Lon Po Po: A Chinese Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood

Lon Po Po is a Caldecott Medal-winning picture book that retells the classic fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood with a Chinese twist. The story follows three siblings who encounter a mysterious 'grandmother' who is not what she seems. The book is beautifully illustrated with vibrant pastels and watercolors, making it a captivating read for children of all ages.

The Story of Lon Po Po

The story begins with three siblings, a young girl named Mei, and her two older brothers. Their mother sends them to their grandmother's house with a basket of delicious treats. On their journey, they encounter a wolf disguised as a friendly old woman. The wolf, Lon Po Po, tricks the children into leaving their basket of food, and then heads to their grandmother's house.

Lon Po Po arrives at the grandmother's house and pretends to be the grandmother. She eats the food the children brought, and then gets into bed, waiting for the children to arrive. When Mei arrives, she is surprised to see her grandmother looking quite different, but Lon Po Po assures her that she is just feeling a little ill. She tells Mei to put the basket down and go fetch some water.

While Mei is away, Lon Po Po eats the grandmother and puts on the grandmother's clothes and waits in bed. When Mei comes back, she is even more surprised to see that her grandmother's hands and teeth are very big. She realizes that Lon Po Po is not her grandmother and yells for help. Her brothers, hearing Mei's cries, rush to the house and chase Lon Po Po away. The grandmother is saved, and the children return home safely.

Themes of Lon Po Po

Lon Po Po explores several important themes, including:

• The importance of listening to your instincts. Mei is suspicious of Lon Po Po from the moment she sees her, but she initially dismisses her feelings. In the end, her intuition saves her and her grandmother.
• The power of family. Mei's brothers rush to her aid when she calls for help. This shows the importance of family bonds and the strength that comes from working together.
• The dangers of being tricked. Lon Po Po is a master of deception. She uses her cunning to trick the children into leaving their food and to lure Mei into her grandmother's house. This teaches children to be wary of strangers and to think critically about what they see and hear.

Why Lon Po Po is a Great Read

Lon Po Po is a great read for children of all ages. It is a story that is both entertaining and educational. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, and the story is told in a way that is easy for children to understand. The book also helps children learn about Chinese culture and traditions. Lon Po Po is a book that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Where to Find Lon Po Po

Lon Po Po is available at most major bookstores. It is also available online through retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.