Little Red and Big, Bad Fred

Little Red Riding Hood like you've never seen before! This fractured fairy-tale will have kids in stitches as Little Red optimistically befriends Fred (who may or may not try to EAT Little Red), reminding readers to always see the best in others, even when they have sharp teeth and are definitely the big, bad wolf.

Once upon a time. . . . Little Red loves to visit his great-grandfather. He makes the trip through the woods any time of year! The best part is when Little Red meets Fred along the way. Fred is the bestest, fluffiest, most amazing KITTY in the whole wide world (nevermind that Little Red is completely oblivious to the fact that Fred is, in fact, a very hungry wolf that is trying to EAT HIM). When Fred gets hurt (from a trap HE set for Little Red), Little Red takes his injured friend to Great Grandfather's house. That's when Great Grandfather tells Little Red that Fred is actually ... a DOG?! EVEN BETTER. (Poor Fred.)

Little Red's positive outlook is contagious in this picture book about an unlikely friendship, the power of kindness, and keeping an open heart from the creator of Witch & Wombat and Sheepwrecked.

Author: Ashley Belote
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Published: 11/18/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780593902431
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2025
School Library Journal 09/01/2025 pg. 72
Booklist 11/01/2025

About the Author
ASHLEY BELOTE is the author-illustrator of Witch & Wombat, Sheepwrecked, Don't Wash Winston, The Me Tree, and Listen Up, Louella. She also illustrated picture books like Frankenslime and Valenslime. Ashley studied traditional animation under the direction of Don Bluth. She also serves as the regional illustrator coordinator for the Carolinas chapter of SCBWI.