the gentle wolf, certainly was not the one who ate them.

Here is the real story.

This is not the story you think you know. In this version of the classic fairy tale, Little Red lives in a village near the Great Wall and trains in kung fu. When she ventures to her grandmother’s to deliver rice cakes and herbal medicine, she encounters something much more fearsome than a wolf—a mighty dragon. With her wits and a sword in hand, Little Red must valiantly defend herself and her grandmother in this vibrant retelling from Ying Chang Compestine and Joy Ang.

An author’s note discusses how this reimagining is influenced by Chinese mythology, symbolism, traditional medicine, and other elements of Compestine’s heritage.

About the Author

Award-winning author Ying Chang Compestine is a sought-after speaker who has lectured at schools and universities around the world. Her books include the picture book The Chinese Emperor’s New Clothes and the middle-grade Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier. She is passionate about showcasing Chinese history and culture, promoting healthy eating and living, and inspiring young writers. She lives in Lafayette, California. Joy Ang is an illustrator who has worked in comics, video games, and animation. Her picture books include the Mustache Baby series and Mulan: The Legend of the Woman Warrior, and she is the illustrator behind The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid. She currently lives in Bellevue, Washington, with her husband, son, and fluffy cat.